Policy Series Episode 1: The Potential of Scaling Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy

The Potential of Scaling Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy

In this episode of Policy Unpacked, Global Policy Network CEO and Founder Ameneh Ghazal Saatchi is joined by Shilpa Shah and Stephen Riley to unpack the findings of GPN’s latest policy report, The Potential of Scaling Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy.

Drawing directly from the roundtable that informed the report, the conversation explores why community pharmacy is clinically ready to scale independent prescribing, yet remains constrained by structural, commissioning and workforce barriers.

What we cover
Why the NHS is underutilising trained community pharmacist prescribers
The structural gaps in commissioning, supervision and workforce planning
International models from Scotland, Australia and New Zealand and what the UK can learn
The critical role of pharmacy technicians in unlocking pharmacist capacity
Balancing national commissioning frameworks with local flexibility
Building trust and clinical integration between community pharmacy and general practice
What the NHS 10-Year Plan must deliver to enable pharmacists to work at the top of their licence
Practical policy levers to create momentum, including the report’s Start, Stop, Scale framework

Key themes
This episode moves beyond aspiration to action, framing independent prescribing as an actionable reform that can strengthen primary care, improve access for patients and deliver system-wide value.

The discussion highlights the leadership decisions and cultural shifts required to translate policy ambition into sustainable implementation.

Featured guests
Shilpa Shah, Chief Executive Officer, North East London Local Pharmaceutical Committee and Chair of the Roundtable
Stephen Riley, Deputy Regional Chief Pharmacist for Pharmacy Integration, NHS England North West

About the report
The Potential of Scaling Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy is based on insights from 21 national and regional leaders across policy, commissioning and frontline practice. It sets out clear recommendations for system leaders, professional bodies and policymakers to accelerate progress.

📄 Read the full report: https://www.globalpolicynetwork.com/r...
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