This resource hub has been developed to support pharmacy professionals to update their knowledge on significant changes within pharmacy and/or prescribing practice in the UK, and to support identifying and meeting their personal learning needs. The resources provided and signposted to may provide opportunities for pharmacy professionals to gather evidence to support how they meet the GPhC professional standards as part of their ‘return to practice’ application. Further details on the GPhC requirements for returning to practice can be found via the GPhC website: Returning to the register | General Pharmaceutical Council.

We have provided a 'CORE' resources section which is applicable for all professionals working in any healthcare sector (Community, Hospital and Primary Care), which contains a self-assessment framework to enable professionals to ascertain core areas which they may require additional support. There are also some 'SECTOR specific' resources available. The resources listed and signposted to are comprehensive and not all will be applicable for each individual and they are intended to be used as a reference source. There is also an additional section of support for those returning to prescribing practice.

Please refer to the 'Further Support' section for details on how HEIW Pharmacy can provide further guidance and on supporting finding a suitable mentor.

It is important that professionals read all the appropriate local policies, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Patient Group Directives (PGDs), which link to the procedures and services to be undertaken in the role. Many pharmacy contractors and health boards have locum or rotation information packs available, which may also be a valuable resource.

It is essential that professionals check with their employer organisation, that suitable indemnity insurance is in place, or whether personal arrangements are required. Professional judgement must be taken to ensure that work is resumed within the individual's scope of competency.

Access to the Return to Pharmacy Practice Resources

Firstly, we would recommend that you refer to the CORE resources which are relevant to all pharmacy professionals in all sectors of practice.

Then refer to the sector you will be returning to. i.e. community, primary care or secondary care.

Further Support

Support and mentors

If you would like further support on your return to practice to a specific pharmacy area, please email: HEIW.Pharmacy@wales.nhs.uk.

If you would like help with identifying a suitable mentor to support your return to practice, please consider accessing the RPS Mentoring platform: Mentoring | RPS.

Health board safeguarding key contacts

Access to the Return to Prescribing Pharmacy Practice Resources

Please note, if you are applying to return to practice with a prescribing annotation, the GPhC requires you to nominate an appropriate prescribing pharmacist mentor who you can professionally refer to for support for a period of at least one month. You will need to provide the details of this chosen individual as part of your application process.

Training support

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) Pharmacy are providing a training opportunity for IP pharmacists who are working in Wales and looking for support to return to prescribing practice, in any healthcare sector.

HEIW Pharmacy are working with the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) in England to offer pharmacists in Wales a return to prescribing practice training.

The CPPE Return to prescribing programme runs over a three-month period and consists of three interactive evening online workshops. It will provide pharmacists an opportunity to regain their competence and confidence in prescribing practice.

The learning outcomes of the programme:

• Identify personal learning needs using the prescribing competence framework
• Create an action plan to address identified learning needs
• A library of reliable, evidence-based information sources
• Develop skills for working effectively with patients
• Produce a list of the key elements for a supportive network for prescribing practice
• Plan actions that will build confidence in relation to prescribing
• Recognise opportunities for prescribing and getting a prescribing role commissioned

During the three online workshops you will reflect on your current skills, identifying any clinical and resource areas for development and actions to address these related to the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for effective prescribing. This will be achieved through a mixture of individual learning, group activities and discussions of best practice.

Dates of the next workshops:

• Workshop 1 - Wednesday 14th May 2025, 7pm to 8.30pm
• Workshop 2 - Wednesday 11th June 2025, 7pm to 8.30pm
• Workshop 3 - Wednesday 16th July 2025, 7pm to 8.30pm

Please note: You need to attend all three workshops to complete this programme.

For further information about the programme please access the following website link: Return to prescribing

And for further information regarding prescribing practice please access the following website link: Prescribing

If you are interested in undertaking this programme, please email HEIW Pharmacy or Emma Llewellyn for further details on how to obtain your place: HEIW.Pharmacy@wales.nhs.uk or emma.llewellyn3@wales.nhs.uk.

Resources to support prescribing practice

Pharmacist Independent Prescriber Resources