RPS urges clarity in GPhC draft standards for Responsible and Superintendent pharmacists
Published: 20 March 2026
This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has submitted its response to the General Pharmaceutical Council’s consultation on draft rules and standards for Responsible Pharmacists and Superintendent Pharmacists emphasising the need for proportional regulation that supports safe patient care.
RPS has strongly opposed prescriptive requirements for Superintendent Pharmacists, such as minimum number of years qualified, emphasising that competence should be demonstrated through skills, knowledge and professional judgement.
On Responsible Pharmacists, RPS members agreed that the minimum standards expected are those of any registered pharmacist, and that undergraduate and foundation training should adequately prepare pharmacists to assume RP responsibilities at the point of registration.
There is a regulatory conflict where the legislation states that only an authorising pharmacist may vary or withdraw and authorisation, whilst the GPhC draft standards allow a Responsible Pharmacist to do so. RPS is supportive of the provision for Responsible Pharmacists to do this as their overarching responsibility is for the safe running of a pharmacy. However, this requires unambiguous resolution from the regulator.
RPS reiterated its unequivocal support for one pharmacist being in charge of one pharmacy at a time, maintaining this as a cornerstone of public assurance and professional oversight.
Members were broadly satisfied with the current two‑hour absence rule but highlighted the need for further exploration of how it is used in practice, potential conflicts with NHS Terms of Service, and specific challenges for remote, rural and island pharmacies.
Professor Claire Anderson, President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said:
“Pharmacists play a vital leadership role in ensuring patients receive safe, effective care. Our response reflects the profession’s commitment to proportionate, workable standards that recognise competence and support professional judgement. We want regulations that enable Responsible and Superintendent Pharmacists to deliver the highest standards of care across all settings.”
Read the response to the GPhC consultation
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