The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC) exists as an independent regulator monitoring and maintaining a standard of practice for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises. They do this by setting up guidelines and approving training schemes for qualifying pharmaceutical professional, before registering those who have qualified. They inspect the pharmacy premises, as well as investigate fitness to practice allegations against pharmaceutical professionals.
In order to protect the respectability of the profession as well as ensure the safety of the public, the GPC will conduct investigations into concerns raised against a registrant. As soon as the GPC has reason to believe that the safety of the public is at risk, an investigation will begin into the fitness to practice of the individual in question. Firstly, the investigation committee decides whether the case deserves to be:
At this point, the fitness to practice committee will hold a full hearing.
The hearing is public and it held to decide whether the offence took place and what disciplinary action will be issued. This can be:
During the hearing, you are entitled to legal representation. In Duncan Lewis’ Regulatory Fitness to Practice department, we have a wide range of experience within professional regulatory matters. We are able to prepare and represent you throughout the proceedings and, should you wish to, make an appeal on your behalf if you believe that the outcome was unfair or false in its findings.
If you have any professional regulatory queries regarding the General Pharmaceutical Council, contact Duncan Lewis Regulatory Fitness to Practice solicitors on 0333 772 0409.