Key Summary
- The GPhC aims to move away from a "pay and punish" perception toward a model that enables high-quality patient care.
- Regulation will evolve to support pharmacists as they take on more complex clinical responsibilities and professional judgment calls.
- Cashell has set out a vision for an “empowering, not punitive” approach to pharmacy regulation.
General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) chief executive and registrar Kathie Cashell has pledged to lead a regulator that supports rather than intimidates pharmacy professionals, while focusing on public protection.
While addressing the Clinical Pharmacy Congress (CPC) in London on Friday (8), she said she aims to ditch the "pay-and-punish" image, fostering an environment where pharmacists and technicians thrive in delivering top-tier care amid growing clinical demands.
Cashell also reflected on her own experience of being a newly qualified nurse, and how that perspective continues to shape her approach to leadership and regulation.
She said that after taking up her role in March she has been focusing on “listening” - engaging with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, students and patients.
Setting out her ambitions, the chief executive said she wants the GPhC to be high‑performing, efficient, transparent and accountable.
It should be able to deliver clear value for money for registrants and become a trusted, forward‑looking voice in healthcare regulation.
GPhC’s LinkedIn post mentioned that Cashell has set out a vision for an “empowering, not punitive” approach to pharmacy regulation.
Her focus is on supporting pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to deliver safe, high-quality care while maintaining strong public protection and trust.
The event also included speeches from other GPhC officials.
GPhC’s chief pharmacy officer and deputy registrar Roz Gittins participated in a panel on safer, evidence-based prescribing.
Senior clinical advisor and inspector Amira Chaudry spoke on “The Green Prescription: Sustainable Practices in Healthcare”, and explored how sustainability can be embedded in healthcare delivery and professional practice.
Senior clinical advisor & deputy chief pharmacist Aileen O’Hare spoke about the Churchill Fellowship and taking part in the session “Leading through change: supporting wellbeing for yourself and your team.”
National pharmacy technician fellow Olivia Musson shared her experiences at the event.
