PSA publishes its review of the PSNI

The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) has reported that the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) improved its performance in 2024/25 but continues to fall short in several important areas.

The review, published on 18 March 2026, shows the PSNI met 14 of the 18 Standards of Good Regulation, up from 11 the previous year. The PSA welcomed the progress and noted constructive engagement from the regulator, while stressing that many improvements reflected routine regulatory work rather than substantial reform.

The Authority again found that the PSNI failed to meet Standard 2, citing delays in key projects and the decision not to publish its 2025–30 Corporate Strategy due to uncertainty about the future of pharmacy regulation in Northern Ireland. The PSA said this demonstrated ongoing issues with prioritisation and delivery.

The PSNI also did not meet Standard 3, despite publishing its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. The PSA highlighted continuing gaps, including limited use of data to identify unfairness, lack of research to inform regulatory decisions, and the absence of published EDI analysis.

Concerns about online pharmacy regulation persisted. The PSA concluded that Standard 7 was unmet, noting slow progress in updating guidance and limited evidence that the PSNI had strengthened its understanding of risks associated with online services. A consultation launched in late 2025 on prescription delivery and collection was described as too narrow in scope.

In fitness to practise, the PSNI met four of five standards but again failed Standard 15 due to delays in progressing cases. While the total number of open cases fell, older cases remained unresolved for too long.

Under its escalation policy, the PSA has written to the Northern Ireland Minister of Health and the Chair of the Assembly’s Health Committee to raise its concerns. The Authority said it will monitor the PSNI closely throughout 2025/26.

The PSA emphasised that meeting a standard indicates good performance but does not imply perfection, and that oversight continues throughout the year. It said areas identified for improvement will receive particular scrutiny in the months ahead. 

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.