The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7201 p821-822
8 June 2002

Society summary

First phase of Society's CPD programme to begin in the autumn

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is shortly to implement the first phase of its programme to introduce continuing professional development (CPD) as a formal requirement for all pharmacists. The phased introduction of a CPD requirement follows the successful piloting of a CPD framework over the past three years.

The phased introduction of the CPD requirement will begin this autumn and will involve 5,000 pharmacists, including those who participated in the original CPD pilots, all preregistration tutors and pharmacists working in the north-west of England.

Participation in CPD linked to revalidation as a pharmacist will ultimately become mandatory when relevant regulations under the Health Act 1999 come into existence and effect. Other professional bodies in health care have also been developing frameworks for CPD for their members.

The Society's Council has agreed that pharmacists included in the roll-out will be expected to participate in CPD and keep records of their participation as a professional obligation. Information about the process and associated programmes of support will be sent in the autumn to all those involved. The detailed implementation plan for this first phase is currently in development and further details will be sent out well ahead of its launch.