A new approach to pharmacy regulation

We aim to be a modern, responsive regulator of pharmacy that has public protection as its main objective.

We will aim to maintain the confidence of the public and gain the respect of the professions it regulates by:

• being independent;
• ensuring pharmacy is as safe as it can be;
• sustaining and improving standards and quality of care; and
• working with professionals to identify, address and learn from poor practice and behaviour.

The establishment of an independent regulator gives regulation a more clear public focus, which is essential as pharmacy professionals take on increasingly clinical roles.

As well as protecting the public, our approach to regulation is designed to support pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in having productive working lives, rather than being purely a means of discipline. This approach to regulation will not create unnecessary burdens, but will be proportionate to the risks it is designed to address.

A framework for developing pharmacy practice

Pharmacy practice in Great Britain will change in the next decade, with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians delivering new services across all sectors and settings.

The functions and powers of the GPhC are designed to allow development and innovation in pharmacy practice while maintaining thoroughness, quality of practice and public safety.

The GPhC aims to do this by operating a risk-based system of regulation that allows it to focus resources where they are most needed. This should allow it to improve standards and the quality of care and services for all.

What is risk-based regulation?

Risk-based regulation is essentially a means of directing regulatory resources where they can have the maximum impact on outcomes. Undertaking risk assessment makes regulators take proper account of the nature of businesses, and all external factors affecting the risk the activity or business poses to regulatory outcomes; in the case of pharmacy regulation, to patient safety. On the basis of this information, regulators can direct their resources where they can do most good. This allocation of resources can help to reduce unnecessary inspections or data requirements on less risky activities or retail pharmacy businesses, identify businesses who need greater scrutiny either because of the way they operate or the activities they undertake, and release resources to improve broader advice services.