By 31st March 2026, all registered pharmacy professionals, (including locums) working in a pharmacy at the point of declaration must hold an enhanced DBS check issued within the last three years, or a status check conducted using the DBS update service (i.e. between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2026).
This requirement, introduced under the Patient Safety domain of the Quality Scheme, is intended to bring the frequency of DBS checks in pharmacy into alignment with that of other NHS healthcare professionals. With patient safety and accountability under increasing scrutiny, criminal record checks have become a central part of recruitment and compliance. In the future, the Terms of Service for pharmacy owners are likely to include a formal requirement for carrying out regular enhanced DBS checks.
Pharmacy owners must retain evidence for inspections and to demonstrate compliance. This evidence must be available for inspection after 31st March 2026 and kept for three years for post-payment verification (PPV). Under the NHS ‘Manage Your Service Portal’ pharmacy contractors also need to declare:
- The total number of registered pharmacy professionals working at the pharmacy on the day of the declaration who have undertaken an enhanced DBS check and received a certificate or a status check using the DBS update service since 1st April 2023.
- As per the above, but who will undertake this requirement between the day of the declaration and the end of 31st March 2026.
- That the pharmacy owner has the evidence to demonstrate that all registered pharmacy professionals working at the pharmacy on the day of the declaration have undertaken an enhanced DBS check and received a certificate or a status check undertaken using the DBS update service to support the safe provision of clinical services within the last three years (between 1st April 2023 and end of 31st March 2026).
Rising Demand and Regulatory Expectations
Across the sector, demand for DBS checks is growing as legislation and safeguarding standards continue to evolve. Independent community pharmacies and larger healthcare providers alike are making pre-employment screening a priority to meet regulatory expectations and strengthen public trust.
Inspections by bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC), increasingly expect employers to demonstrate robust and transparent background screening.
When DBS Checks Are Compulsory in Service Delivery
According to Community Pharmacy England (CPE), DBS requirements also apply in specific service contexts:
- Flu vaccinations delivered in patients’ homes (including care homes) must be carried out by vaccinators with valid DBS certificates.
- For the New Medicine Service (NMS) delivered in patients’ homes, contractors must have safeguarding arrangements in place, which includes ensuring pharmacists have valid DBS certification.
Why DBS Checks Matter in Pharmacy
Pharmacists and their teams are trusted professionals, responsible for:
- Dispensing medicines safely.
- Managing controlled substances.
- Providing expert health advice.
- Supporting vulnerable individuals, including children and elderly patients.
Given this responsibility, safeguarding through DBS checks is a vital component of due diligence and patient protection.
The appropriate level of check – Basic, Standard, or Enhanced – depends on the role and extent of patient contact. For example a pharmacist should have an enhanced check with both child and adult barring lists and both child and adult workforce requested.
Supporting Pharmacies with Compliance
DBS checks are now more than best practice; they are becoming an integral part of contractual and regulatory compliance in pharmacy. Whether you are a sole contractor or managing multiple branches, adopting a clear, consistent DBS policy protects patients, strengthens public trust, and safeguards professional integrity.
Due Diligence Checking supports pharmacies with our digital compliance solution. Our system streamlines DBS processing, securely stores evidence, generates inspection-ready documentation, and ensures GDPR compliance.
For advice on eligibility, role-specific requirements, or to arrange checks quickly, contact us:
