CPS Strategy for the Community Pharmacy Network - In Development
Published: 15/04/25
Development of a new CPS strategy is well underway, with a final draft soon to be sent to the CPS Board for review.
This strategy will help to inform political parties ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections, expected to take place in May 2026, of the community pharmacy networks ambitions over the next five years.
Our strategy will be key to our policy and public affairs activity in Scotland both in the run up to the election, and beyond.
Adam Osprey, Head of Policy in CPS said:
"We have been working closely with members on our 5-year Vision and Strategy to make sure it is ready for the next Scottish Parliamentary elections. We believe that community pharmacies have so much more to offer the people of Scotland, and this work will clearly set out how we intend to prevent, detect and treat ill health going forward.
Our strategy will inform how and where we focus for our policy and influencing activities, with early engagement already underway. Our main aim is to kick-start a conversation about how the expertise and accessibility of pharmacy teams can be best put to use - and what is required to make sure that any development is sustainable."
We are looking forward to providing our members and their teams with more detail on this in the coming months and to begin engagement with all stakeholders over summer 2025.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, 8th January 2026. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
SSP 086 for Latanoprost/Timolol eye drops is active 19 Dec 2025–6 Feb 2026. Guidance for pharmacists on substitution and patient care.
SSP 085 for Nifedipine 60mg tablets is active from 19 Dec 2025 to 6 Feb 2026. Guidance for pharmacists on substitution and patient care.
Serious Shortage Protocol for nifedipine (Adipine® XL) 30mg MR tablets in effect from 19 Dec 2025 to 6 Feb 2026. Full guidance for pharmacists.
Join Market Street Pharmacy in Haddington as a Pharmacy Technician. Competitive pay, benefits, and flexible hours. Apply by 1 Feb 2026.
Update on December 2025 adjusted prices and January 2026 Scottish Drug Tariff Part 7 publishing. Key dates and contact details included.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
With rising demand, expanded prescribing services, and ambitious plans for the 2030s, the network needs resources to deliver enhanced care.
Join NES’s free Return to Practice course for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians on 23 January 2026. Refresh skills and build confidence.
UK pharmacy law changes are coming. Learn about new RP and SP roles and key dates, including a major update starting 7 January 2026.
New courier bags are arriving in pharmacies. Store securely and follow updated label process starting 22 January 2026.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16th, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
An exciting opportunity has arisen, we now require a commercially focused and patient orientated relief pharmacist.
T&K Brown Pharmacy are looking for a Dispensary Assistant / Pharmacy Technician
Our colleagues at Strathclyde University are undertaking the following research project
We are currently reviewing future budgets and training capacity requirements for CPS/NES Funded Employee CPIP Training. To do this, we need a clear picture of how many CP employees in the network have not yet completed their training.
Cases of flu are rising at a higher rate than in previous years, with hospitals across Scotland reporting increasing numbers of patients with symptoms of flu.
CEO Matt Barclay reflects on how community pharmacies support Scotland through the busiest month of the year.
This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that four UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches,
Pharmacy professionals in NHS Scotland are encouraged to explore an exciting research development opportunity from the Chief Scientist Office (CSO).
CP IP trainees on June 25, Sept 25, and Jan 26 courses, return your CPS funding form ASAP. No action needed if already submitted. Contact enquiries@cps.scot.
CPS is reviewing budgets and training needs. Complete and return the CP IP Training form by January 5, 2026. Contact enquiries@cps.scot for help.
Discover CPS’s 2026 vision to expand pharmacy consultations, boost prescriber access, and improve women’s health services across Scotland.
Support NHS 24’s ‘Powered by People’ campaign this winter. Share resources promoting digital health services as the first point of care.
The community pharmacy network in Scotland already offers up consultations for minor illnesses, usually without the need for an appointment, across all 1,200+ sites as part of the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service.
Four new items added to Part 7 of the drug tariff for December 2025. Check the latest updates and contact CPS for more information.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Last Thursday the CPS team held a webinar which covered the recent changes to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland remuneration, and gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions of the team.

For New Year the office will be closed on 1st and 2nd January 2026 with normal office hours resuming on Monday, 5th January 2026.