Pharmacy contract compliance support

All NHS pharmacies must provide essential services under the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework. These include dispensing medicines and appliances, disposal of unwanted medicines, public health, signposting, support for self-care and repeat dispensing. Failure to provide essential services can trigger ICB performance action and, in serious cases, contract management proceedings. TI Pharmacy Consultancy advises on essential service compliance.

ICB performance action can be triggered by complaints, self-reported incidents, failure to meet contractual obligations, opening hours breaches, fitness concerns or information received from the GPhC or other regulators. The ICB has a range of tools available — from informal advice to formal performance advisory group meetings and compliance notices. Early advice on how to respond is important.

The Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) is the annual self-assessment process through which community pharmacies demonstrate compliance with their NHS contract requirements. It covers a range of essential and advanced service obligations. TI Pharmacy Consultancy advises on CPAF completion and helps pharmacies identify and address compliance gaps before they become performance issues.

A compliance notice is a formal step in the ICB's performance management process. It sets out specific concerns and requires a response within a defined timeframe. Responding correctly and promptly is critical — an inadequate response can escalate the matter. Contact TI Pharmacy Consultancy immediately if you receive a compliance notice.

TI Pharmacy Consultancy's specialism is NHS pharmacy contract compliance — the regulatory framework governing your market entry and contract obligations. GPhC compliance (premises standards, responsible pharmacist requirements, controlled drugs) is a related but separate area. We can advise on the interaction between NHS contract obligations and GPhC requirements where relevant.