Dispensary Management – the governance perspective

The Dispensary Management – the Governance Perspective workshop is designed for dispensing managers, practice managers, and administrative or dispensing staff working within dispensing GP practices who wish to broaden and strengthen their knowledge of medicines management and dispensary governance.

The programme supports non-clinical staff who are developing, undertaking, or aspiring to senior roles in dispensary and pharmacy management within general practice. It focuses on regulatory compliance, patient safety, quality assurance, and the effective management of dispensary services as part of the wider GP practice business.

On completion of the workshop, delegates will have a clear understanding of current mandatory governance and quality requirements, including the CQC Single Assessment Framework, and will be able to implement robust, proportionate processes within their practice. These will support safe patient care, regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and continuous quality improvement.

The workshop also develops delegates’ understanding of the role of the community pharmacy and the importance of effective collaboration across primary care.

Principles of Safe and Effective Dispensary Governance

Successful medicines management and dispensary governance within general practice is underpinned by:

1. Clear, robust protocols and risk assessments, agreed by both clinical and non-clinical staff, which define responsibilities, accountability, and escalation to clinicians
2. Continuous monitoring and audit against standards and regulatory requirements, supported by a culture of openness and learning
3. Effective incident management and learning, including complaints, near misses, and patient safety events
4. Strong leadership and oversight, ensuring dispensary activity supports both patient safety and the wider practice business.

 This workshop is recommended for staff who:

• Have experience working in a GP practice or pharmacy setting
• Understand the responsibilities and accountability associated with dispensary management
• Are able to demonstrate how learning is applied in practice.

Delegates will be encouraged to:

• Apply learning within their own dispensary setting
• Contribute to audit, governance, and quality improvement activity
• Maintain appropriate records to support internal assurance and CQC evidence requirements.