The Policy Snapshot - 05.03.26
Published: 5th March 2026
Welcome to the first Policy Snapshot, a new weekly update designed to keep our members informed about the work Community Pharmacy Scotland is doing on your behalf. Each week we will share a brief overview of the key policy activity, engagement and progress taking place to support and represent the community pharmacy network.
What Policy & Development have done this week: (w/c 2nd March)
Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Programme (DPDP). Adam Osprey and Gill Paterson represented members at the monthly strategic meeting, with the programme progressing towards a build phase.
We attended a round table of Scottish and UK pharmacy organisations, discussing the live GPhC consultation on Responsible Pharmacist and Superintendent Pharmacist changes. We have a lot to say on the proposals, which we encourage you to respond to as well - you can find our response on the website here.
We caught up with colleagues at the GPhC, NPA, RPS and Health boards in our regular series of meetings - discussing live issues such as shortages, upcoming regulation change and the upcoming Scottish Parliamentary elections.
We also fed into discussions around the future of both Experiential Learning (EL) and the Foundation Training Year (FTY) programme in Scotland, representing the community pharmacy owner voice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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The Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Programme (DPDP) is a national programme focused on modernising how prescriptions are created, transmitted and dispensed. Community Pharmacy Scotland represents members in discussions to ensure the community pharmacy perspective is included as the programme develops.
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The programme is progressing towards a build phase. Community Pharmacy Scotland continues to represent members at strategic meetings to ensure the needs of the community pharmacy network are considered as development moves forward.
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The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is currently consulting on proposed changes to the roles and responsibilities of Responsible Pharmacists and Superintendent Pharmacists. Community Pharmacy Scotland is engaging in discussions with other pharmacy organisations and stakeholders about these proposals.
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Yes. Community Pharmacy Scotland encourages members to respond to the consultation. The organisation has also published its own response, which members can view on the CPS website.
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CPS regularly meets with organisations such as the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), and NHS Health Boards to discuss issues affecting community pharmacy.
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Experiential Learning (EL) and the Foundation Training Year (FTY) are programmes designed to support the education and development of future pharmacists. Community Pharmacy Scotland contributes to discussions on their development to ensure the community pharmacy owner perspective is represented.
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Community Pharmacy Scotland represents community pharmacy owners across Scotland and works to ensure that their views are heard in national policy, regulatory and workforce discussions that affect the sector.
Read our response to the GPhC consultation on draft rules and standards for Responsible and Superintendent Pharmacists, following legislative changes in 2022.