Help for Pharmacists Facing GPhC Investigation or Fitness to Practise

Understanding the GPhC Investigation Process

Receiving a letter from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) can be worrying and stressful. For pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, an investigation can arise from a patient complaint, a dispensing error, or a conduct concern.

The GPhC fitness to practise process examines whether a pharmacist’s actions, insight, and remediation demonstrate continued suitability to remain on the register. The process can be lengthy and formal, often involving correspondence, statements, and potential hearings.

At this early stage, how you respond is important. The GPhC considers not only what happened but also how you have reflected, learned, and acted since the incident.

Why Reflection and Insight Are Crucial

The GPhC expects registrants to demonstrate insight — an honest understanding of what went wrong, why it happened, and how it can be prevented in future.

Strong insight involves:

• Accepting responsibility without defensiveness.
• Recognising the impact on patients, colleagues, and the public.
• Identifying lessons learned and steps taken to avoid recurrence.
• Demonstrating ongoing engagement with professional development.

Writing a reflective statement and completing relevant CPD are excellent ways to show this learning in practice.

Taking Proactive Steps to Remediate

Even during an investigation, pharmacists can take proactive steps to evidence remediation. The GPhC places significant weight on documented evidence of learning, reflection, and improvement.

Practical examples include:

• Completing CPD-accredited courses on ethics, probity, and professionalism.
• Participating in mentoring or peer review sessions.
• Maintaining an up-to-date CPD portfolio.
• Reviewing your practice policies and professional conduct in light of GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals.

These steps show the regulator that you are serious about addressing concerns and ensuring patient safety.

How Probity & Ethics Can Help

At Probity & Ethics, we provide CPD-certified online courses tailored to healthcare professionals under investigation or remediation. Our courses help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians demonstrate insight, reflection, and remediation aligned with GPhC expectations.

Our most relevant courses include:

• Fitness to Practise for Healthcare Professionals – understand how regulators assess fitness, remediation, and safe practice.
• Ethics for Healthcare Professionals – strengthen ethical reasoning, decision-making, and integrity in pharmacy practice.
• Professionalism for Healthcare Professionals – rebuild professional accountability and reflective practice.
• Probity and Honesty for Healthcare Professionals – focus on transparency, accurate documentation, and public trust.

All courses are self-paced, confidential, and provide verifiable CPD certificates suitable for submission to the GPhC or employers as part of remediation evidence.

Seeking Guidance and Support

Alongside structured CPD, you should also seek independent advice or representation. Professional defence organisations and pharmacy unions can help you prepare responses and understand your regulatory obligations.

Combining professional guidance with structured educational remediation through Probity & Ethics provides a strong, proactive demonstration of professionalism and accountability.

Key Takeaways

• A GPhC investigation can be daunting, but taking early, constructive steps makes a difference.
• Reflection, insight, and remediation are central to demonstrating ongoing fitness to practise.
• Completing targeted CPD in ethics, professionalism, and probity strengthens your position.
• Structured learning during investigation shows responsibility and dedication to safe pharmacy practice.

Take the Next Step

If you are currently under GPhC investigation or facing a fitness to practise review, begin taking action today.

Explore our full range of Online Courses to demonstrate genuine insight and remediation. Our courses in Ethics, Professionalism, and Fitness to Practise are designed to help pharmacists evidence accountability, rebuild trust, and continue their professional journey with integrity.

Taking initiative now can significantly influence how your case is assessed by the GPhC.