Dear Superintendent,

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced that a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework will be implemented from 30 March 2018 – this is being referred to by the GPhC as revalidation.

What does this mean for pharmacists and technicians?
The new framework builds on the current framework for CPD with the addition of two new elements – a peer discussion and a reflective account. Under the new revalidation framework registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, will now be required to demonstrate that they are undertaking regular reviews of learning and practice, to ensure their knowledge is up-to-date.

Pharmacy professionals will now be required to complete and submit a total of six records:

• Four CPD records – two of which must be planned learning entries. 
• One record of a peer discussion – an activity undertaken through engagement with others, involving reflection on learning and practice. 
• One reflective account – an activity designed to encourage pharmacy professionals to think about the way in which they work/practice, and relates to the GPhC standards for pharmacy professionals.

For each record, pharmacy professionals will be required to explain how the learning/activity undertaken will benefit those using their services, with a focus on improving patient care. The new revalidation framework is aimed to encourage and demonstrate ongoing safe and effective care provided by pharmacy professionals and further enhance the public’s confidence in the sector.

When will the changes apply from?

The GPhC has set out a phased implementation of the new revalidation framework.

March 2018 – a new online portal will be available for pharmacy professionals to record their revalidation entries.

Pharmacy professionals whose registration expires on 31 December 2018 will be required to submit four CPD entries at the point of renewal of their registration.

From 2019, pharmacy professionals, whose registration expires on 31 December 2019, will be required to submit all six records (four CPDs, one peer discussion and one reflective account) at the point of renewal of their registration.

The GPhC is expected to provide information and guidance to all registered pharmacy professionals in February 2018. The guidance will outline further details of what is required for pharmacy professionals to meet the new requirements.

What support is available to help me meet the new requirements?

To help support this change in the revalidation process, the NPA pharmacy team will produce a suite of resources in the coming months and will also look to act as a ‘peer’, or as a contact point for potential peers in order to for you to conduct a peer discussion. In addition, I will be holding a webinar in January 2018 over the proposed changes – watch out for the date, soon to be released.

For further information please contact the NPA Pharmacy team on 01727 891 800 or email at: pharmacyservices@npa.co.uk 

Leyla Hannbeck MSc, MRPharmS

Chief Pharmacist