General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Investigations
The General Pharmaceutical Council exists to ensure registered pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises uphold the regulatory standards. If you or your practice faces further action after inspection or concerns are raised, contact our General Pharmaceutical Council Solicitors.
Talk to one of our team members on 0330 111 3131
Investigations by the General Pharmaceutical Council can affect individuals and practices alike.
When concerns are raised about individuals, whether from an inspection or reports from another person or organisation, a Fitness to Practise investigation may be launched.
Throughout the GPhC investigation, you will likely be given opportunity to comment on various concerns or allegations. It helps to have an experienced General Pharmaceutical Council Solicitor to accompany you when doing so.
These situations can be unnerving; anxieties in a high pressured situation may impact your ability to think and answer rationally, especially when you feel you have been unfairly accused.
We strongly suggest seeking legal guidance from solicitors experienced in GPhC investigations before responding to any requests for commentary.
Efficient, measured and prepared responses to such questions could determine either a resolution or a referral to either the Investigating Committee for a decision or the Fitness to Practise Committee for a hearing.
If an inspection leads to further concerns, the Fitness to Practise investigation may be launched. These are anticipated to be completed within 6 months but this can vary based on the severity and complexity of such matters.
The security of having an expert General Pharmaceutical Council solicitor by your side is key in these proceedings. They will work with you to try and avoid having to go to hearing, while resolving things early on.
Contact our team using this contact form or give us a call on
0161 969 3131.
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Two Types of Inspections
Routine Inspections
These are, as the name dictates, routine to ensure that pharmacies of all kinds of ownership and size, as well the pharmacists who work in them, are adhering to the regulatory standards.
Generally, a representative from the GPhC will turn up unannounced. An all-inclusive approach with input from the whole team is required in these kinds of inspections.
Routine inspections are particularly key for those that are new to the register, or have recently failed to uphold one or more of the standards.
Intelligence-led Inspections
Should a concern be raised, or information received from another individual, organisation or regulatory body, an intelligence-led GPhC investigation may be launched.
Anyone from healthcare providers to journalists and the media or people’s peers can raise a concern to the General Pharmaceutical Council. The nature of these concerns and their scale and potential impact or risk of harm to the public or patients must be carefully considered.
While all concerns will be acknowledged, not all may be formally investigated, with regulatory guidance instead being given or a referral to another regulator.
General Pharmaceutical Council’s Standards
Standards for Pharmacy Professionals
- Person-centric care provision
- Work in partnership with others
- Communicate effectively
- Maintain, develop and utilise professional skills and knowledge
- Use professional judgement
- Behave professionally
- Maintain respect for people’s confidentiality and privacy
- Voice concerns and speak up when things go wrong
- Demonstrate leadership
Standards for Registered Pharmacies
- Pharmacy must be managed safety and effectively
- All pharmacy staff must be confident and empowered to do their role
- Premises must be appropriate to provide pharmacy services
- Pharmacy must safely and effectively supply medicines and other relevant services
- Equipment and facilities must also be safe and effective