by Neal Patel, RPS Associate Director of Membership 

The pharmacy landscape in the UK is changing rapidly. With advancements in practice, pharmacists are taking on expanded responsibilities to enhance patient care. Pharmacists are working across practice settings and are now prescribing, dispensing and administering medicines such as vaccines both within and outside of the NHS.

Pharmacists tell us they are concerned about their professional liability and want to be confident that they are doing the right thing for patients. Transparency and trust are the cornerstones of any relationship and are mutually valued by pharmacists and patients with regards to healthcare.

Equipping Pharmacists for the future

At RPS, we are committed to empowering pharmacists in all settings, regardless of career stage or role, to practice with confidence. As the professional leadership body, we champion pharmacists by equipping them with the tools, guidance and support they need to thrive in their practice whilst maintaining patient safety and high standards of care.

This support includes training and professional development to gain new skills, professional standards and guidance to support work in new areas of practice, and credentialing to assure quality of practice at all levels.

But pharmacists must also feel personally secure. They cannot be expected to expand the scope of their work without knowing they are confident to practice. Professional Indemnity (PI) is a requirement of the General Pharmaceutical Council. RPS Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) includes PI as well as essential legal and professional advice in case things go wrong.

Responding to members’ concerns

After a survey of 1,116 RPS members from across different sectors of practice in 2022, it became clear that members found the current provision of insurance difficult to navigate and confusing, and didn't enable people to work across sectors. Available insurance products are complex and don’t necessarily support the changing needs of pharmacists.

Because there are so many different PLI policies available, you’re not always aware what’s covered and what isn’t. For example, some PLI policies may not cover costs associated with vaccination, prescribing or working in a different sector – even if you're carrying out a similar role. This lack of clarity affects patients and can make it more difficult for pharmacists looking to provide the best treatment.

Our survey showed over half of members haven’t changed their PLI provider in over a decade, as there are very few options in the market. 76% of members thought it was a good idea for RPS to offer insurance.

Pharmacists today require insurance that is flexible, affordable and easy to understand. Flexible enough to accommodate all stages of practice, including advanced and portfolio careers; affordable at every stage of their career, and easy to understand whilst meeting the complex demands of diverse practice settings, including prescribing as standard.

Pharmacists’ risk in focus

To address these needs, we have worked with insurance broker Aon, to explore the risks that pharmacists face and assess potential areas of improvement in current provision. We are now able to offer an insurance product, called RPS Professional Liability Insurance (members have the option to opt out if they choose). RPS Professional Liability Insurance provides indemnity for the unique challenges and opportunities of pharmacy practice, ensuring pharmacists are protected as they expand their roles.

Adding a competitive offer to the market for insurance can create better value, which benefits both members and the profession. The current lack of diversity must be addressed so practicing pharmacists, particularly prescribers, are safe.

Future-proofing professional risk

We believe that PLI should support clinical development and progression, rather than limit what a pharmacist feels able, confident and safe to do.

Our new RPS Professional Liability Insurance offer represents a real step forward in our support for the profession. By addressing gaps in existing coverage and providing a solution we will better underpin pharmacy practice and ensure every pharmacist can focus with confidence on what they do best: delivering exceptional patient care.

More information on RPS Professional Liability Insurance

RPS survey data available in this report

Professional Liability Insurance is arranged by Aon UK Limited and underwritten by certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s led by Carbon Syndicate 4747. Aon UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 00210725. Registered Office: The Aon Centre, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AN. Tel: 020 7623 5500. FP.CORP.2025.349.GG