GPhC Council considers new standards and rules for Responsible Pharmacists and Superintendent Pharmacists

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has delayed final approval of key new standards for Responsible Pharmacists and Superintendent Pharmacists after its Council requested further clarification on contingency arrangements when a Superintendent Pharmacist is not in post.

At its meeting on 15 October 2026, the GPhC Council considered a package of new standards and rules designed to support the implementation of recent pharmacy supervision reforms and strengthen governance arrangements across pharmacy businesses. While the Council agreed the overall approach, it stopped short of approving all aspects of the proposals and asked for additional work on provisions relating to Superintendent Pharmacist vacancies before giving final sign-off.

The new framework forms part of the regulatory response to the Human Medicines (Authorisation by Pharmacists and Supervision by Pharmacy Technicians) Order 2025, legislation intended to enable pharmacists to deliver more patient-facing clinical services while allowing pharmacy technicians to play a greater role in pharmaceutical care. According to the GPhC, the standards and rules are intended to provide greater clarity over professional roles, responsibilities and accountability within pharmacy businesses.

The Council’s decision follows a public consultation and further stakeholder engagement on the proposed rules and standards. Feedback received during the process highlighted differing views on how pharmacy businesses should manage periods when a Superintendent Pharmacist is absent or leaves their post. As reported in council papers, respondents supported the principle that pharmacy businesses should not operate without appropriate professional oversight, but there were varying opinions on how quickly a replacement should be appointed.

The GPhC said it now plans to publish the approved standards by 10 December 2026, once the outstanding issues have been resolved. The standards will then remain under review, with several matters raised during consultation set to receive further consideration next year. New rules for Responsible Pharmacists will also be subject to the parliamentary process before they can come into force. Until then, the existing Responsible Pharmacist rules will remain in place.

GPhC Chief Executive Kathie Cashell said the proposals are intended to strengthen pharmacy governance and support the implementation of new legislation, while providing clearer expectations around roles, responsibilities and accountability. She said the regulator had made changes to the draft standards and rules in response to consultation feedback and stakeholder engagement.

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