Overview
The Scottish Government has agreed to an annualised pool of £1 million to support the training of employee Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (CPIPs) in community pharmacies.
This funding forms part of the broader early career framework for community pharmacists in Scotland, which brings together the national post-registration foundation training programme and the independent prescriber course — creating a pathway to maximise expertise in medicines and enhance patient care through NHS Pharmacy First Plus.
This is a Non-Global Sum payment — it falls outside the core Global Sum and supports a specific workforce development function rather than general dispensing remuneration. It is a standalone arrangement agreed between CPS and the Scottish Government.
At a Glance
Funding Overview
What This Funding Supports
Training costs for employee pharmacists undertaking the CPS/NES funded Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing course
Backfill funding to support contractors while their employee pharmacist is completing training
Building the legacy IP workforce across Scotland to expand access to NHS Pharmacy First Plus in communities
Enabling progression through the early career framework — from newly qualified pharmacist through to Independent Prescriber status
Career Pathway
Route to Independent Prescriber Status
