Ethics and Ethical Standards for Pharmacists

Ethics and Ethical Standards for Pharmacists is a CPD-accredited online course designed specifically for pharmacists working in the United Kingdom. The course supports pharmacists in understanding and applying ethical principles in line with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) requirements.

It is particularly relevant for pharmacists facing complaints, investigations, or fitness-to-practise processes, as well as those seeking to strengthen ethical judgement, professionalism, and patient trust in everyday pharmacy practice.

Ethical concerns such as consent, confidentiality, honesty, professional boundaries, and the duty of candour are common triggers for complaints and regulatory action in pharmacy practice. The GPhC expects pharmacists to act with integrity, prioritise patient safety, and maintain public confidence in the profession.

This course provides clear, practical guidance on navigating ethical dilemmas, meeting GPhC expectations, and responding appropriately when concerns arise — helping pharmacists reduce risk and demonstrate insight, accountability, and professionalism.

This course is suitable for UK-based pharmacists, including:

• Pharmacists working in community, hospital, primary care, and specialist settings
• Pharmacists working in the National Health Service and the independent sector
• Professionals regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Pharmacists facing complaints, investigations, fitness-to-practise proceedings, or remediation
• Pharmacists seeking CPD evidence for appraisal, revalidation, employer review, or regulatory submissions

The course explores:

• The foundations of healthcare ethics and their relevance to pharmacy practice
• Core ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and confidentiality
• The role of the General Pharmaceutical Council in setting and enforcing ethical standards
• GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals and how they apply in practice
• Informed consent and patient-centred decision-making
• Honesty, integrity, and the duty of candour
• Accurate documentation and ethical record-keeping
• Professional boundaries, including digital professionalism
• Common ethical breaches in pharmacy practice and their consequences
• GPhC fitness-to-practise processes and regulatory outcomes
• Reflection, remediation, and continuous professional development

On successful completion of this course, participants will receive:

• CPD UK certified accreditation
• An accredited CPD certificate
• CPD evidence suitable for appraisal, revalidation, remediation, and professional portfolios

This course is aligned with the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Standards for Pharmacy Professionals and related ethical guidance.

It supports pharmacists in demonstrating ethical judgement, honesty, accountability, and fitness to practise — particularly where concerns have been raised about conduct, consent, confidentiality, or professional boundaries.

This online course is relevant to pharmacists working across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, in both National Health Service and independent healthcare settings.