The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has launched a consultation on a proposed change to the continuing professional development (CPD) framework that would result in the records of pharmacy professionals being called at random rather than once every five years.

Under the proposed change, the regulator would select a small portion of pharmacy professionals for review every year, but would increase the sample size where necessary – for example, if concerns were raised about registrants’ ability to meet CPD requirements. The consultation follows a pilot study and a qualitative review of the GPhC’s current approach to CPD. Conducted last year, both of these indicated that a change in the framework might encourage pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to record their CPD activities continuously, while still meeting the requirements at a level consistent with how they perform under the current five-year cycle.

GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin said: “Our proposed change to CPD underscores our commitment to improving the regulatory effectiveness and proportionality of our work, and ensuring that pharmacy professionals continue to demonstrate their professionalism by reflecting regularly on learning and development activities.

“CPD is a core professional responsibility and, as the regulator, we want to ensure that it continues to serve as a means of assuring public and patient safety.”

The consultation will run until 31 October and a link to the consultation can be found at: pharmacyregulation.org.