This page contains information for people who are unhappy with any aspect of their pharmacy education and/or training and would like to raise a concern.
Anyone can raise a concern using the new GPhC procedure. Examples of who might use it include:-
The following university courses have requirements that are set by the GPhC and students can raise concerns about these courses with the GPhC:-
Please note, the GPhC would ordinarily expect students to raise the matter first with the course provider or appropriate whistle-blowing body. The GPhC will not investigate:-
Students who are unhappy with the quality of their university course should, if possible, raise the issue first with the provider. All universities have a standard complaints procedure and students should initially use this in order to give the university the opportunity of remedying the situation.
Students who are not happy with the outcome of their complaint or who are unhappy with the way their complaint has been handled can consider raising the issue with Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA). This is the independent body set up to reviews students complaints and the system is free to students. The OIA states complaints it can look at include but are not limited to:
In most instances, student complaints are resolved satisfactorily by the education provider. If the complaint relates to the quality of a course or a fitness to practise issue about a member of staff who is a pharmacist or a technician, students may want to raise a concern with the GPhC.
Every year a small number of foundation trainees will encounter problems with their designated supervisor and/or training placement. These can range from personal problems to issues relating to employment law. Whatever the problem, it is best to seek advice at the earliest possible opportunity.
At some point in our working lives, we might need to deal with people whom we just do not like or are simply unable to get along with. If trainees find that they are clashing with their designated supervisor on a personal level, in the first instance it could be best to try to talk to the designated supervisor. Whilst it may be difficult to approach a designated supervisor, managing and resolving problems is a useful skill for all trainees to develop as their careers progress. Also, the GPhC expects trainees to demonstrate as one of their competencies the ability to handle conflict effectively.
For further information on how to build positive workplace relationships, see our page.
If the problems with a designated supervisor go beyond a simple personality clash, for example, if a trainee is being bullied, they may find it difficult to approach their designated supervisor. In these instances trainees could try any of the following:-
If the issue is still not resolved, the trainee could consider raising a concern with the GPhC. Trainees should note that the GPhC will not usually investigate concerns about employment or contractual issues, for example hours of work or employment contracts. It will also not usually consider concerns about the four training progress reports written by designated supervisors about their trainees during the foundation training year.
The GPhC has a form that can be completed and sent via e-mail or post. The form can be accessed via the GPhC website.
Forms can be e-mailed to educationconcerns@pharmacyregulation.org
In order to investigate concerns fully the GPhC will need the following information:-
The GPhC will not send personal information to the provider unless specifically asked to, however, depending on the nature of the concern, the education or training provider may be able to identify the complainant.
The GPhC is willing to consider anonymous concerns however it may not be able to take any further action if it does not have enough relevant information. Depending on the issues raised, the GPhC may contact the education provider to give them an opportunity to respond. However, complainants who do not leave any contact details will not be kept up to date with any progress or outcome in relation to their concern. For further information on all aspects of raising a concern about pharmacy education or training, see the GPhC website.
Undergraduate students can become a joint member of the BPSA and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) for free and take advantage of a range of services offered by both organisations. Foundation trainee membership of the BPSA is also free. The BPSA offer students and foundation trainees support and representation. For further information, see their website.
Students and foundation trainees can join the PDA for free. As well as trade union membership, the PDA can also advise on legal, professional and ethical matters. For further information, see their website.
This page was last reviewed on 28 July 2021.
Information on what to consider if you need to make changes to your foundation training placement. Includes information on progress reports, banking training, switching placements and the training grant.
Guidance about where to look for placements and what to look out for. Includes information on the different types of placements available, recruitment timetables and contracts.
This page includes guidance and support on how to build positive relationships in the workplace, with a short self-study module to help you cement learnings. …
