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Compliance in +

Dispensaries

Meeting the 2025/26 PQS safeguarding standards

What is the legislation What is the potential impact?

Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2025/26, under the Patient This is now a new requirement under the 2025/26 Pharmacy
Safety Domain, now states that all registered pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS). Failing to comply could put your PQS
professionals working on the day of declaration will need to have claims, inspection outcomes, and patient trust at risk.
had an enhanced DBS check to support safe provision of clinical
services. You will need a certificate that has been issued within Why is this important?
the last three years (between 1st April 2023 up to 31st March • It’s the law: Enhanced DBS checks are now required for all
2026). This is to regularise the frequency of performing these registered pharmacy professionals.
checks in line with other healthcare professionals in the NHS. • It protects patients: Especially vulnerable groups like
children, the elderly, and those with complex needs.
Where can I get a Criminal record check
from? It builds trust: Demonstrates your practice’s commitment to
safety and professionalism.
PSUK has partnered with Experian, who can offer PSUK
members a criminal record check at a discounted price for all
levels of checks. Please note depending on where you are Type of criminal record Check
working will determine if you need to process via Disclosure Basic (DBS, DS, ANi)
Barring Service (England & Wales), Disclosure Scotland
(Scotland) Access NI (Northern Ireland Standard (DBS, DS, ANi)

Enhanced (DBS, ANi)
What do you need to do?
Basic/L1 - Scotland
You will need to ensure you can meet this new legislation.
Evidence of the appropriate criminal record check for the role the Standard/L2 - Scotland
employee carries out will now need to be in place. This evidence Enhanced/L2 with Barred List - Scotland
must be available for inspection from the end of 31st March 2026
at premises level and must be retained for 3 years. Enhanced/L2 PVG Join - Scotland

Enhanced/L2 PVG Existing - Scotland
So, you will need to:
1 Start DBS checks immediately for all relevant staff Why Experian?

2 Ensure checks are dated between 1st April 2023 and Experian offers a seamless, all-in-one solution for digital identity
31st March 2026
and criminal background checks, providing a fast and efficient
3 Keep records of the appropriate way to meet your compliance needs. As a fully registered and
DBS approved responsible organisation, Experian ensures
4 Use a trusted DBS provider to streamline the process
adherence to the Disclosure Barring Service, Disclosure
Scotland and Access NI Code of Practice. Our digital technology
eliminates time-consuming manual processing, offering realtime
results with full audit control. The process prioritises simplicity
and speed, delivering a guided, remote experience for your
candidates. With Experian, you can trust that the right checks are
being carried out for the right roles accurately and on time.

Visit psuk.co.uk/experian for more information and pricing.

Registered office address: The Sir John Peace Building, Experian Way, NG2 Business Park, Nottingham, NG80 1ZZ
© Experian 2025. Experian Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Experian Ltd is
registered in England and Wales under company registration number 653331.
The word “EXPERIAN” and the graphical device are trade marks of Experian and/or its associated companies and
may be registered in the EU, USA and other countries. The graphical device is a registered Community design in the EU.
All rights reserved. www.experian.co.uk
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