The CPS Policy Snapshot - 12.03.26
Published: 12th March 2026
Welcome to our second CPS 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 7th March)
As part of our ongoing political engagement here are details of some of our activities this week:
Head of Policy & Development, Adam Osprey attended the launch of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party paper on drugs and alcohol, which mentions further developing the community pharmacy role in treatment and recovery.
We were also invited to a small round table event by Scottish Labour, taking the opportunity to speak directly with Jackie Baillie MSP and Wes Streeting MP about what digital health reforms are required to unlock the potential of the community pharmacy network and better support patients.
Further to this, our Policy Team has been proactively engaging with political figures across the country, talking, and promoting all things Community Pharmacy.
The run-up to the Holyrood election has also resulted in an increase in enquiries from the Press, and we have been involved in articles this week for The Scotsman newspaper, The Pharmaceutical Journal, among others.
We have been busy updating all the information for the Newly Qualified Employee Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribers (CPIP), and the new trainees who have started their courses at RGU and Strathclyde Universities.
Earlier this week, we met with the Royal Osteoporosis Society to hear about their ideas around care in the community for those living with osteoporosis - whether diagnosed or not.
Our Policy Officer Gill Paterson is attending the Future of Pharmacy event at Strathclyde University on Friday - more information on this will follow in next week’s newsletter.
Leaders in pharmacy education and training came together in Edinburgh on Thursday to look at plans to develop undergraduate experiential learning blocks. CPS's position is that expansion must be appropriately funded to maintain and build upon the quality of the training experience.
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.