30 January 2023
(Last updated: 10 Mar 2026 18:05)
Organisations across the community pharmacy sector have joined together to form a working group to look into future modelling of pharmacy practice.
The work has been initiated in response to much discussion relating to current legislation and case law surrounding supervision of community pharmacy practice and the intention of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and Health Departments in the Devolved Governments, to reform current legislation later on this year.
The role of the group will be to co-produce a report along with a set of recommendations that will inform the work of the DHSC and health ministers in the development of future legislation.
The primary objectives of the group are to develop a solution that:
- is focussed on enhancing patient experience and maintaining patient safety,
- enables the community pharmacy workforce to maximise their skills and professional roles.
Chair of the group Dr Michael Twigg, Associate Professor of Primary Care Pharmacy, University of East Anglia said “I am delighted to have been asked to chair this group on the future of community pharmacy supervision. The sector as a whole have been really positive in engaging with this process with a common purpose to develop a shared vision for the next generation of community pharmacy for the benefit of patients and our workforce across the UK. The outcome from this work will not simply redefine supervision practice but provide minsters with the evidence and tools to transform future community pharmacy practice for the benefit of patients and the profession”.
The group met for the first time on Friday 13 January 2023, will meet again on 9th February 2023, and then again in March and April. Initial discussions have been positive and collaborative, focussing on what community pharmacy and patient care looks like in the future. This will help frame ongoing discussions on how the regulatory framework underpinning community pharmacy practice can support this vision.
To help ensure impartiality the secretariat for the group is being provided by the Association of Optometrists. Carolyn Ruston, Director of Policy at the AOP said. “I am really pleased to be able to support the pharmacy sector in this work. The Optical sector recently began a Call for Evidence and Consultation process on changes to the Opticians Act 1989 which included similar issues around delegation and supervision. I look forward to seeing the final outcome of this work and the translation of impact into clinical practice”.
If you would like further information on this work, then please contact your local organisational representative in the first instance.
The Pharmacy Supervision Practice Group is made up of the following members:
- AIMP LIMITED of Leedale House, Railway Ct, Doncaster DN4 5FB (AIMp)
- ASSOCIATION OF PHARMACY TECHNICIANS UNITED KINGDOM of One Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BD (APTUK)
- COMPANY CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION LIMITED of Kingston Hall, Kingston on Soar, Nottingham NG11 0DJ (CCA)
- NATIONAL PHARMACY ASSOCIATION LIMITED of Mallinson House, 38-42 St Peters Street, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3NP (NPA)
- PHARMACISTS’ DEFENCE ASSOCIATION of The Old Fire Station, 69 Albion Street, Birmingham, B1 3EA (PDA)
- PHARMACY FORUM NORTHERN IRELAND of 73 University Street, BELFAST, BT7 1HL (PFNI)
- THE ROYAL PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN incorporated by Royal Charter and registered in England and Wales with company number RC000799 whose registered office is at 66-68 EAST SMITHFIELD, LONDON, E1W 1AW (RPS)
Observers on the Group are:
- GENERAL PHARMACEUTICAL COUNCIL of 25 Canada Square, London E14 5LQ (GPhC)
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
- PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF NORTHERN IRELAND
