What is 'fitness to practise'?

In order to practise in Great Britain, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). To be admitted to our register they must satisfy us that they have the skills, knowledge, character and health required to do their job safely and effectively.

We describe 'fitness to practise' as a person’s suitability to be on the register without restrictions. In practical terms this means: maintaining appropriate standards of proficiency, ensuring good health and good character, and adherance to the principles of good practice set out in our various, standards, guidance and advice.

A pharmacy professional's fitness to practise can be impaired for a number of reasons, including misconduct, lack of competence, ill-health, or through having been convicted of a criminal offence.

What happens if a pharmacy professional's fitness to practise is impaired?

If a pharmacy professional's fitness to practise is found to be impaired, the GPhC can:

• Issue the individual with a warning
• Impose conditions on their practice
• Suspend them from practising
• Remove them from the register.