The Irish Institute of Pharmacy is responsible for the management of the CPD Framework for pharmacy in Ireland. A network of Peer Support Pharmacists (PSP) has supported the implementation of this Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework since 2014.
Underpinning all IIOP activities are three core values: being supportive as an organization; enabling pharmacists to achieve their potential, and creating synergies within the profession. Following a review of IIOP activities, the PSP Network has emerged as having a significant influence on demonstrating these core values and on the successful implementation of the CPD Framework.
Members of the current PSP network have recommended that the concept of collaboration and informal support structures should be made more widely available to the profession. We are now seeking Expressions of Interest from pharmacists in good professional standing who want to join the PSP network.
To become a member of this network you must be committed to:
- Contributing to the profession’s journey of CPD
- Being an ambassador for CPD
- Providing informal support to colleagues and members of your network engaging in CPD
- Playing a proactive role in supporting colleagues
- Being aligned with the values of IIOP
- Being a role model for CPD within your community
- Providing honest feedback to the IIOP on how services could be improved.
As a voluntary member of the PSP network, pharmacists will be free to invest as much or as little time in the role as they wish to. Advantages of becoming involved as a PSP include:
- Invitation to PSP development and networking events
- Information on IIOP activities
- Inclusion in a distribution list for a PSP newsletter
- Inclusion in PSP online discussion fora
- Involvement in IIOP activities
- Opportunities for network building
- Opportunities for personal development
- Opportunities to be involved in projects influencing the future of pharmacy practice
- Opportunities for CPD
This is not a paid position. However, the IIOP expects to recruit event facilitators from within the PSP network to present events and webinars at a later date. The recruitment process for those positions will be handled separately to this Expression of Interest.
This opportunity is open to all currently registered pharmacists. The IIOP is endeavouring to create a network that is representative of the diversity within the pharmacy profession and encourages pharmacists from all practice backgrounds, duration of registration or levels of previous engagement with CPD to apply.
Information shared with PSPs at IIOP events or through the PSP newsletter will be for the purpose of supporting colleagues and the journey of the profession. Members of the PSP network should not use this information for commercial or monetary gain.
Further information about the role can be obtained by emailing info@iiop.ie. The closing date for applications is 13 April 2018. To register your interest in the role of Peer Support Pharmacist please complete the online application form available here.