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Compliance in Pharmacies:

The 2025/26 PQS

Safeguarding Standards

Compliance in Pharmacies: The 2025/26 PQS Safeguarding
Standards
If you’re a pharmacist or work in a pharmacy, this update is for you. New rules
mean that by 31 March 2026, you and your team must have completed the right
st
level of criminal record checks. It’s all part of making sure pharmacies stay safe
and trusted places for everyone.
What’s the Legislation About?
Under the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2025/26, specifically the Patient
Safety Domain, all registered pharmacy professionals working on the day of
declaration must have an enhanced DBS check. The certificate needs to be
dated between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2026.
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This helps bring pharmacy standards in line with checks on other NHS healthcare
professionals.

Find

out
more

It’s a legal requirement with no exceptions. It protects patients, especially those
who are vulnerable and it builds trust – showing your pharmacy is serious about
safety and professionalism. Skipping this could damage patient confidence as
well as putting your PQS claims and inspection outcomes at risk.
What you need to do to stay compliant
1. Start DBS checks now for all relevant staff.

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2. Make sure checks are dated between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2026.
3. Keep records of completed checks.
4. Use a trusted DBS provider to make the process easier.
You’ll need to have this evidence ready for inspection by 31 March 2026, and keep
it on file for three years.

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