From 31 March, all pharmacists in the UK must have received or submitted an Enhanced DBS check, dated within the last 3 years (i.e. from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026). You’ll then need to continue these checks for any new staff moving forward.
This comes as part of new requirements for the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2025/26, encouraging frequent re-screening for staff to ensure the safety of patients and fellow pharmacists.
We’re here to simplify the guidance around new regulations – so keep reading to find out what’s going on, and how uCheck can help pharmacists get checked before 31 March.
What is the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS)?
The PQS is part of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF), designed to reward community pharmacies that meet quality criteria across three dimensions: clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and patient experience.
Requirements for Enhanced DBS checks came about as part of the ‘patient safety’ section.
The PQS is an optional scheme, available for pharmacies who would like to request additional funding for their practices, but several key requirements within the PQS are mandatory for all pharmacies.
What are Enhanced DBS checks?
Enhanced DBS checks are thorough background checks, facilitated by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Enhanced checks reveal:
- Spent and unspent convictions
- Cautions
- Reprimands
- Warnings recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC)
- Relevant details from local police records
Why are pharmacists being asked to get Enhanced DBS checks?
Pharmacies are essential checkpoints for local communities. Pharmacists and technicians have a duty of care to their patients and service users to protect their wellbeing. Enhanced DBS checks make sure that people in a position of trust are safe to be in that role.
Pharmacies across the UK are being asked to regularise their background checking processes, conducting DBS checks at least every three years, in line with current recommendations.
However, it’s also recommended that you re-check staff whenever they move into a new role, to ensure safety and eligibility.
I don’t want to take part in the PQS – do I still need to complete Enhanced DBS checks on staff?
Yes; whilst proof of Enhanced DBS checks are requirements for the PQS scheme, it is also mandatory for all pharmacies to safeguard their staff and patients by completing Enhanced DBS checks on all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians/professionals.
What do I need to do?
Pharmacy employers must perform Enhanced DBS checks on all relevant members of staff. This includes pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, plus any additional relevant professionals.
Employers must submit checks for their employees before the 31 March 2026 to stay compliant, and they must then retain those records for three years as proof.
What if one of my staff has a criminal record?
You can’t pass or fail a DBS check – they’re merely there to provide employers with an informed decision when it comes to someone’s employment. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 allows for nuance and flexibility depending on the severity of the previous criminal offence, and whether that offence is considered ‘spent’.
However, if one of your staff is screened against the Children or Adults’ Barred Lists and appears on either one, then it would be an offence to keep them employed in regulated activity. For legal guidance, we recommend speaking to a solicitor.
Who established the PQS?
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England and Community Pharmacy England (CPE) were all responsible for the creation of the PQS, with the agreement of a new Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF).
Enhanced DBS checks were introduced as part of this Framework, spanning across not only the PQS, but as commonplace practice to “brings [community pharmacy] into line with other healthcare professions.”
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information on the Community Pharmacy England website, here.
For information about Enhanced DBS checks, you can click here.
Why choose uCheck for Enhanced DBS checks?
At uCheck, we’re committed to providing fast, affordable background screening checks.
Here’s why hundreds of pharmacies already trust uCheck for their screening:
- Fast turnaround: Whilst our turnaround times fluctuate depending on volume of checks provided, our average turnaround time in January for Enhanced DBS checks was just nine days – but over half of our results were completed in just 48 hours. That makes us nearly 40% faster than the national average provided by the DBS and police services.
- Dedicated support: Our team of experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have quickly and easily.
- Intuitive portal: The uCheck portal is here for all your screening needs – featuring automated rechecking reminders, a clear reporting and auditing system, and the ability to submit bulk-checks for up to 100 employees at once.
- Pay as you go: Following a one-time sign-up fee of £49 + VAT, you’ve got lifetime access to the uCheck platform, and all the benefits that come with it. We’re not a subscription service – so you’ll only pay for the checks you need, as and when you need them.
We’re here to make compliance easy
Stay updated and compliant with uCheck
With the new regulations coming 31 March, pharmacies don’t have long to prepare. But at uCheck, we’re here to make sure you feel supported and confident moving forward.
If you need any additional help, or if there are questions we haven’t answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0800 197 8800 or by email at info@ucheck.co.uk.
Ready to go? Get started with your Enhanced DBS checks for pharmacy staff today.
