CPNI wishes to make contractors aware of NICPLD correspondence dated 20 March 2025 which provides further information on the joint selection, recruitment and admission process for Foundation Training Year (FTY) 2026/2027.
SUMMARY
Contractors will note:
The joint FTY 2026/2027 selection, recruitment and admission process has been developed by a Task and Finish group established by the Department of Health.
The Task and Finish group will hold a live webinar for prospective FTY employers on 8 April 2025, and registration is available here.
CPNI notes that community pharmacies will be asked to “opt-in” to the process between 9 – 25 April 2025.
CPNI is aware that community pharmacist representatives, including those on the Task and Finish Group, have raised concerns about some aspects of the joint recruitment process, and have highlighted the need to make more information available to prospective participants.
As indicated by DoH legal advice, participating community pharmacies will be required to agree to a terms of participation agreement for the FTY programme and joint recruitment process, and as such they may wish to seek their own legal and/or HR advice.
NICPLD has indicated that employers can ask questions during the webinar, or can send queries in advance to nicpld-fty@qub.ac.uk.
ACTION
Contractors considering involvement in FTY 2026/2027 are advised to review the correspondence and consider attending the webinar on 8 April 2025.
As indicated by DoH legal advice, participating employers will be required to agree to a terms of participation agreement for the FTY programme and the joint recruitment process, and as such they may wish to seek their own legal and/or HR advice.
CPNI considers that arrangements being put forward by NICPLD and DoH for FTY 2026/2027 require contractors to give careful consideration to the responsibilities and obligations that will apply to them in their capacity as the employer of FTY trainees in 2026/27. CPNI continues to liaise with NICPLD and DoH(NI) on these matters and we will keep contractors informed accordingly.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the CPNI team or email Ennis.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
*** Webinar this evening 7-8pm ***
Dear Contractor
CPNI issued a contractor email on 10 March 2025 regarding a NICPLD pilot to encourage DPP support for Community Pharmacists undertaking the NICPLD Independent Prescriber training course. The pilot has now launched and information is available here or on the NICPLD facebook page. An information webinar will be held this evening from 7-8pm.
SUMMARY
As outlined in NICPLD’s letter, funding of £1500 is available for up to 50 eligible DPPs who agree to support a community pharmacist to undertake the NICPLD IP training programme, commencing August 2025.
DPPs can be medical or non-medical prescribers (such as community pharmacist IPs) and must meet the DPP criteria outlined in the NICPLD letter.
Those interested in being a DPP can express their interest here.
The deadline for community pharmacists to submit applications for IP training has been extended to 15 April 2025.
An information webinar for prospective applicants or DPPs will be held this evening Monday 24th March, 7-8pm with registration available by emailing nicpld-prescribing@qub.ac.uk.
ACTION
Contractors are asked to note the information provided in the NICPLD letter and the flyer and share with relevant members of the team, including any community pharmacists considering IP training, and any existing community pharmacist IPs who may consider acting as a DPP under the support scheme.
Queries on the DPP support scheme can be sent to Nicpld-prescribing@qub.ac.uk. Alternatively, please do not hesitate to contact the CPNI team or email Ennis.
Kind regards
SENT ON BEHALF OF GERARD GREENE Chief Executive
This update contains important information for community pharmacy teams.
Autumn 2024/25 Community Pharmacy Flu Vaccination Programme
REMINDER:
The Autumn 2024/25 Flu vaccination programme is coming to an end on Monday 31 March 2025.
Providers are requested to not vaccinate eligible cohorts after this date.
Please share this information with all relevant staff to allow adequate time for clinic arrangements and stock management.
Collaborative Forum for Community Pharmacy ECHO Network
An ECHO session is being held on Tuesday 01 April 2025 to discuss Public Health Community Pharmacy Services. Further information can be found here.
Topic: Update on Public Health Community Pharmacy Services covering Living Well, Stop Smoking and Harm Reduction Services (OST, Needle and Syringe Exchange)
Join via Audio only: 020 3695 0088 and follow the instructions
Pharmacy Student Research
CPNI has been contacted by a final year pharmacy student undertaking research on community pharmacist workforce retention.
The student requires input from a range of community pharmacists participants and would be grateful for any support provided. Further information and contact details for those who wish to be involved are available in the research flyer.
Inquiry into Access to GPs in Northern Ireland
The Public Accounts Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into Access to General Practice in Northern Ireland. Members of the public can find out more about the inquiry here – Access to General Practice in Northern Ireland. An online survey to gather views will remain open until 27 March 2025.
WhatsApp Business Terms of Service can be found here and privacy policy hereUCA-NI Privacy Policy We take your privacy seriously and do not share or sell any personal details with third parties for commercial purposes. If you have any questions, please contact the CPNI office. You can withdraw your consent to be contacted at any time by calling 028 9069 0444 or by emailing info@communitypharmacyni.co.uk. CPNI Data Protection Policy and Data Retention policy can be found Click Here
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