PCSE and ICBs — who does what in pharmacy applications?
The roles of the key organisations involved in NHS pharmacy applications and contract management in England.
Primary Care Support England (PCSE)
PCSE is the administrative body that processes pharmacy applications on behalf of NHS England. When you submit a market entry application, it goes to PCSE first. PCSE checks the application for completeness, collects the application fee, notifies interested parties and passes the papers to the relevant ICB for determination. PCSE does not make decisions on applications — it provides administrative support to the process.
Integrated care boards (ICBs)
ICBs are the bodies responsible for commissioning pharmaceutical services in their areas. Where NHS England has delegated this function — which is the case for most areas — the ICB determines pharmacy applications. It does this through a pharmaceutical services regulations committee (PSRC) or equivalent. The ICB also monitors contract compliance and manages performance issues.
NHS England
NHS England retains overall oversight of pharmaceutical services even where commissioning has been delegated to ICBs. Certain decisions — including some fitness matters — remain reserved to NHS England. NHS England also publishes the NHS Pharmacy Manual, which governs how ICBs must process applications.
NHS Resolution — Primary Care Appeals (PCAS)
If an application is refused, or granted against the interests of an existing contractor, an appeal can be made to NHS Resolution's Primary Care Appeals service. PCAS conducts the appeal process, which may involve a paper-based consideration or an oral hearing. PCAS decisions are binding, although judicial review may be available in certain circumstances.
The GPhC
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the regulator for pharmacies and pharmacists in Great Britain. Every pharmacy premises must be registered with the GPhC and meet its standards. GPhC registration is separate from NHS market entry — a pharmacy can be GPhC-registered without being on the NHS pharmaceutical list, and vice versa.
Frequently asked questions
Primary Care Support England (PCSE) acts as the administrative gateway for pharmacy applications. When you submit a market entry application, it goes to PCSE first. PCSE checks the application for completeness, collects the application fee, notifies interested parties — including neighbouring pharmacies — and passes the papers to the relevant ICB for determination. PCSE does not make the decision on whether to grant or refuse an application.
An integrated care board (ICB) is the NHS body responsible for commissioning health services — including pharmaceutical services — in its area. ICBs replaced clinical commissioning groups in July 2022. Where NHS England has delegated pharmaceutical services commissioning to ICBs (which is the case for most areas), the ICB determines pharmacy applications through a pharmaceutical services regulations committee or equivalent body.
If an ICB refuses a pharmacy application, or grants a competitor application against your interests, you have the right to appeal to NHS Resolution's Primary Care Appeals service within 30 days of the decision. NHS Resolution conducts a fresh, independent consideration of the application. TI Pharmacy Consultancy manages the appeal process on your behalf.
NHS England retains overall oversight of pharmaceutical services commissioning even where the function has been delegated to ICBs. Certain decisions — including some fitness matters — remain reserved to NHS England. NHS England also publishes the NHS Pharmacy Manual, which sets out how ICBs must process pharmacy applications.
In Wales, there is no equivalent of PCSE or ICBs. Applications are made directly to local health boards (LHBs), which administer the pharmaceutical list for their area and determine applications. NHS Wales provides oversight. The Welsh process is administered separately from the English framework.
Need professional advice?
The information above is for general awareness only. For advice specific to your situation, contact TI Pharmacy Consultancy for a free initial discussion.
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