Pharmacist Registration

It is illegal to practise as a pharmacist in Northern Ireland without currently being registered with the Pharmaceutical Society NI. The registration year runs from 01 June to 31 May annually, therefore, to retain registration you will be required to complete the retention process on 01 June every year.

The Covid-19 Temporary Register closed on 31 March 2024. Any pharmacist who was working with temporary registration up until that date should see the options below for registration on the main Register if they wish to practice as a pharmacist in Northern Ireland.

Joining the Register

Re-registration process for former registrants

Application process for former registrants (i.e. those who left the Register in good standing) – if you wish to re- join the Register, please visit: portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login

The registration year in Northern Ireland runs from 01 June to 31 May annually therefore to retain registration you will be required to complete the retention process (including payment of the retention fee) on 01 June every year.

These applications take approximately 21 days to process from receipt of a correctly completed application
and supporting documents.

It is important that all applicants applying to join the register of pharmaceutical chemists are competent to be registered. Competence may be evidenced in a number of ways but always includes evidence of qualification and training.

Important information relevant to your application is available below

To apply for registration, applicants must complete/provide the following:

Complete an application for a former registrant. This application is available via the online portal. If you have accessibility issues, please contact registration@psni.org.uk for assistance.

If you have been registered with another pharmacy regulatory body within the 12 months leading to your application to re-join the register you are required to request a Certificate of Current Professional Status from your most recent regulatory body, which should be sent directly by them to the Society. A Certificate of Current Professional Status (CCPS) notes your ‘good standing’ with a regulator and outlines details about your registration, i.e. university attended, qualification and pre-registration training details and Fitness to Practise. This will generally be accepted as meeting the evidential standard. Please note that your application can only be considered whilst the CCPS is valid. Your current/most recent regulator will be able to advise you of how long the document is valid for.

If you have not been registered with another pharmacy regulatory body within the last 12 months it is particularly important that you are aware of and comply with your obligations under the Code when registered as pharmaceutical chemist, and practise only when you are competent and fit to do so.

There may be other requirements that form part of the application process.

An applicant is not permitted to practise as a pharmacist in Northern Ireland until they have confirmation that they are registered.

An applicant can check their registration status by checking the online register: https://registers.psni.org.uk/

Early CPD Requirements

Early CPD requirements will apply to those applicants who fall into the following categories:

a pharmacist applying for restoration to the Register, having previously been removed from the Register for non-compliance with the CPD Framework;
a pharmacist applying to re-join the Register, having voluntarily withdrawn from the Register during a previous CPD year but having failed to submit a CPD portfolio for that year;
a pharmacist applying to rejoin the Register, having not been registered as a pharmacists within the last 12 months.

Please review the CPD Framework for early CPD requirements.

Registration process for applicants first registered in Great Britain

Application process for applicants first registered in GB – applicants first registered in GB should visit portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login to set up an online account and submit an application.

Pharmacists who have been first registered in Great Britain and wish to practise in Northern Ireland, must register with the Pharmaceutical Society NI. Applicants must complete and submit an application for registration as a Great Britain qualified pharmacist together with supporting documents, verified when necessary. These applications take approximately 21 days to process from receipt of a correctly completed application and supporting documents.

An applicant is not permitted to practise as a pharmacist in Northern Ireland until they have confirmation that they are registered.

An applicant can check their registration status by checking the online register: https://registers.psni.org.uk/

Important information relevant to your application is available below

Applicants must complete/provide the following:

Complete an application for registration as a pharmacist first registered in GB. This application is available via the online portal, using the “Register for a new account” button – https://portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login. If you have accessibility issues, please contact registration@psni.org.uk for assistance..

Please note, if an applicant wishes to register using any form of their name other than as it appears exactly on their birth certificate (not including a change of surname that can be evidenced by producing a solicitor certified copy of marriage certificate) they must enter that name on the application
form and complete the declaration provided on the application before a solicitor.

Diploma/Degree certificate – Upload a solicitor certified copy of their diploma/degree certificate and post the solicitor certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address. If the applicant cannot provide this document, then they must provide a letter from their University confirming that they have awarded the qualification.

Passport/Proof of Identity document – Upload a solicitor certified copy of their passport/proof of identity document (front cover and photograph page’s – blank pages are not required) and post the solicitor certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address.

Birth Certificate – Upload a solicitor certified copy of their birth certificate (translated as necessary – see guidance on translations) and post the solicitor certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address. Where an applicant is unable to provide a birth certificate, they should complete declaration A of the statutory declaration.

Marriage Certificate (if applicable) – Upload a solicitor certified copy of their marriage certificate (translated as necessary – see guidance on translations) and post the solicitor certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address.

Photograph and photograph form – Upload a certified copy of your photograph (front and back) and post the certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address. The photograph submitted should have been taken within the 6 months prior to making the application and be a passport style photograph. The person certifying the photograph should have known the applicant for at least 2 years and should complete the photograph
form as well as certifying the back of the photograph.

Statutory declaration (if applicable) – Applicants are only required to complete a declaration if they cannot provide a birth certificate, are applying to register in a name not on their birth certificate (excluding name changes via marriage/civil partnerships etc) or have a different name than the name on their supporting documents. The declaration form is available via the online application.

Declaration A: This declaration should be completed if the applicant is not able to provide a birth certificate that is acceptable for registration purposes.
Declaration B: This should be completed if the applicant is not using the name as shown on their birth certificate (and they have not provided a relevant marriage certificate).
Declaration C: This should be completed by an applicant whose name is different on their documents to that on their application for example their license to practise is in their previous name and they wish to register in their married name.

Certificate of Current Professional Status/Evidence of registration and good standing

This must be an original document (not a certified copy) from the applicant’s competent authority which confirms registration and good standing with that authority.

This document must be sent directly to the Pharmaceutical Society NI by the applicant’s competent authority, if this document requires translation, it will be sent by the Pharmaceutical Society NI to the applicant to have translated and then the applicant can upload the translated copy. The organisation will not accept this document from the applicant.

The competent authority must confirm that the applicant has not been the subject of any disciplinary proceedings and that there are no pending disciplinary proceedings against them.

An applicant who is not registered with a competent authority is required to provide a letter from the relevant competent authority (the professional competent authority from the applicant’s member state of qualification) that confirms that if the applicant wished to register with that authority, there would be no known reason to prevent this registration or the applicant’s ability to practise as a pharmacist in that state.

Applicants who are not registered in their member state of qualification or any other member state are required to also submit an up-to-date clear police record from their member state of qualification. Under Article 50 of Directive 2005/36/EC a letter of good standing has validity for 3
months.

A completed application must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue of the applicant’s certificate of current professional status.

Applicants that have been registered with more than one competent authority and/or have worked in an additional country during the last 5 years must submit certificate(s) of current professional status from each of these authorities.

Compliance with Directives – The organisation requires an original document from the applicant’s competent authority which confirms their qualification or work experience complies with the relevant European Directives.

This document must be sent direct to the Pharmaceutical Society NI by the applicant’s competent authority, if this document requires translation, it will be sent by the Pharmaceutical Society NI to the applicant to have translated and then the applicant can upload the translated copy. The organisation
will not accept this document directly from the applicant.

Documents confirming compliance with Article 23 of Directive 2005/36/EC i.e. the ‘acquired rights’ certificate have a validity of 3 months. A completed application must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue of this document.

The registration fee is to be paid upon submission of an application.

Applications cannot be processed whatsoever until all supporting documents are received.

Certified copies of documents

Where a certified copy of a document is provided this must be certified as a true copy of the original. Certification must be by a solicitor with the declaration: ‘I certify that I have seen the original document and this this is a true copy of the original’. The copy must be signed and dated and have the official solicitors stamp also giving details of the name and address of the solicitor certifying the documentation. No alterations or corrections are permitted (e.g. liquid paper).

Translations

If any of the documentation provided is not in English, an applicant is required to provide a certified translation in English as well as a certified copy of the original.

The translation must be completed by an authorised translator.

It must be a literal translation. Not an interpretation of the original document.

All certifications and ink stamps on the original document must also be translated.

The translator must put their business stamp on each document translated and sign and date the statement “this is a true and accurate translation” and attach the translation to the original language document or provide a list of documents translated.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Continuing Professional Development is a statutory and professional requirement for all registered pharmacists in Northern Ireland. By submitting an application for registration, you are confirming that you will meet the requirements and conditions of the CPD framework in respect of continuing professional development for the CPD year 01 June to 31 May.

Early CPD Requirements

Early CPD requirements will apply to those applicants who fall into the following categories:

a pharmacist applying for restoration to the Register, having previously been removed from the Register for non-compliance with the CPD Framework;
a pharmacist applying to re-join the Register, having voluntarily withdrawn from the Register during a previous CPD year but having failed to submit a CPD portfolio for that year;
a pharmacist applying to rejoin the Register, having not been registered as a pharmacists within the last 12 months.

Please review the CPD Framework for early CPD requirements.

Pharmacist restoration to the Register

Restoration process for former registrants (i.e. those who have previously been removed by Council, removed for non-compliance with CPD requirements or removed by the Statutory Committee) – if you wish to apply to be restored to the Register, please visit: portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login

These applications take approximately 21 days to process from receipt of a correctly completed application and supporting documents.

An applicant is not permitted to practise until they have confirmation that they are registered.

An applicant can further check their registration status by checking the online register

Important information relevant to your application is available below:

Former registrants who had previously been removed by Council, removed for non-compliance with CPD requirements, or removed by Statutory Committee can apply for restoration to the register.

Once an application for restoration has been submitted, we will review the application and will be in touch to advise of any other requirement, depending on the reason for your previous removal from the Register.

Depending on the reason for removal, the Registrar may require the applicant to undertake additional education, training or experience as a condition for restoration to the Register. This will include an additional 30 hours continuing education and the submission of a Personal Development Plan.

Early CPD Requirements

Early CPD requirements will apply to those applicants who fall into the following categories:

a pharmacist applying for restoration to the Register, having previously been removed from the Register for non-compliance with the CPD Framework;
a pharmacist applying to re-join the Register, having voluntarily withdrawn from the Register during a previous CPD year but having failed to submit a CPD portfolio for that year;
a pharmacist applying to rejoin the Register, having not been registered as a pharmacists within the last 12 months.

Please review the CPD Framework for early CPD requirements.

Once the Registrar’s requirements have been satisfied, the application for restoration to the register will take approximately 21 days to process. Please ensure that the application has been completed correctly and any supporting documents are submitted with your application.

It is important that all applicants to join the register of pharmaceutical chemists are competent to be registered. Competence may be evidenced in a number of ways but always includes evidence of qualification and training.

Certificate of Current Professional Status – This must be an original document (not a certified copy) from the applicant’s competent authority which confirms registration and good standing with that authority.

The competent authority must confirm that the applicant has not been the subject of any disciplinary proceedings and that there are no pending disciplinary proceedings against them.

A completed application must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue of the applicant’s certificate of current professional status.

Additional fee – Depending on the reason for removal, there may be an additional fee to be paid. Once we have reviewed your application, we will be in touch to advise and arrange payment.

Registration process for applicants first registered in the European Economic Area (EEA)

Application process for applicants first registered in EEA or Switzerland – if you first registered in EEA or Switzerland, please visit portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login to set up an online account and submit your application.

Pharmacists who have been first registered in EEA or Switzerland and wish to practise in Northern Ireland, must register with the Pharmaceutical Society NI. Applicants must complete and submit an application for registration as an EEA qualified pharmacist together with supporting documents, verified when necessary. These applications take approximately 35 days to process from receipt of a correctly completed application and supporting documents.

An applicant is not permitted to practise as a pharmacist in Northern Ireland until they have confirmation that they are registered.

An applicant can check their registration status by checking the online register: https://registers.psni.org.uk/

Important information relevant to your application is available below

Applicants must complete/provide the following:

Complete an application for registration as a pharmacist first registered in the EEA or Switzerland. This application is available via the online portal, using the “Register for a new account” button – https://portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login. If you have accessibility issues, please contact registration@psni.org.uk for assistance.

form and complete the declaration provided on the application before a solicitor.

Diploma/Degree certificate – Upload a solicitor certified copy of their diploma/degree certificate and post the solicitor certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address. If the applicant cannot provide this document, then they must provide a letter from their University confirming that they have awarded the qualification.

License to Practise – Upload a solicitor certified copy of their license to practise and post the solicitor certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address. This document is issued by the applicants qualifying member state.

Passport/Proof of Identity document – Upload a solicitor certified copy of their passport/proof of identity document (front cover and photograph page’s – blank pages are not required) and post the solicitor certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address.

Birth Certificate – Upload a solicitor certified copy of their birth certificate (translated as necessary – see guidance on translations) and post the solicitor certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address. Where an applicant is unable to provide a birth certificate, they should complete declaration A of the statutory declaration.

Marriage Certificate (if applicable) – Upload a solicitor certified copy of their marriage certificate (translated as necessary – see guidance on translations) and post the solicitor certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address.

Photograph and photograph form – Upload a certified copy of your photograph (front and back) and post the certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address. The photograph submitted should have been taken within the 6 months prior to making the application and be a passport style photograph. The person certifying the photograph should have known the applicant for at least 2 years and should complete the photograph
form as well as certifying the back of the photograph.

Statutory declaration (if applicable) – Applicants are only required to complete a declaration if they cannot provide a birth certificate, are applying to register in a name not on their birth certificate (excluding name changes via marriage/civil partnerships etc) or have a different name than the name on their supporting documents. The declaration form is available via the online application.

Declaration A: This declaration should be completed if the applicant is not able to provide a birth certificate that is acceptable for registration purposes.
Declaration B: This should be completed if the applicant is not using the name as shown on their birth certificate (and they have not provided a relevant marriage certificate).
Declaration C: This should be completed by an applicant whose name is different on their documents to that on their application for example their license to practise is in their previous name and they wish to register in their married name.

Details of employment as a pharmacist since first registering – Applicants must complete details of where they have been employed as a pharmacist since the date of their first registration. This employment information must include all employment since first registration, even if the employment has not been in the pharmaceutical sector.

Police check – Upload a solicitor certified copy of police check(s) and post the certified document to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address. The applicant should provide a police check from each jurisdiction in which they have lived and worked since first registering as a pharmacist. If the police check is not written in English, this should be translated by a translation service and both the untranslated and the translated versions certified by a solicitor should be uploaded and post the certified document(s) to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address.

Certificate of Current Professional Status/Evidence of registration and good standing

This must be an original document (not a certified copy) from the applicant’s competent authority which confirms registration and good standing with that authority.

The competent authority must confirm that the applicant has not been the subject of any disciplinary proceedings and that there are no pending disciplinary proceedings against them.

A completed application must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue of the applicant’s certificate of current professional status.

Compliance with Directives – The organisation requires an original document from the applicant’s competent authority which confirms their qualification or work experience complies with the relevant European Directives.

The registration fee is to be paid upon submission of an application.

Applications cannot be processed whatsoever until all supporting documents are received.

Certified copies of documents

Translations

If any of the documentation provided is not in English, an applicant is required to provide a certified translation in English as well as a certified copy of the original.

The translation must be completed by an authorised translator.

It must be a literal translation. Not an interpretation of the original document.

All certifications and ink stamps on the original document must also be translated.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Early CPD Requirements

Early CPD requirements will apply to those applicants who fall into the following categories:

a pharmacist applying for restoration to the Register, having previously been removed from the Register for non-compliance with the CPD Framework;
a pharmacist applying to re-join the Register, having voluntarily withdrawn from the Register during a previous CPD year but having failed to submit a CPD portfolio for that year;
a pharmacist applying to rejoin the Register, having not been registered as a pharmacists within the last 12 months.

Please review the CPD Framework for early CPD requirements.

European Qualifications (Pharmacists) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019

Non-EEA applications for registration

Application process for applicants first registered outside of GB, EEA or Switzerland – Currently the Pharmaceutical Society NI does not recognise pharmacy qualifications obtained outside of GB, EEA or Switzerland.

Currently to register in Northern Ireland it would first be necessary to contact the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), in London, who offer qualifying courses to overseas pharmacists (OSPAP) at six university locations in GB.

An applicant would then be required to complete the foundation training year requirements, which is one year in either GB or NI and then register in Great Britain or Northern Ireland depending on where the foundation training year was undertaken.

Any updates relating to the development of the Non-EEA route of registration will be published in this section of the website.

Registration on completion of Foundation Training Year in Northern Ireland

Applications for registration as a pharmacist following completion of foundation training year and the common registration assessment are available via portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login

Further information about the process and timelines is communicated directly to those on our student register at the relevant time and will be available on the Student section of our website.

Appealing a registration decision

Where a determination has been made by the registrar not to register an applicant, an appeal to this decision may be made to the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society NI*. At it’s meeting of 17 January 2017, the Council set out the procedure to be used in such an event. The Procedure can be found here.

Appeals should be made within 28 days of receipt of the registrar’s decision.

To make an appeal against a decision not to register, the applicant should write to the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society NI via the office of the Chief Executive at the following email address: ExecutiveAssistant@psni.org.uk

*excluding any notice of decision made via the GPhC comparative assessment. Appeals of this nature are made directly to the GPhC.

Replacement registration certificate

Replacement registration certificates – if you require a replacement registration certificate, please visit portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login and complete the application for replacement certificate.

Fees associated with registration

Current fees are as follows:

Registration
Registration fee – £477.00

Retention on the register (01 June annually)
Retention on the register – £477.00

Restoration to the register
Penalty fee charged in addition to the retention fee, for default in payment of retention fee. – £75.00
Fee charged in addition to the registration fee, for restoration of name to the register following removal by Statutory Committee – £121.00

Fees associated with the Student Register
Student Registration fee – £206.00

Student annual retention fee – £10.00

Common Registration Assessment fee – £174.00

Misc Fees
Lost/Replacement certificate – £5.00

Please note that all fees are non-refundable

Professional indemnity arrangements for pharmacists in Northern Ireland

Professional indemnity arrangements for pharmacists in Northern Ireland

It is a statutory requirement of registration for practising pharmacists in Northern Ireland to have an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement in respect of liabilities which may be incurred in practising under the Pharmacy (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, Article 11A.

An indemnity arrangement may comprise—

(a) a policy of insurance;

(b) an arrangement made for the purposes of indemnifying a person; or

Pharmacists also have a personal responsibility to ensure that they have an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement in place for activities undertaken by them or under their control under Standard 2.13 of the Code of Conduct, Ethics and Performance for Pharmacists in Northern Ireland (2026).

Standard 2.13 – Maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance.

The requirement for an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement can be met via an employer’s arrangement for those who are employed or by having an individual professional arrangement or a combination of the two.

A pharmacist seeking to join, be restored to or be retained on the register must declare in writing, at the time of application or retention, that they have or will have a professional indemnity arrangement in place by the time they begin to practise.

The requirement for having professional indemnity arrangement is linked to registration and a pharmacist who is unable to complete the required declarations or, in some circumstances, provide supporting evidence may have their application for registration, restoration or retention refused.

Where the Registrar intends to refuse an application for registration, restoration or retention on the register, or where the Registrar intends to remove a name from the register, the pharmacist has a the right of appeal to the Statutory Committee in accordance with procedures set out in Article 10 of The Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (Indemnity Arrangements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014.

You can view ‘frequently asked questions’ about this requirement below.

Please note that the Pharmaceutical Society NI cannot offer advice on what type and level of professional indemnity arrangement is appropriate.

Professional guidance and advice on professional indemnity arrangements should be sought, where appropriate, from a professional body, trade union or defence organisation, or specialist insurers/advisors.

Professional indemnity arrangements and Fitness to Practise

Professional indemnity arrangements and Fitness to Practise

It is the responsibility of pharmacists to ensure that they have or will have a professional indemnity arrangement and that it is appropriate to their area of practice.

Whilst in the majority of circumstances failure to hold an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement means that an individual who is unable to complete the required declarations or, in some circumstances, provide supporting evidence may have their application for registration, restoration or retention refused, in some circumstances failure may be treated as misconduct. In these cases, the Registrar must consider, in accordance with Pharmacy (Northern Ireland) Order (1976) Schedule 3, paragraph 5(1) whether to refer the matter to the Scrutiny Committee or (where regulations under paragraph 5(1) of that Schedule so provide) to the Statutory Committee.

The Registrar will consider initiating a Fitness to Practise investigation, if he / she believes a pharmacist:

has made a false declaration that they have a professional indemnity arrangement in place while practising;
registered or renewed their registration with the Pharmaceutical Society NI but has cancelled their professional indemnity arrangement and has failed to put an alternative professional indemnity arrangement in place; or
has a professional indemnity arrangement which is not appropriate for their practice, as set out in Pharmacy (Northern Ireland) Order (1976), Article 11A.

Frequently asked questions: Professional indemnity arrangements and your registration/retention

I am employed as a pharmacist. What will the requirement mean for me?

It is anticipated that most pharmacists meet this requirement as many work in a managed environment where they are indemnified by their employers.

As the indemnity declaration, which is required as part of the application for registration, restoration or retention, is made by the pharmacist, they are required to check that their employer’s indemnity arrangements cover the full scope of their practice.

I am a self-employed pharmacist. What will the requirement mean for me?

Self-employed pharmacists must ensure that they will have an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement in place.

I undertake a combination of self-employed and employed work as a pharmacist.

Pharmacists undertaking a combination of employed and self-employed work, or if they work for more than one employer, must ensure that they will have an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement in place for each area where they practice.

I am currently not practising will I need a professional indemnity arrangement?

Pharmacists who are not practising are not required to have professional indemnity arrangement in place unless they practise.

Pharmacists returning to practise will be required to obtain and provide evidence, if requested, of an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement prior to returning to practise.

I am a registered pharmacist in Northern Ireland, but I work as a lecturer, not in direct healthcare. How does this affect me?

The statutory requirement is for all registered pharmacists who are practising in Northern Ireland to have a professional indemnity arrangement in place.

In such circumstances, a pharmacist must ensure that their employer’s indemnity arrangement is appropriate and relevant to the pharmacist’s scope of practice.

What about Good Samaritan acts?

A Good Samaritan act is where clinical assistance is given in a medical emergency, which a pharmacist may happen upon in a personal rather than professional situation. The legislation requires a pharmacist to have professional indemnity arrangement for actions or deeds undertaken as part of their employment or self-employment. Good Samaritan acts sit outside this requirement.

However, pharmacists should seek advice from their professional association, union or insurer, in relation to any insurance cover required for Good Samaritan acts.

What is vicarious liability?

The principle of vicarious liability is that an employer can be liable for the wrongs (e.g. negligence) committed by an employee in the course of their employment. It does not mean that the employee is no longer liable for their own negligence including meeting any indemnity requirements.

How will Pharmaceutical Society NI check that a professional indemnity arrangement is in place?

Pharmacists applying to join, be restored to or be retained on the register will be required to complete the indemnity arrangement declaration, confirming that:

they have professional indemnity arrangement in place that is appropriate to their scope of practice and can provide evidence of this indemnity cover, if requested; or

if they are not practising at the time of the application, that they will have an indemnity arrangement in place before starting to practise.

The Pharmaceutical Society NI will not routinely seek evidence of professional indemnity arrangements but may request a copy of the professional indemnity arrangement or such other information deemed necessary to determine that an appropriate indemnity arrangement is in place within a specified timeframe.

The statutory requirement for pharmacists to have an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement is a condition of registration with the Pharmaceutical Society NI. Failure to satisfactorily complete the indemnity insurance declaration may result in an application to join, be restored to or be retained on the register being refused.

A pharmacist who is practising must promptly inform the Registrar when an appropriate indemnity arrangement ceases, in accordance with Article 6 of The Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (Indemnity Arrangements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014. In such cases, the Registrar will seek assurances that the pharmacist will not practise until an appropriate indemnity arrangement is restored.

A pharmacist must be able to provide information regarding their indemnity arrangement on request to any person wishing to access their services.

What is an appropriate professional indemnity arrangement?

It is for each individual pharmacist to assure themselves of the appropriateness of their professional indemnity cover.

Appropriate cover means that the professional indemnity arrangement in place is appropriate to the pharmacist’s role, scope of practice and the risks involved with their practice. The professional indemnity arrangement must be sufficient to meet the costs of litigation and any successful claim for compensation.

Levels and types of professional indemnity arrangement will vary from professional to professional and advice should be sought from specialist insurers/advisors on the appropriateness of professional indemnity arrangements having regard to the pharmacist’s circumstances.

Pharmacists should ensure that they understand the terms of their Professional Indemnity arrangement and should declare all relevant information to their indemnity provider which may influence a provider’s decision whether to offer cover.

An independent review on the introduction of regulator led indemnity arrangements recommended to the UK government that:

‘Provided that there has been full disclosure of relevant facts, in the event that personal cover for self-employed practice is alleged to be inappropriate, pharmacists should be entitled to rely on the defence that they have acted in accordance with the proposals of their insurer or indemnifier.’^[1]

It is anticipated that this situation will apply to complaints received by the Pharmaceutical Society NI.

How will the Pharmaceutical Society NI judge appropriateness?

Pharmacists should assure themselves of the appropriateness of their professional indemnity arrangement.

The Pharmaceutical Society NI will investigate any complaint made whereby evidence is produced of an inappropriate professional indemnity arrangement.

During the course of an investigation, we will rely upon the advice of appropriately qualified insurance and indemnity experts.

What is the difference between insurance and professional indemnity?

Public liability insurance can cover compensation claims if you’re sued by a member of the public for injury or damage, while professional indemnity insurance can cover compensation claims if you’re sued by a client for a mistake that you make in your work.

Should I get insurance or an indemnity arrangement?

To meet the requirements of the legislation, either insurance or a professional indemnity arrangement is acceptable. However, whichever form is chosen must be appropriate for the nature and risks of your practice.

Where can I find guidance or support to help me choose an appropriate provider?

Practicing pharmacists must assure themselves that they have professional indemnity arrangement in place that is appropriate to their scope of practice. The Pharmaceutical Society NI cannot advise about the level and type of arrangement you will need.

Pharmacists should seek advice from their professional body, trade union/defence organisation, specialist insurer (if appropriate) or their employer.

[1] F Scott (2010) Independent review of the requirement to have insurance or indemnity as a condition of registration as a healthcare professional. Available at assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/216297/dh_117457.pdf .

Declarations to the Registrar

Pharmacists are required to make self declarations to the Pharmaceutical Society NI with regard to their fitness to practise. Standard 3.1.6 of the Code of Ethics and Standards (March 2016) imposes upon registrants a professional obligation to:

“Promptly inform the regulator, your employer and other relevant authorities of any circumstances that may call into question your fitness to practise or has the potential to bring the profession of pharmacy into disrepute.”

“Impairment of fitness to practise” is defined at para 4 of Schedule 3 to the Pharmacy (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 (as amended) and includes misconduct, certain criminal or disciplinary matters, deficient professional performance and any “adverse physical or mental health which impairs their ability to practise safely and effectively or which otherwise impairs their ability to carry out the duties of a registered person in a safe and effective manner.”

Registrants are also under a statutory duty to notify the registrar in writing of certain criminal or disciplinary proceedings or investigations within 7 days (see regulation 3 of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (Fitness to Practise and Disqualification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012).

Registrants must also consider their health when determining their fitness to practise. Principle 5.1.1 provides that registrants “must practise only when you are competent and fit to do so.”

If you are concerned that a physical or mental health condition may impair your ability to practise, you must seek to clarify this with your treating physician. If, following discussion with your treating physician, you continue to have concerns regarding your fitness to practise, you should make a declaration in relation to your health.

Any declaration regarding a health matter will be completely confidential.
Please note that a GP report may be requested and/or you may be asked to undertake an occupational health assessment / other health assessment commissioned by the organisation.
A declaration form should ONLY be completed if you wish to make a declaration.

If you wish to make a declaration please do so via the online portal.

Certification of photographs for applications

When applying to register (excluding former registrants) you must submit a recent passport style photograph (taken within the last 6 months) which has been certified on the back and provide a photograph form, completed by the person certifying your photograph.

Your photograph must be certified, signed, and dated by a professional person, or a person of standing in the community. Examples include a pharmacist, a university lecturer, a registered solicitor, or a licensed Medical Practitioner.

The person providing the countersignature must not be related to you by birth or marriage.
Neither should they be in a personal relationship with you nor live at your address.
The signatory must have known you for at least two years.

The certification on the back of the photograph should read: “I certify that this is a true likeness of [applicant’s full name]”

The photograph must be signed and dated by the signatory under the certification.

Changes to the register

Change of address or contact number

It is the registrant’s responsibility to ensure that their contact details remain up to date. To change your address or contact telephone number(s), please do so via the online portal: portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login

Change of Name and/or Title

It is the registrant’s responsibility to ensure that their personal details remain up to date.

You only need to notify us of a change of name and/or title if you want to use your new name to practise.

To change your name and/or title, you will be required to complete the change of name and/or title application via the online portal: portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login and upload a solicitor certified copy of the relevant certificate.

The relevant certificates are listed below:

Marriage certificate – if the change is due to marriage
Decree absolute – if the change if due to divorce
Deed poll document – if the change is following a change of name by deed poll
Doctorate certificate – if the change is due to obtaining a Doctorate.

The solicitor certified copy should then be posted to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address.

When posting the solicitor certified copy of the relevant certificate, registrants must also return their original hard copy registration certificate.

If you were only ever issued with an electronic registration certificate, we will be able to see this on our records and there is no need to contact us.

If you were issued with a hard copy registration certificate, but you cannot locate it, please contact registration@psni.org.uk for advice on next steps.

A new registration certificate will be available once the change has been made to the Register. Please note that registration certificates are now only issued electronically.

If you have accessibility issues, please contact registration@psni.org.uk for assistance.

Change of email address

It is the registrant’s responsibility to ensure that their contact details remain up to date.

To change your email address, please send an email to registration@psni.org.uk stating your name, registration number and the email address that you want to use.

Leaving the Register

Withdrawal by request from the register

Registrants, who wish to be voluntarily removed from the register of Pharmaceutical Chemists in Northern Ireland, may apply to leave in accordance with Regulation 7(6) of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (Fitness to Practise and Disqualification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012. Normally, registrants who are subject to fitness to practise procedures will not be permitted to remove their name from the register by voluntary request.

Each application is processed by the Registrar in accordance with these Regulations.

If a registrant wishes to withdraw near the end of a retention year, a correctly completed withdrawal application (with a removal date no later than 31 May) must be received by 11 May. Any late applications will only be accepted at the discretion of the Registrar.

In order to be removed from the register you submit an application for withdrawal via the online portal. Any registrant leaving by voluntary request must be able to produce evidence they have met their obligations for Continuing Professional Development whilst on the register as set out in the CPD framework.

Once an application to withdraw by request is received, the registrant will receive an automated acknowledgement. If a registrant does not receive an acknowledgement, they should contact the Society seeking confirmation. The Society will inform the registrant if their application to withdraw by request from the register has been successful or is on hold for any reason, e.g. pending fulfilment of CPD obligations.

Please note that these applications take approximately 21 days to process.

Once withdrawal from the register has been confirmed, the original registration certificate must be returned to the Society within 14 days. If the registration certificate cannot be returned for any reason, you must email the registration department at registration@psni.org.uk for advice.

Please check the register to confirm the current registration status of any pharmacist.

Reporting the death of a registrant

To inform the Pharmaceutical Society NI of the death of a registrant, e-mail or write to us, at:
Registration Department
Pharmaceutical Society NI
73 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1HL

Email: registration@psni.org.uk

If the registrant resided in Nirthern Ireland, and their professional has been listed as “Pharmacist” or “Retired Pharmacist” on the detah certificate, then there is no need to provide us with any documentation, as the General Registrar’s Office provide us with this information.

If the registrant was not resident in Northern Ireland, or they were not listed as a pharmacist or returned pharmacist on the death certificate, then we will require an original or solicitor certified copy of the death certificate to remove their name from the Register.

If an original is sent, this will returned by next day recorded delivery (please ensure that you include the senders name and address so that we may return it).

If sending a copy, this must be certified by a solicitor.

The details of the cause of death may be redacted by the sender, if they wish.

The registrant’s original registration certificate should also be returned to the Pharmaceutical Society NI to be marked as “Void”, if possible.

Removal of registrants for non-payment of fees

Removal of registrants for non-payment of fees

The annual fee is due on or before the 01 June of each calendar year. Statutory notification will be given, as defined in the Pharmacy (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 to those pharmacists who have not paid their retention fee. Following this notice, the names of those registrants who have not paid their fees are submitted to Council. The Registrar will request Council to instruct the removal from the register of those registrants who remain unpaid two months after the statutory notice has been given.

There is an additional fee payable for registrants removed from the register for non-payment of fees before restoration to the register.

For more details on the annual retention process, please visit the Pharmacist Retention section of our website.

Certificate of Current Professional Status

Pharmacists currently registered in Northern Ireland who wish to apply for registration to practise in another country require a ’Certificate of Current Professional Status’ (CCPS) to be sent on their behalf to the relevant regulatory authority. This certificate will confirm a registrant’s/former registrant’s good standing with the Pharmaceutical Society NI, and also outline details about their registration, i.e. university attended, qualification and pre-registration/foundation year training details.

The certificate is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Most regulatory authorities request this document as part of their registration process.

The turnaround time for these applications is approximately 21 days* from receipt of a correctly completed application. Incomplete/incorrect application will not be processed. The Pharmaceutical Society NI cannot make any amendments/additions to the application on your behalf.

*whilst we endeavour to process applications for CCPS within 21 days, there can be circumstances in which this is not possible, for example if the requesting registrant has a fitness to practise matter, the application can take more time to process. In all circumstances, we will endeavour to keep registrants updated on the status of their application.

This certificate is sent directly to the regulatory authority marked on the application. You will not receive a copy of the CCPS, however, you will receive confirmation from apps@psni.org.uk advising that we have issued the CCPS.

All applications for a certificate of current professional status must now be made through the registration online portal.

Note for foundation year trainees:

A CCPS can only be requested once active on the register. Please note that these applications take approximately 21 days to process.

In order to register with another regulatory body at the end of the foundation year training you must initially register with the Pharmaceutical Society NI. If you do not, you will not meet their requirements for EEA recognition of professional qualifications.

This is detailed in the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications.

Registering as an Independent Prescriber

If you wish to be annotated as an Independent Prescriber, please complete the relevant application via the online portal: portal.psni.org.uk/Account/Login

If you have completed an accredited Independent Prescriber course and meet the criteria for
registration as an Independent Prescriber we can now add the annotation “IP” against your name
on the register.

Please follow the instructions below:

Complete an application including payment of the £25 fee.

Upload a copy of your IP pass certificate confirming completion of an accredited Independent Prescriber course;

Your original registration certificate must be returned to the Pharmaceutical Society NI’s office address before your application for IP annotation can be processed. If you cannot locate your original registration certificate, please contact the registration department for advice on next steps.

These applications will normally be processed within 21 working days.

Please note, the Pharmaceutical Society NI only receives IP pass lists from QUB/NICPLD. If you have been awarded your IP qualification from any other university, it is your responsibility to request written confirmation of passing, from the IP course facilitator/university. This confirmation
must be sent by email directly from the course facilitator/university to registration@psni.org.uk and must contain your name and the date on which your IP qualification was awarded. Your application cannot proceed without this confirmation.

You will be able to practise as an Independent Prescriber when you have received written confirmation that your name has been annotated on the Register.

You will also receive a new registration certificate, by email, including annotation details.

If you have accessibility issues, please contact registration@psni.org.uk for assistance.

Pharmacists Removed for Non-Payment of Fees - 02 December 2025

The following list details the names of those pharmacists removed from the Register of Pharmaceutical Chemists in Northern Ireland on the direction of Council due to non-payment of retention fees. Removal is effective from 02 December 2025 (inclusive):

Registration Number

Forename(s)

Surname

Removal Date

8056

Irfan

Mirza

02.12.2025

6548

Laura Elizabeth

Patterson

02.12.2025

8060

Mona

Salavati

02.12.2025

8054

Shayan

Aminian

02.12.2025

6413

William Zachary

Charlton

02.12.2025

If you have accessibility issues, please contact us by using one of the following:

Email : registration@psni.org.uk

Phone : 02890 326927

Post:

Registration Department

Pharmaceutical Society NI

73 University Street

Belfast

Co Antrim

BT7 1HL

Pharmacist Registration

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