Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey 2026
Published: 28th July 2026
PSD Scotland Pharmacy Team and Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) will shortly begin a national workforce survey to help build a clearer picture of personnel levels and skill mix across community pharmacy in Scotland. The information gathered will support future workforce planning and development across the sector.
In September 2026 PSD Scotland Pharmacy Team, in conjunction with Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS), will be co-ordinating another national community pharmacy workforce survey to gain a better understanding of personnel numbers and skill mix within community pharmacy in Scotland. The information obtained will be analysed and will help to inform pharmacy workforce planning and development, ensuring we have the right workforce in place now and can take action to ensure that demand is met in the future.
The data for independent community pharmacies will be gathered via an online survey and we encourage each pharmacy to identify a single person to collate this information. The survey will come to the pharmacy mailbox. The data for Multiple and Group pharmacies will be gathered via an individual from within that multiple or group and this information will be captured using a standard spreadsheet. You will receive more information in due course.
The survey has been designed to capture a snapshot of the community pharmacy workforce including pharmacists (plus those working centrally if appropriate), locum pharmacists, pre-registration trainee pharmacists, pharmacy technicians including trainees, and pharmacy support staff during the week commencing Sunday 6th September 2026 to Saturday 12th September 2026.
The Scottish Parliament recently debated the growing challenge of health misinformation, including its impact on public confidence in healthcare and vaccination programmes.
Important information on Post Registration Foundation Training and Community Pharmacist Independent Prescriber training opportunities.
Applications are open until 30 September 2026 for the Post-Registration Programme for Pharmacists (Scotland).
A reminder for contractors to review PVG Scheme membership records and ensure relevant pharmacy staff are correctly linked to their employer.
A new Video Remote Interpreting pilot will launch in community pharmacies on 5 October 2026 to support BSL users accessing services.
Guidance on the 2026/27 winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme, including eligibility, timings, vaccine products and delivery arrangements.
The opportunities and risks for community pharmacy as Scotland considers major NHS structural reform.
New GPhC advice highlights key considerations for newly qualified prescribing pharmacists, employers and managers.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
The opportunities and risks for community pharmacy as Scotland considers major NHS structural reform.
Please find below the NHS Circulars PCA(P)(2026)14 and PCA(P)(2026)15, advising that Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) are in place to help mitigate supply issues affecting lansoprazole 15mg and 30mg orodispersible tablets.
Our colleagues at the British Society of Pharmacy Sleep Services have spent some time with us to highlight and explain their participation in AWAKE Check study and tool.
The Community Pharmacy Network included in the Scottish Government Health and Care Improving Flow Plan.
NHS 24 is promoting student health resources covering NHS services, vaccinations, mental health, sexual health and primary care.
The programme (Supporting documents - Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 - gov.scot) proposes radical reshaping of Scotland’s public services, focusing on structural reform rather than just new spending or isolated policy pledges.
Community Pharmacy Scotland’s response to the UK-wide consultation on Tobacco and Vapes: Packaging, Appearance and Display.
The GPhC is reviewing the route to registration in Great Britain for pharmacists who qualified outside the EEA, the EFTA countries and Switzerland.
The CPS Charity Golf Day 2026 raised a record-breaking £10,063.32 for Blood Bikes Scotland.
Over recent weeks we have seen a growing number of enquiries from members of the public asking us to provide the NHS PFS service, with the pattern most pronounced in the evenings and at weekends.
Our colleagues at PSDS have shared with us the link to their latest podcast, where the guests speak through early careers development for Pharmacists in Scotland
A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.
The CPS Golf Day is Teeing off tomorrow at 10:30am at the prestigious Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort
Our colleagues at Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSDS) have shared the latest newsletter from the DPDP programme
Changes to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List from 1 September 2026, including product removals and dressing updates.
One week until the CPS Charity Golf Day. Help us raise more for Blood Bikes Scotland through raffle prizes and donations.
Pharmacy teams should use the CPS online PVG application process and securely destroy any outdated paper PVG forms.
Practical guidance to help pharmacy teams avoid courier collection issues and ensure prescription bags are collected correctly.
Scottish Government updates prescription stationery arrangements for non-medical prescribers using GP IT systems from August 2026.
Frequesntly Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
The survey is being conducted to gain a better understanding of personnel numbers and skill mix within community pharmacy in Scotland. The information collected will be used to support workforce planning and development.
Source: PSD Scotland Pharmacy Team (https://publicservicesdelivery.scot/news/all-news/national-community-pharmacy-workforce-survey-2026/)
-
Independent community pharmacies will complete the survey through an online questionnaire sent to the pharmacy mailbox. Pharmacies are encouraged to identify one person to collate the required information.
Source: PSD Scotland Pharmacy Team (https://publicservicesdelivery.scot/news/all-news/national-community-pharmacy-workforce-survey-2026/)
-
The survey will collect information on pharmacists, locum pharmacists, pre-registration trainee pharmacists, pharmacy technicians (including trainees) and pharmacy support staff.
Source: PSD Scotland Pharmacy Team (https://publicservicesdelivery.scot/news/all-news/national-community-pharmacy-workforce-survey-2026/)
-
The survey will capture a snapshot of the workforce during the week commencing Sunday 6th September 2026 to Saturday 12th September 2026.
Source: PSD Scotland Pharmacy Team (https://publicservicesdelivery.scot/news/all-news/national-community-pharmacy-workforce-survey-2026/)
Digital Communications Officer

Details of the 2026/27 community pharmacy funding package, including Global Sum, guaranteed funding and remuneration arrangements.