from 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2021
recognises that the GPhC responded and
adapted well to the COVID-19 pandemic across
the organisation. In connection with the GPhC's
response to the pandemic, the PSA report noted
that up-to-date information was frequently
published online for registrants (pharmacists
and pharmacy technicians) as well as for
members of the public. It also highlighted the
fact that we set up two additional registers and
that work was carried out remotely where
possible.
We met all the standards across four PSA categories:
General standards – these include equality, diversity and inclusion, and the way we:
provide information
apply policies
respond to public inquiries and other independent reports, and
work with stakeholders to protect patients and the public
Guidance and standards
Education and training
Registration
However, three out of the five standards within the Fitness to Practise category were not met.
The PSA report acknowledged there had been efforts to address the previous concerns raised in the 2019/20 performance review, and that improvements had been made. The PSA also recognised that the pandemic had delayed the action plan put in place by the GPhC and had adversely affected how quickly concerns were progressed. We will continue to monitor these issues and provide updates to the Council on the effectiveness of the action we are taking to put them right.
the effectiveness of the action we are taking to put them right.
I propose over the coming year to take steps to address the above matters to further enhance our governance arrangements. I am satisfied that these steps will address the need for improvements identified in our review of effectiveness, and I will monitor their implementation and operation as part of my next annual review.