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The aim of the Designated Prescribing Practitioner role is
“to oversee, support and assess the competence of non-medical prescribing trainees, in collaboration with academic and workplace partners, during the period of learning in practice.”
Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Designated Prescribing Practitioners play a vital role in developing safe, confident and competent non-medical prescribers. As non-medical prescribing expands across nursing, pharmacy and the allied health professions, healthcare organisations need sufficient experienced prescribers to supervise, support and assess trainees in practice.
“NHS England is investing in training for independent prescribers, as well as initiatives to support the development and safe practice of designated prescribing practitioners and educational supervisors.”
Department of Health and Social Care, July 2025
Regulatory changes have enabled experienced independent prescribers from a wider range of professional backgrounds to undertake the DPP role. This creates important opportunities for nurse prescribers and other non-medical prescribers to support the development of the future prescribing workforce.
Experienced non-medical prescribers are often well placed to undertake the role because they understand the transition into prescribing, the accountability involved and the importance of working within an appropriate scope of practice. Taking on the DPP role can also strengthen leadership, education, supervision and assessment skills, while supporting reflection on prescribing practice and professional development. However, many organisations continue to experience a shortage of DPPs. Increasing demand for prescribing training has placed additional pressure on experienced practitioners, clinical services and education providers. Organisations therefore need clear approaches to identifying, preparing and supporting DPPs, including protected time, training, workload planning and effective governance.
Through national updates, expert sessions and practical case studies, this conference will support delegates to develop, strengthen or expand their role as a Designated Prescribing Practitioner.
Delegates will consider how to plan learning in practice, provide effective supervision and feedback, assess competence, manage concerns and create a supportive learning environment.
This conference will enable you to:
Understand the role, competencies and responsibilities of the DPP
Learn from good practice in supervising non-medical prescribing trainees
Plan and optimise the period of learning in practice
Provide effective supervision, feedback and developmental support
Assess prescribing competence fairly and consistently
Support trainees to work within an appropriate scope of practice
Identify and respond to concerns about progress or patient safety
Improve the prescribing learning environment
Strengthen governance and quality assurance
Explore how organisations can increase DPP capacity
Reflect on how becoming a DPP can enhance your own practice
Support CPD and provide evidence for revalidation
This course provides five hours of CPD training, subject to peer-group approval for revalidation purposes.
