The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has published new guidance setting out what pharmacy owners are expected to do to ensure a safe and effective pharmacy team. This includes meeting the standards set out under Principle 2 of the standards for registered pharmacies.

Principle 2 focuses on ensuring staff are empowered and competent to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public. The new guidance covers registered and unregistered staff in pharmacies, including managers who may not be registered pharmacy professionals.

The GPhC is writing to all pharmacy owners to make them aware of the new guidance. GPhC inspectors will be looking for evidence that pharmacy owners are following the guidance and meeting the standards.

“This new guidance for pharmacy owners will help them to support the whole pharmacy team to deliver safe and effective care for patients and the public. We expect every pharmacy owner to review this guidance now and consider what they may need to do in response,” said Duncan Rudkin, GPhC chief executive.