The CCA, AIMp, NPA, PSNC and RPSGB have today provided a joint response to the Department of Children, Schools and Families consultation on the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups legislation and the proposed scheme that will be administered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). A joint response was prepared because of the wide ranging implications of the legislation on the pharmacy profession and businesses.



The intention of the legislation is to bring into force a requirement that individuals who perform certain ‘regulated’ or ‘controlled’ activities involving vulnerable adults and children must apply to the ISA for registration in order to be able to undertake such activities. The legislation creates a new series of criminal offences to enforce the scheme.



Pharmacists and registered pharmacy technicians are already subject to regulation by the RPSGB, and the activities of other non-registered pharmacy staff are carried out under the supervision of a pharmacist. This regulation provides for comprehensive protection of the public. The organisations are therefore calling for pharmacy to be excluded from the scheme.