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
✔ Prepare your pharmacy for GPhC inspection with confidence with the GPhC Inspection Action Plan course for 2026 from Pharmacy Academy.
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.
