GPhC chief executive sets out ‘empowering, not punitive’ direction for regulation

The new Chief Executive and Registrar of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), Kathie Cashell, has used her first major speech in the role to signal a clear shift towards regulation that supports and enables pharmacy professionals rather than punishing them.

Speaking at the Clinical Pharmacy Congress, Cashell said she wants to move the regulator away from perceptions of being a “pay and punish” organisation. She described her priority as creating a regulatory environment that builds confidence, encourages learning and helps professionals deliver safe care. Drawing on her early career as a newly qualified nurse, she said she understood the fear of making mistakes and stressed that regulation should not add to that pressure.

Cashell highlighted that only a small proportion of concerns raised with the GPhC progress to full investigations, and an even smaller number reach a fitness‑to‑practise hearing. In the most recent quarter, four professionals were removed from the register, all due to serious criminal matters. She said this context is important in reassuring the profession that the regulator is not focused on penalising isolated errors or honest mistakes.

She linked this approach to the GPhC’s 2025–30 strategy, which emphasises enabling the workforce, improving regulatory insight and strengthening public trust. With pharmacists and pharmacy technicians taking on wider clinical responsibilities, she said regulation must evolve to support professional judgement while maintaining safety.

Cashell also committed to improving the timeliness and fairness of fitness‑to‑practise processes. She said professionals involved in these cases should feel respected and supported and that the regulator’s role is to protect the public while helping the profession deliver high‑quality care.

Her comments come at a time of significant change for pharmacy, with expanding clinical roles and rising public expectations. Cashell said her focus is on ensuring regulation acts as an enabler of good practice rather than a barrier.

Disclaimer: The accuracy and information of news stories published on this website is accurate on the date of publishing. We endeavour to update stories if information change. You can contact us with change and update requests. Where possible, we will link to sources. Content on this website is for guidance purposes only. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any action taken, or not taken. You should seek the appropriate legal advice having regard to your own particular circumstances.