Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS)
Initial details of the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2025/26 were released on 31st March 2025, as part of the arrangements for the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) in 2024/25 and 2025/26. See the announcement here. The PQS began on 1st April 2025. See the CPE PQS Hub here for full details.
A summarised list of newly published resources to support pharmacy contractors with this year’s PQS can be found here.
PQS Clinical Audit – Sore Throat ManagementNHS England has published the Clinical Audit on Antimicrobial Stewardship for Pharmacy First Sore Throat Consultations. Completion of the audit, submission of anonymised data to NHS England, and incorporation of learnings into future practice by 31st March 2026 is a quality criterion under the Patient Safety Domain of the 2025/26 PQS. Pharmacy teams can now start the audit (from 1st September 2025). More information can be found via the links below.
Key Documents & Guidance
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CPPE – Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) Tracker and e-Learning!
The CPPE PQS webpage is now live! Once logged in, this page includes a PQS Tracker to help community pharmacy professionals quickly determine which CPPE learning programmes and assessments they have completed within the specified timeframe.
This will support you in achieving criteria relating to the medicines optimisation and patient safety domains in the PQS 2025/26. This year’s PQS includes a stipulation that may require staff to repeat previously completed training and e-assessments. This will depend on the stated validity period and completion dates.
VirtualOutcomes – PQS e-Learning
VirtualOutcomes has released new e-Learning modules on the new Pharmacy Funding Contract and PQS!
PQS 2025/26 Part 1 & 2 – These modules will help you understand the funding model including the aspiration payment, the training requirements including the validity periods that apply, what teams need to do to meet the gateway and the criteria that make up the 2 domains and how to meet them. See the flyer here.
Outcomes from Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2021/22 – Please see the documents below summarising the outcomes of the 2021/22 PQS delivered by pharmacies across West Yorkshire.
Outcomes of the PQS 2021/22 Briefing
Outcomes of the PQS 2021/22 Infographic
Last Updated: 26th August 2025
