Bi‑Annual CPS Council Meeting
Published: 14th May 2026
CPS held their Council meeting on Wednesday 13th May at the Dalmahoy Hotel on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The council meetings, held each May and November, enable wide‑ranging discussions around policy and other matters, helping plot the direction of travel for CPS and the wider community pharmacy network.
During the meeting this week after the opening presentations, an interactive workshop aimed to discuss and define NHS Scotland Pharmacy First and Pharmacy First Plus. This session provoked some excellent discussion points and provided clarity on what is important to Council members and their teams.
Later in the day, we were pleased to have guest speaker Christine Gilmour in attendance, who gave an insightful presentation on the work around the Transforming Roles programme that has been commissioned by the Scottish Government’s pharmacy workforce forum. Christine talked the room through the work that has been done so far, followed by a discussion with Council members on how they see community pharmacy’s place in this work. Christine has led on the writing of these papers and her presentation gave Council a much better understanding of what this work could potentially mean for Community Pharmacy.
CPS Chair, Martin Green then closed the day by giving an update on the current finances and structure of the Community Pharmacy contract.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
As part of our policy work, we are keen to understand more about you and your patients' experiences of the newly-established GP Walk-in centre pilot sites across the country, and how these fit in with services like Pharmacy First.
A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.
The top question for this week is around the eligibility of patients to receive the service.
Adam from our policy team has been seconded to the DPDP programme, which aims to move Scotland away from paper prescriptions
This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for ramipril 1.25mg capsules remains in place following an extension to its expiry date.
Reminders and revisit ahead of the holiday season and upcoming events. NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service – including Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing
This is a reminder that your next collection date for your prescriptions is the Tuesday 7th July 2026.
The new updated version of Part 7 is now available for July 2026. This month there are two additions to Part 7 of the Scottish Drug Tariff we wanted to make you aware of:
As World Cup fever grips the planet, CPS is taking two ties and looking at it from a pharmacy perspective.
Dysart Pharmacy’s award-winning team attended the King’s Garden Party at the Palace of Holyrood house in recognition of their contribution to patient care.
Community Pharmacy Scotland is recruiting a Business Support Assistant to provide administrative, financial and operational support.
Community Pharmacy Scotland is recruiting an Audit and Services Team Manager to lead service delivery, support contractors and drive improvement.
PSD Scotland has launched a new monthly newsletter, Pharmacy Matters, to help community pharmacy teams.
A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.
As we enter further into summer, our colleagues at Lyme Resource Centre have shared the following guidance for community pharmacy teams on tick bites and erythema migrans (EM) rashes.
The Shortage Reporter has been updated and renamed the Scottish Drug Tariff Price Reporter, with a simpler reporting process and fewer questions.
As World Cup fever grips the planet, CPS is taking two ties and looking at it from a pharmacy perspective.
Applying for a PVG through CPS? Avoid delays by checking payment, employer details and documents before submitting your application.
Final sponsorship spot available for CPS Golf Day 2026. Enter a team or support Blood Bikes Scotland via the new JustGiving page.
Update on the Shortage Reporter following pharmacy feedback, including planned improvements to simplify reporting and reduce workload.
Our colleagues at University of Strathclyde in association with Numark have asked CPS to promote the launch of the Sir David Jack Hub on Wednesday 7 October at 5pm.
Chief Executive Matt Barclay from Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) shares a brief update for the community pharmacy network covering two key areas: the current state of negotiations with the Scottish Government and the political landscape following the Scottish Parliament election.
Pharmacist Support is recruiting Trustees and Charity Ambassadors across Great Britain. Volunteer roles open to pharmacy professionals and lay applicants.
Our colleague at the Scottish Government have asked us to promote their latest Healthier Scotland campaign around Lyme Disease.
Important update on courier bags and prescription collections for community pharmacy teams, including new process and key dates.
A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.
Important update on courier bags and prescription collections for community pharmacy teams, including new process and key dates.
Update to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List from 1 June 2026, including changes for oral thrush and allergy treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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It is a bi‑annual meeting that brings together Council members to discuss policy and other issues affecting community pharmacy.
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They take place twice a year, in May and November.
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At the Dalmahoy Hotel, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
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Key topics included Pharmacy First, Pharmacy First Plus, workforce transformation and updates on the Community Pharmacy contract.
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Christine Gilmour spoke about the Transforming Roles programme.
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They help inform CPS thinking and support discussion on the future direction of community pharmacy in Scotland.

Disclosure Scotland has published its June 2026 newsletter, covering two important updates for PVG scheme members and customers.