Enhanced DBS Checks for registered pharmacy professionals
To meet the PQS DBS requirement, by the end of 31st March 2026, all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians (registered pharmacy professionals) working at the pharmacy on the day of the declaration must have undertaken an enhanced DBS check to support the safe provision of clinical services, with a certificate issued or a status check undertaken using the DBS update service within the last three years (between 1st April 2023 and end of 31st March 2026), to regularise the frequency of performing these checks in line with other healthcare professionals in the NHS.
Pharmacy owners will need to have evidence to demonstrate that all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working at the pharmacy on the day of the declaration must have requested an enhanced DBS check to support the safe provision of clinical services, with a certificate issued within the last three years (between 1st April 2023 and end of 31st March 2026). This evidence must be available for inspection from the end of 31st March 2026 at premises level and must be retained for 3 years for PPV purposes.
Declaration requirements
When making a declaration for this criterion, the following information must be reported on the MYS application:
- The total number of registered pharmacy professionals working at the pharmacy on the day of the declaration who have undertaken an enhanced DBS check and received a certificate since 1st April 2023.
- The total number of registered pharmacy professionals working at the pharmacy on the day of the declaration who have not undertaken an enhanced DBS check since 1st April 2023 but who will undertake this requirement between the day of the declaration and the end of 31st March 2026.
- That the pharmacy owner has the evidence to demonstrate that all registered pharmacy professionals working at the pharmacy on the day of the declaration have undertaken an enhanced DBS check and received a certificate to support the safe provision of clinical services within the last three years (between 1st April 2023 and end of 31st March 2026).
Where can i find support with regards to Enhanced DBS checks?
We have been made aware of organisations who offer support to pharmacy owners with regards to Enhanced DBS checks:
- National Pharmacy Association
- Numark
- Find a DBS company – Search for companies that can do DBS checks on behalf of your business
- Bolton Council’s Corporate HR Team offer a range of services related to the DBS process. Click the link to learn more and contact the team
Listing these does not constitute endorsement of the organisations mentioned.
