Independent Prescribing (IP)
As part of negotiations on the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) arrangements for 2026/27, it was agreed that prescribing (independent prescribing) will be introduced into the CPCF as an extension of Pharmacy First and the Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS) from the Autumn of 2026.
Community pharmacist prescribers will be enabled to:
- Prescribe within the existing Pharmacy First clinical pathways, instead of using the PGDs.
- Prescribe within the Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS), instead of using the PGDs, with the ability to prescribe existing contraceptive products covered by the PGDs and some alternative contraceptive products.
- Provide five new Pharmacy First prescribing-only pathways. These consultations will count towards the monthly clinical pathways’ minimum activity requirement.
- ‘Prescription management’ i.e. prescribe an alternative item where there is a need to meet the needs of an individual patient, e.g. where there is a supply chain issue relating to the original prescription or a clinical error, and there are arrangements in place with the original prescriber to allow such an approach.
The five new Pharmacy First prescribing pathways are:
- Acute otitis externa – for adults aged 18 years and over
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis – for children aged 4-11 years
- Mild to moderate acne – for young people
- Migraine – low frequency, episodic, adults aged 18-64 years
- Mild skin and soft tissue infections and scabies
Clinical Governance Requirements for Prescribing
The Professional assurance framework for delivering NHS community pharmacy clinical services applies to all CPCF clinical services and outlines best practice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians delivering NHS community pharmacy clinical services. Pharmacy owners, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in community pharmacy should all read the Professional Assurance Framework to assess whether they comply with the best practice set out in the document and identify any gaps in compliance that they can work towards meeting in their professional practice.
Key Documents
Preparing for the Introduction of Prescribing within the CPCF – How Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (PIP) Can Start to Prepare
Bulletin 1 – Your Scope of Practice
Independent Prescribing Funded Courses Available to March 2027 & DPP Support
Pharmacists who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for independent prescribing courses at a variety of universities across England. More information including eligibility criteria, funding, and details of approved universities can be found on the NHS England website here. For any further enquiries, please contact england.pharmacyteam@nhs.net.
CPWY Independent Prescribing Blogs – May / June 2026
CPWY published five‑part blog series on Independent Prescribing, featuring insights from pharmacists who’ve completed the course, a DPP and a university colleague. Each piece offers practical tips, honest reflections and guidance to help you understand the course, what it involves and the support available. See the published blogs so far below.
A Note from Nicola – Independent Prescribing
A Blog from Aneta Paluch, Well Pharmacy – Independent Prescribing
A Blog from Dr Philip Xiu, Local GP & DPP – Independent Prescribing
A Blog from Solomon Abuede, Community Pharmacist Prescriber – Independent Prescribing
A Blog from Elsa Levene, University of Huddersfield – Independent Prescribing
Independent Prescribing Webinar – June 2026
At the end of our blog series, CPWY hosted an Independent Prescribing webinar where we were joined by our 5 expert speakers. The webinar and resources can be accessed on demand here: https://www.cpwy.org/our-news/cpwy-webinar-independent-prescribing-resources/
DPP Support– Become a DPP or Find One Today
Are you a prescriber looking to contribute to the development of prescribing professions? Becoming a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) offers a unique opportunity to support the next generation of prescribers while enhancing your own professional development and leadership skills. As the demand for independent prescribers in healthcare grows, so too does the need for experienced DPPs to guide trainees through their prescribing journey. See the flyer below.
Support the Future of Prescribing – Become a DPP or Find One Today
At the same time, for those preparing to undertake their independent prescribing (IP) training, finding a suitable DPP can be a significant barrier. That’s where DPP Support comes in. This NHS England supported directory of DPPs is a dedicated platform designed to:
- Support prescribers interested in becoming DPPs.
- Connect IP trainees with experienced prescribers.
- Promote safe, effective supervision and high-quality prescribing education.
Whether you’re ready to take on the DPP role or seeking a DPP to support your IP training, DPP Support makes it easier to take the next step.
Visit www.dppsupport.co.uk to find out more, access resources, and register your interest. Also, see how DPP Support works in this video here.
Independent Prescribing Pathfinder Programme
The Independent Prescribing (IP) Pathfinder Programme was a national programme of work which informed how independent prescribing models might work in community pharmacy. The evaluation can be read here.
West Yorkshire ICB participated in the NHSE IP Pathfinder programme involving 11 community pharmacies who supported patients through 3 clinical models:
- Extended Minor Illness
- Community Pharmacy Enhanced Support for Quality, Optimised and Safer Prescribing (QOSP)
- Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Congratulations and thank you to our 11 community pharmacy sites across West Yorkshire who have all contributed to delivering the IP Pathfinder Programme. See our Sharing Success news item about the programme here.
Last Updated: 18th September 2026
