The GPhC issues updated inspection decision making framework: what pharmacy teams need to know

On 13 January 2026, the GPhC published an update to its inspection decision‑making framework, marking an important shift in how pharmacy inspections will be conducted and evaluated going forward. This revised framework seeks to strengthen regulatory clarity, incorporate recent legislative developments, and support more consistent, transparent decision‑making across the sector.
 

What’s new?
 

The updated framework serves as the operational tool inspectors rely on to assess whether registered pharmacies are meeting the GPhC standards. It outlines the factors inspectors consider, and offers structured examples demonstrating four categories of findings:

1. Standards met - not every example will need to be in place for a pharmacy to receive a rating of standards met.
2. Standards not met - examples that may be identified during an inspection and are likely to result in a standard being failed.
3. Areas for improvement - examples that may be identified during an inspection where the standard is met, but specific areas for improvement have been identified. Areas for improvement are highly dependent on the context and the circumstances found in each pharmacy, so it is not possible to provide examples for every standard. Typically, areas for improvement will not have an impact on patient safety and will have factors that lessen the impact of any deficiency.
4. Best practice - examples that may be identified during an inspection which show the pharmacy going above and beyond what is expected under the standards for registered pharmacies, and which may not have been widely adopted by other registered pharmacies. Over time, what may have once been good practice may become standard practice and expected of all registered pharmacies.

These examples are intended as a guidance, not a checklist, to help pharmacy teams better understand expectations and maintain consistent compliance.

Key enhancements in the 2026 framework
 

1. Expanded examples and greater practical clarity - the GPhC has introduced new examples of areas for improvement and good practice, allowing pharmacies to identify proactive steps to enhance quality even when meeting minimum standards. For registrants and advisors, this additional detail provides greater insight into how inspection findings are likely to be evaluated, reducing uncertainty and supporting more informed preparations for inspections and regulatory engagement.
2. Strengthened guidance on distance supply of medicines – reflecting the continued growth of online and remote pharmacy services, the framework introduces enhanced guidance on distance supply of medicines. This includes clear expectations around governance, risk management and patient safety in remote models of care. The updated guidance reinforces the GPhC’s position that distance supply arrangements must offer safeguards equivalent to those in traditional settings, with particular emphasis on clinical oversight, identity verification and patient engagement.
3. Alignment with new supervision legislation – the 2026 framework has been updated to align with recent changes to pharmacy supervision legislation, ensuring regulatory expectations accurately reflect the evolving legal landscape. Inspectors are directed to assess how pharmacies operate within the revised supervision model, including the roles and responsibilities of responsible pharmacists and the wider pharmacy team.
4. Streamlined regulatory documentation – to simplify compliance, the GPhC has consolidated content from the previously separate Findings Framework and Inspection Practice Note on Minor Non‑Compliance, both of which are now withdrawn. Pharmacy teams now have a single, comprehensive reference point.

What this means for pharmacy professionals
 

The GPhC reiterates that pharmacies must meet all standards every day, not solely during inspections. The updated framework aims to support this by offering clearer regulatory expectations and practical, real‑world examples of compliant practice. It also underscores the regulator’s commitment to ensuring patient safety and service quality amid evolving models of care.

For pharmacy owners, teams, and regulatory professionals, this update provides an opportunity to:

• Review internal processes;
• Strengthen compliance assurance;
• Reflect on areas where service quality can be enhanced; and
• Ensure alignment with new supervision and distance‑supply requirements.

Final thoughts
 

The GPhC’s 2026 update to its inspection decision‑making framework signals a forward‑looking regulatory stance that embraces the realities of modern pharmacy practice. By strengthening examples, consolidating guidance, and aligning regulatory expectations with new legislation, the framework offers a clear direction not only for inspectors, but also for pharmacy teams striving for excellence.

In an era of rapid clinical, technological, and legislative change, this update serves as both a clarifying instrument and a catalyst for continuous improvement across the profession.

If you work in pharmacy governance, regulation, or operational leadership, engaging with this revised framework is essential, not only to understand how inspections may evolve, but to ensure your organisation remains aligned with the highest standards of patient safety and professional practice.

About the author

Tajmina is a paralegal in the Regulatory Department at Kingsley Napley, where she assists the team in regulatory matters.

Shannett Thompson is a Partner in the Regulatory Team and is the firm’s Training Principal. She trained in the NHS and commenced her career exclusively defending doctors. She provides regulatory advice predominantly in the health and social care and education sectors.