Becoming a superintendent pharmacist

A superintendent pharmacist (SP) can be responsible for several premises belonging to one or more legal entities. Whilst there is no minimum of post-registration experience required, individuals need to be aware of the additional responsibilities required to undertake the SP role and understand the limits of their competence.

They should not only consider if they can meet our expectations, but also how they will handle the responsibilities of the SP role, which are covered by the Pharmacy (Responsible Pharmacists, Superintendent Pharmacists etc.) Order 2022.

The responsibilities of the superintendent pharmacist include, but are not limited to: 

• professional and clinical management of a pharmacy and the administration of the sale and supply of medicines; this includes monitoring and auditing medicines expenditure and by introducing new or revised working practices for all aspects of purchasing and the safe management of medicines
• providing clinical and professional leadership and management to the pharmacy team, which is covered by many aspects of the guidance to ensure a safe and effective pharmacy team
• making sure that all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians comply with our standards for pharmacy professionals 
• promoting a culture of learning and making sure that staff receive appropriate training
• making sure that the team has the right skill mix and levels to deliver safe and effective pharmacy care to patients and the public
• ensuring that competing priorities are always managed in such a way that safe and effective care is never compromised
• assessing, recording, and managing risks within the pharmacy
• documenting, maintaining, and communicating safe and effective working practices, including compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), which must be signed off by either the SP or another responsible individual
• putting systems in place so that staff can access or contact both the SP and the RP if required
• making sure the details are visible on the pharmacy website to help patients and public know who has oversight for their safety and care when accessing the pharmacy.
• understanding their role and responsibilities regarding the tutoring and supervising of pre-registration pharmacists and pre-registration pharmacy technicians in training [PDF 818 KB]

The SP remains responsible for the pharmacy at all times, including outside business hours. 

Upcoming changes

Following the introduction of legislation in December 2022, the GPhC now has powers to set professional standards for Superintendent Pharmacists. The standards will include a description of their professional responsibilities and set standards of conduct and performance in relation to them. This will help us to make sure patients and the public continue to receive safe and effective pharmacy care.

The standards for Superintendent Pharmacists are part of the strengthening pharmacy governance programme of work which also includes the production of standards for Chief Pharmacists, and rules and standards for Responsible Pharmacists. We are currently working on the standards for Chief Pharmacists, with the work on standards and rules for Superintendent and Responsible Pharmacists starting in 2024.

For each set of standards and rules external stakeholders will have the opportunity to have their say, as we will be holding a full public consultation to make sure the standards reflect the views and needs of patients and the public, health professionals, the NHS and the wider health sector.