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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
“Independent prescribing is now included in the initial education and training of pharmacists. Those joining the register from the summer of 2026 – and who trained to the 2021 initial education and training standards – will be independent prescribers from the point of registration.”
General Pharmaceutical Council, June 2026
The Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists reforms are now being implemented. The 2025/26 foundation pharmacist cohort is training under the revised standards, with most pharmacists joining the register from summer 2026 expected to qualify as independent prescribers. This is a significant change for pharmacy education and workforce development, and it depends on sufficient numbers of experienced prescribers being available to supervise 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
However, DPP capacity remains a major concern. In February 2026, the Government confirmed that 404 of 2,417 eligible foundation pharmacists did not yet have an assigned DPP.
“Over 400 pharmacy graduates may not be able to complete their foundation training, through no fault of their own. NHS England must urgently engage with placement providers to ensure that there are sufficient DPPs for all foundation pharmacists.”
Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive, Company Chemists’ Association, February 2026
The shortage of DPPs is therefore no longer a future risk. It is an immediate challenge for employers, training providers and pharmacy teams.
Regulatory changes have enabled experienced independent prescribers from a wider range of professional backgrounds to undertake the DPP role. This creates new opportunities to expand supervision capacity and develop a more sustainable prescribing workforce.
Taking on the DPP role can also enhance the practitioner’s own development by strengthening leadership, education, supervision and assessment skills, while supporting reflection on prescribing practice.
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.
The conference will examine the impact of the pharmacist education reforms, the current shortage of DPPs and the practical responsibilities involved in supervising and assessing prescribing trainees.
Delegates will consider how to plan learning in practice, provide effective feedback, assess competence, manage concerns and strengthen governance of the DPP role.
This conference will enable you to:
Understand the impact of the Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists reforms
Examine the implications of pharmacists qualifying as independent prescribers from summer 2026
Reflect on the current shortage of DPPs and approaches to increasing capacity
Understand the competencies and responsibilities required to become a DPP
Prepare for future revisions to the DPP Competency Framework
Plan and optimise the trainee’s 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
Strengthen governance, accountability and quality assurance
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.
