Accreditation of Dispensing and Pharmacy Assistant programmes

This template should be used to demonstrate how the training provider meets the GPhC’s accreditation criteria for education and training programmes for dispensing assistants and pharmacy assistants
The accreditation submission should include:
  • This template, completed in full, to include:
- A narrative explaining how each criterion is met. The narrative must be written in prose, clearly explaining how the criteria will be met. Reference to links, file names, or module titles on their own are not acceptable.
- Full reference to the documents you are providing as evidence.
  • Any other pertinent information.
You should provide documentary evidence to support the information that you have provided within the template. Following review of your submission document and associated evidence you may be required to submit additional items of evidence, if this is necessary you will be notified in advance of your accreditation event.
The process for reaccreditation of dispensing assistant programmes will follow the same format as described for accreditation. The submission documentation must include, additionally, an introduction section which includes the following:
  • An overview of how the programme has developed since the last accreditation event, including a summary of any major changes
  • Information on the number of trainees who have undertaken/are undertaking the programme.
  • A summary of the response to any conditions and recommendations that were made by the accreditation team at the previous event. Where a provider opted not to action a recommendation, an explanation of the rationale for this decision should be provided.
Please ensure that you refer to the guidance within this template as failure to provide your submission in the correct format, with the required level of detail and clarity, could lead to your accreditation event being cancelled or postponed. Information on how to submit your documentation can be found on the last page of this document.
If you have any questions regarding your accreditation submission please contact the GPhC’s Quality Assurance (Education) team on 0203 713 7973 or 7978

Name of training provider:

Name of course to be accredited:

Contact name:

Job title:

Address:

Telephone:

Mobile:

Email:

General notes regarding completion of the template
  • Except where single pieces of information or lists are asked for, your commentary must be written in prose. Directions to other documents only will not be accepted.
  • Hyperlinks may be used within your commentary to signpost to evidence but please check that the links are not broken and that external access is permitted.
  • Please ensure that all documentary evidence provided is referred to within your commentary.
Referencing additional materials
  • For ease of reference, all supporting material should be numbered and named appropriately (for example, Appendix One – Trainee Handbook, Appendix Two – Staff CVs)
  • Please ensure the same document name is used throughout the submission and in the appendices.
  • When referencing supporting material within the submission, please indicate the document clearly (for example, in bold) and use the full name and appendix number throughout.

For reaccreditation only

Provider’s commentary
General note: Except where single pieces of information or lists are asked for, the provider’s commentary should be written in prose. Directions to other documents only will not be accepted. Supporting documents should be included as an appendix to the application template.
(Please delete the guidance notes when completing commentaries.)
Introduction for reaccreditation / Include:
•An overview of how the programme has developed since the last accreditation event, including a summary of any major changes
•Information on the number of trainees who have undertaken/are undertaking the programme.
•A summary of the response to any conditions and recommendations that were made by the accreditation team at the previous event. Where a provider opted not to action a recommendation, an explanation of the rationale for this decision should be provided.

1. The Training Programme

Provide information on how your training programme meets the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) requirements and is at the required academic level.

Criteria / Provider’s commentary
General note: Except where single pieces of information or lists are asked for, the provider’s commentary should be written in prose. Directions to other documents only will not be accepted. Supporting documents should be included as an appendix to the application template.
(Please delete the guidance notes when completing commentaries.)
  1. The programme is equivalent to one or more units of the S/NVQ level 2 (QCF)
/ Course summary to include module or unit titles and the phasing or sequence of the modules or units in the programme.
  1. The unit(s) the course is designed to cover are specified.
/ Specify units covered.
  1. The course content covers the relevant units of the ‘GPhC underpinning knowledge template’ (see mapping of the course to the programme requirements).
/ Refer to Appendix 1
  1. For each unit, the transfer of underpinning knowledge into the workplace is demonstrated through the use of a variety of methods
/ Summary of activities and assessments including assessment methods
  1. The programme is taught at Qualifications Credit framework level 2.
/ Evidence that the training programme is at the required academic level.
  1. The programme is planned with reference to the S/NVQ (QCF) level 2 underpinning knowledge template.

  1. Assessments have been developed by subject experts from the Pharmacy sector and directly relate to and the relevant units of the S/NVQ (QCF) level 2 underpinning knowledge template.
/ Provide details of individuals, course panel or equivalent group responsible for the development of the programme. CVs should be provided (see supporting documentation).
Additional information on the training programme.
Provide additional information on your course. This must include:
  • How the course is delivered, for instance distance learning, day release,
  • Total expected total student workload (guided learning hours), number of curriculum hours for each part of the course, contact time with training provider.
  • Anticipated duration of the training programme and maximum and minimum permitted durations.
  • How the training programmes is funded.

2. Academic and management structures

Provide evidence that you have adequate academic and management structures in place.

Criteria / Provider’s commentary
  1. Assessment process and strategies assure appropriate standards in assessment and that students are able to demonstrate fitness for purpose.
/ Information on the management of quality assurance procedures. Details of marking criteria, how marking is done and by whom, measures to ensure consistency, how borderline issues and dealt with.
Course regulations covering re-sits, resubmissions and extenuating circumstances including rationale.
  1. In the processes of programme review and development, the training provider has taken account of advances in pharmacy practice , for instance recent POM to P reclassifications, and developments potentially impacting on pharmacy
/ Details of how the course will be reviewed and details of individuals, course panel or equivalent group responsible for the review and how any changes will be disseminated to students. CVs should be provided (see supporting documentation).
  1. Course regulations include procedures for appeals against assessment decisions
/ Course regulations and procedures for appeals against assessment decisions.
  1. Course regulations include procedures for dealing with suspected plagiarism and/or malpractice
/ Course regulations and procedures for dealing with suspected malpractice/plagiarism.
Additional information on your academic and management structures.
Provide additional information on your academic and management structures not covered in criteria 2a to 2d above.

3. Resources

Provide evidence that you have adequate resources to support the delivery of your training programme.

Criteria / Provider’s commentary
  1. Buildings, human, equipment, and other resources available to the training provider are sufficient for the effective delivery of the course to the numbers of students on the course, and overall.
/ Information on human resources including numbers with names of staff associated with the training programme(s) with descriptions of their roles, qualifications/credentials backgrounds and contractual status in relation to the training provider. CVs should be provided (see supporting documentation).
Information on equipment and support services.
Current and planned annual intakes.
Admissions policy and marketing strategy
Commentary on completion and success rates of students on this course, or a similar programme if this is a new course
  1. Record keeping systems are able to generate data on candidates completing, completion rates, student sector of practice and disability.
/ Information on record keeping systems.
  1. Systems are in place for issuing certificates of completion to successful students in the GPhC’s approved format.
/ Please provide a sample certificate. Confirmation that systems are in place for the issuing of certificates to successful trainees.
The certificate must refer to the fact that the course is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council. The units of the NVQ 2 Pharmacy Services that the course is designed to be equivalent to must be listed on the certificate using the full unit titles.
  1. There is an appropriate mix of tutors, mentors and assessors.
/ Information on who is responsible for tutoring, mentoring and assessing the student. Clarify roles and responsibilities of the training provider and others, for instance the workplace supervising pharmacist and what support is provided by the training provider for those supporting the student
  1. The student has access to a personal tutor or tutors for academic guidance and pastoral care.
/ Description of student access to tutors and mentors including who is the tutor and how tutors are accessed by the student for instance face to face, online, by telephone.
  1. The student is instructed in the use of information resources.
/ Information provided to students on available resources.
  1. There are adequate student feedback mechanisms in place.
/ Evidence of two-way communication between course provider and students. Details of student feedback mechanisms, for instance questionnaires, and how the information gathered informs course development. Description of mechanisms for feeding back to students on performance.
  1. The training provider seeks to provide the student with a positive learning experience.
/ Information about how the is student supported and support given to tutors and mentors
Additional information on your resources.
Provide additional information on your organisation. This must include:
  • How the training programme is funded
  • Information about the range of education and training provided, including modes of delivery.
  • Brief details of all training packages marketed to pharmacy support staff.

Supporting documentation

List below the supporting document that you are providing
The following list is indicative of the documents you will need to provide:
•Training materials (reference criterion 1a)
•Assessments (for instance MCQs, workbooks) and assessment criteria (reference criteria 1d and 2a)
•Staff CVs, including names, descriptions of roles, credentials/qualifications and background (reference criteria 1d, 2b and 3a)
•Course regulations covering assessment (reference criterion 2a)
•Course regulations covering appeals (reference criterion 2c)
•Course regulations covering plagiarism (reference criterion 2d)
•Sample certificate (reference criterion 3c)
•Learning contact outlining the responsibilities of training provider, tutor and student. (reference criteria 3d)
•Student handbook (reference criteria 3d to 3h. Also criteria 2a, 2c and 2d with regard to course regulations)
•Supervisor handbook (reference criteria 3d to 3h. Also criteria 2a, 2c and 2d with regard to course regulations)
Expand table as necessary

Appendix 1 - Mapping to programme requirements

Please demonstrate how the training programme has been designed to meet one or more units of the NVQ level 2 (QCF) Pharmacy Services by providing a mapping using the tables below.

Any units which are not covered by your training programme should be shaded grey.

1. Assist with the provision of a pharmacy service to meet individual needs
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding in this NOS , assistants should be able to apply: / Name of document and unit/module number / Page / Accreditation team use only
Legislation, policy and good practice
1.1A working knowledge of SOPs and the importance of adhering to them at all times
1.2A working knowledge of the importance of maintaining individual satisfaction, loyalty and
confidence to the organisation and how you contribute towards it
1.3A working knowledge of the organisation’s policy on individual service and individualrelationships and how this applies to your role
1.4A working knowledge of the organisations procedure for handling complaints
1.5A working knowledge of the importance of working within the limits of your competenceand authority
1.6A working knowledge of the importance of establishing the requirements of individuals
clearly and accurately
1.7A working knowledge of the importance of verbal and non verbal communication whencommunicating with individuals
Provide information
1.8A working knowledge of how to give clear and accurate information and check theindividual’s understanding
1.9A working knowledge of relevant products and services or advice for which information
and/or advice is required
1.10A working knowledge of where to get assistance if you can’t provide informationand advice yourself
1.11A working knowledge of what source of information to use, what information canbe given to the individual
1.12A working knowledge of the source(s) of information that can be accessed and theinformation that can be given to individuals by the pharmacist
Resolve queries and complaints
1.13A working knowledge of how to manage conflict and/or individuals who are angry
1.14A working knowledge of how to assess complaints and what action to take
1.15A working knowledge of when you should refer complaints to a higher authority
2. Make sure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding in this NOS , assistants should be able to applyknowledge of: / Name of document and unit/module number / Page / Accreditation team use only
2.1What ‘hazards’ and ‘risks’ are
2.2Their responsibilities and legal duties for health and safety in the workplace
2.3Their responsibilities for health and safety as required by the law covering their job role
2.4The hazards which exist in their workplace and the safe working practices which they must follow
2.5The particular health and safety hazards which may be present in their own job and the precautions they must take
2.6The importance of remaining alert to the presence of hazards in the whole workplace
2.7The importance of dealing with, or promptly reporting risks
2.8The responsibilities of health and safety in their job description
2.9The safe working practices for their own job role
2.10The responsible people they should report health and safety matters to
2.11Where and when to get additional health and safety assistance
2.12Their scope and responsibility for controlling risks
2.13Workplace instructions for managing risks which they are unable to deal with
2.14Suppliers’ and manufacturers’ instructions for the safe use of equipment, materials and products which they must follow
2.15The importance of personal presentation in maintaining health and safety in their workplace
2.16The importance of personal behaviour in maintaining the health and safety of themselves and others
2.17The risks to the environment which may be present in their workplace and/or in their own job
3. Contribute to the effectiveness of teams
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding in this NOS , assistants should be able to apply: / Name of document and unit/module number / Page / Accreditation team use only
Values
3.1.A working knowledge of legal and organisational requirements on equality, diversity, discrimination and rightswhen working in teams
Legislation and organisational policy and procedures
3.2.A working knowledge of codes of practice and conduct, and standards and guidance relevant to their own roles, responsibilities, accountability and duties of others when working in teams to support individuals
3.3.A working knowledge of current local, UK and European legislation, and organisational requirements, procedures and practices for:
a)Accessing records
b)Recording, reporting, confidentiality and sharing information, including data protection
c)Team working
3.4.A working knowledge of how to access up-to-date copies of the organisation’s workplace policies, procedures and systems, and practice and service standards related to team working
Theory and practice
3.5.A working knowledge of the principles that underpin effective team working
3.6.A working knowledge of individuals’ styles of interaction and how these can affect team working
3.7.A working knowledge of barriers to developing relationships within the team and how these can be overcome
3.8.A working knowledge of problems which may be encountered when relating to and interacting with other team members and how these can be best handled
3.9.A working knowledge of their own strengths and weaknesses as an individual worker and as a team member
3.10.A working knowledge of development and learning opportunities available to support them in team working and activities
4. Assist in the sale of medicines and products
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding in this NOS , assistants should be able to apply: / Name of document and unit/module number / Page / Accreditation team use only
Legislation, policy and good practice
4.1.A working knowledge of the pharmacy protocol on the sale of medicines and SOPs including:
a)What is listed in them
b)How to use them
c)Why it is important that SOPs should be followed at all times
4.2.A factual knowledge of the legal responsibility and authority of the pharmacist and others in the organisation
4.3.A working knowledge of legal and ethical requirements for confidentiality
Specific health related knowledge and skills
4.4.A working knowledge of the main actions and side effects of the active ingredients within commonly used non-prescription medicines
4.5.A working knowledge of the differences between:
a)General Sales List (GSL) medicines
b)Pharmacy (P)
c)Prescription Only Medicines (POM) items
Procedures and techniques
4.6.A working knowledge of the use of questioning techniques such as 2WHAM
4.7.A working knowledge of the needs of different types of individuals
4.8.A working knowledge of the sources of information to access
4.9.A working knowledge of the information that is suitable to give individuals
4.10.A working knowledge of the type of information/advice that needs to be referred to a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician