The General Pharmaceutical Council has said it will introduce revalidation for pharmacy professionals from 30 March 2018, following its approval of a framework and implementation schedule. GPhC chair Nigel Clarke described this as a “step-change” for the profession.

Pharmacy professionals will be required to complete and submit four CPD records, a record of a peer discussion and a record of a reflective account, and will be asked to explain in each record how their actions have benefited pharmacy service users.

The final framework is expected to be published in the coming weeks, the GPhC has said. All registrants are to receive tailored information and guidance from February 2018 onwards to explain what is required of them.

GPhC chair Nigel Clarke said: “Revalidation is a significant step-change for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and I am delighted that the Council has given the go-ahead to this important process. We believe that the introduction of revalidation will further assure users of pharmacy services that pharmacy professionals will provide them with safe and effective care throughout their careers.

“We have been working towards this goal alongside a range of groups, professionals, employers and patients for a number of years to make sure we can collectively bring revalidation forward in a robust and evidence-based way. Going forward we will continue to work collaboratively with these groups as we make revalidation a reality.”