The CCA, AIMp, NPA, PSNC and RPSGB have provided a joint response to the Department of Children, Schools and Families consultation on the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups legislation and the proposed scheme that will be administered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). A joint response was prepared because of the wide ranging implications of the legislation on the pharmacy profession and businesses.

The intention of the legislation is to bring into force a requirement that individuals who perform certain 'regulated' or 'controlled' activities involving vulnerable adults and children must apply to the ISA for registration in order to be able to undertake such activities. The legislation creates a new series of criminal offences to enforce the scheme.

Pharmacists and registered pharmacy technicians are already subject to regulation by the RPSGB, and the activities of other non-registered pharmacy staff are carried out under the supervision of a pharmacist. This regulation provides for comprehensive protection of the public. The organisations are therefore calling for pharmacy to be excluded from the scheme.

Notes

The Company Chemists Association (CCA) provides a forum for the major businesses engaged in community pharmacy to work together to help create an environment where community pharmacy can flourish, and where pharmacy contractors compete in a fair and equitable way. The CCA's nine member companies are: Alliance Boots, Co-operative Group Pharmacy, LloydsPharmacy, Tesco, J Sainsbury, Wm Morrison Supermarkets, Asda Wal-Mart, Rowlands Pharmacy and Superdrug. Between them they own over 5,000 pharmacies, representing around 45% of the pharmacies in the United Kingdom.

The Association of Independent Multiples (AIMp) has over 1,200 pharmacies in membership and represents the interests of the independent multiple sector. Its members have between five to 300 shops, and include: Day Lewis, Co-op Healthcare, HI Weldricks and PCT Healthcare.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) was established in 1921 as the trade association of community pharmacy owners. To reflect the changes in the pharmacy environment the NPA now extends membership and its associated benefits to all members of the community pharmacy infrastructure.

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC)is recognised by the Secretary of State for Health as representative of community pharmacy on NHS matters. PSNC's main objective is to secure the best possible remuneration, terms and conditions for NHS pharmacy contractors in England and Wales. Much of the PSNC's work involves discussions and negotiations with the Department of Health.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) is the professional and regulatory body for pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales. It also regulates pharmacy technicians on a voluntary basis, which is expected to become statutory under anticipated legislation. The primary objectives of the Society are to lead, regulate, develop and represent the profession of pharmacy.

Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain