Stores and distribution staff

This page has information on the role of stores and distribution staff in the NHS, including entry requirements and skills needed. 

Working life

The NHS relies on having the equipment and materials it needs in the right place, on time. Items can include anything from drugs and operating theatre supplies, to wheelchairs, parts for ambulance vehicles or the latest piece of radiotherapy [1] equipment.

Your work in stores and distribution will include

• processing orders
• receiving deliveries
• making sure stocks are stored correctly and safely
• monitoring use of items and equipment
• delivering goods to wards and departments
• making sure old stocks are used before new stock (stock rotation)
• doing stock checks

Depending on what the stocks are and where they need moving, you may use

• fork lift trucks
• vans
• trolleys

Stores and distribution staff work at different levels. Stores and distribution assistants work in a team, supervised by a team leader who organises the day-to-day workload.

A manager is responsible for stores and distribution in a hospital or area. They also

• recruit, train and manage staff
• control budgets
• make sure that services meet the needs of hospital departments
• maintain quality standards

Where will I work?

You might be based within a trust headquarters building, a stores department within a hospital or other health provider, or a distribution warehouse, well away from where healthcare is being provided.

Who will I work with?

You may have contact with healthcare staff, such as operating department practitioners [2], phamacy staff [3], administration staff [4] and porters. [5] You will also work with external suppliers of equipment and supplies. You are likely to have little or no contact with patients.

Some stores and distribution staff work for companies which supply goods and services to the NHS.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for stores and distribution assistants. Employers expect a good level of literacy, numeracy and IT. They may ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths along with an IT qualification such as ECDL.

Employers may ask for experience. Even where it is not specified, it can be useful if you have experience in stores and/or distribution. This could be, for example, from retail or warehousing work. There may be opportunities to gain relevant experience through an apprenticeship. [6]

You can enter the NHS as a stores and distribution manager with relevant qualifications and experience. Employers usually ask for a degree level qualification. This could be, for example

• the Diploma in Procurement and Supply from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply [7] (CIPS). You need two A levels or the CIPS Certificate. You can study part-time or by distance learning
• the Supply Chain Professional Practitioner Award from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport [8] (CILTUK). There are no specific entry requirements. You can study part-time or by distance learning
• a degree in business purchasing and supply chain management or logistics and supply chain management

Degree courses are three or four years full time. To get onto a relevant degree course you usually need 

• two or three A levels along with up to five GCSEs (grades A-C [9]), including English and maths

or alternative qualifications, including

• BTEC, HND or HNC
• relevant NVQ
• access course
• equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications

However, each institution sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check carefully.

Skills needed

Stores and distribution staff need to be

• physically fit for lifting, carrying and pushing trolleys
• part of a team but responsible for their own work
• methodical and accurate
• good communication skills
• organisational skills
• customer service skills
• driving skills

Training and development

When you join the NHS in stores and distribution, you will get the training you need. This includes, health and safety and an introduction to the department and its systems and procedures. Your employer will expect you keep your skills up to date by attending short courses.

Whatever level you are working at, you will be encouraged to take further qualifications. This could include NVQs or qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply [7] (CIPS) or the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport [8] (CILTUK).

Stores and distribution managers can become members of CIPS or CILTUK and apply for chartered status. Chartered procurement and supply professionals and chartered members of CILTUK have to keep their skills and knowledge up to date with annual CPD (continuing professional development). CIPS and CILTUK both run courses, conferences and seminars where staff can update their skills and network with others.

• Pay and conditions

  Staff working in stores and distribution in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) [10] pay system. You would typically start on AfC [11] band 2. With further training and experience, you could apply for posts at bands 3 and above.

  Stores and distribution staff in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. Some may work shifts which can include early starts, evenings, nights and weekends.

  Terms and conditions will usually be different for stores and distribution staff working outside of the NHS.

   

• Where the role can lead

  With experience, stores and distribution assistants can become team leaders, supervising a team of staff. With further experience and qualifications, you could become a manager, responsible for a department or area.

  There are opportunities outside the NHS.

   

• Job market and vacancies

  Most NHS trusts advertise their vacancies on NHS Jobs [12]. Some advertise on their own websites. You can find a list of NHS organisations on NHS Choices [13].

  The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport [8] (CILTUK) advertises jobs on its website.

  If you're applying for a role either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services, you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work.

  Find out more about NHS values. [14]

• Further information

  • Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply [15]
  • Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport [16]
  • NHS Supply Chain [17]