GPhC Inspection Checklist (2026 Complete Guide for UK Pharmacies)
All registered pharmacy premises in Great Britain are inspected by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Inspections assess whether a pharmacy is meeting the required standards to ensure patient safety.
This guide provides a structured checklist aligned with current GPhC inspection standards to help you prepare effectively.
How GPhC Inspections Work
GPhC inspections:
- Are usually unannounced
- Assess compliance against 5 core standards
- Result in a published inspection report
- Are graded as:
- Standards Met
- Standards Not All Met
Inspection reports are publicly available on the GPhC website.
The 5 GPhC Standards for Registered Pharmacies
Inspections assess compliance with:
- Governance
- Staff
- Premises
- Services
- Equipment & Facilities
Below is a detailed preparation checklist aligned to each standard.
1️⃣ Governance Checklist
You must demonstrate that your pharmacy is well-managed and safe.
Policies & Procedures
- Up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Staff signatures confirming SOP review
- Clear version control system
- Regular SOP review schedule
Risk Management
- Near-miss log maintained and reviewed
- Dispensing error records documented
- Evidence of learning and procedural changes
Responsible Pharmacist Requirements
- Responsible Pharmacist (RP) notice displayed
- RP log completed accurately
- RP in physical control of the pharmacy
Complaints & Feedback
- Documented complaints procedure
- Patient feedback system
- Evidence of action taken where necessary
2️⃣ Staff Checklist
Inspectors assess whether staff are competent and properly supported.
- All pharmacists registered with the GPhC
- Registration status checked annually
- Staff training records maintained
- Induction records completed
- Ongoing training documented
- CPD records maintained
- Clear roles and responsibilities defined
There must be enough suitably trained staff on duty to deliver services safely.
3️⃣ Premises Checklist
Your premises must be safe, secure, and suitable.
- Clean and hygienic environment
- Adequate lighting and ventilation
- Secure storage for medicines
- Controlled Drugs cabinet compliant with regulations
- Private consultation room:
- Confidential
- Accessible
- Clearly signposted
The pharmacy must protect patient confidentiality at all times.
4️⃣ Services Checklist
Inspectors assess how services are delivered.
- Dispensing procedures followed correctly
- Clinical checks documented where required
- Prescription handout procedures safe
- Distance selling compliance (if applicable)
- NHS service specifications followed
- Safeguarding procedures in place
If providing advanced or enhanced services, ensure service documentation is complete and auditable.
5️⃣ Equipment & Facilities Checklist
You must have appropriate tools to operate safely.
- Calibrated measuring equipment
- Clean dispensing benches
- Temperature monitoring logs for:
- Fridges
- Room storage
- Data security systems (GDPR compliant)
- Secure IT systems
- Access to up-to-date reference materials
Controlled Drugs Compliance
Inspectors pay particular attention to:
- Controlled Drug register accuracy
- Balance checks performed regularly
- Destruction records completed properly
- Safe custody key management
Failure in CD governance is a common inspection issue.
Common Reasons Pharmacies Fail Inspections
- Poor near-miss analysis
- Incomplete RP logs
- Outdated SOPs
- Weak safeguarding awareness
- Inadequate staffing levels
- Poor documentation culture
How Often Are Inspections?
There is no fixed frequency, but pharmacies are typically inspected on a risk-based cycle.
High-risk indicators may trigger earlier inspection.
How to Prepare Effectively
Best practice includes:
- Conducting internal mock inspections
- Reviewing published GPhC inspection reports
- Ensuring all documentation is audit-ready
- Training staff to answer inspector questions confidently
A GPhC inspection is not just a regulatory requirement — it is a public demonstration of your pharmacy’s safety and professionalism.
Preparation, documentation, and strong governance systems are the keys to success.
