An independent review into the work of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) and local pharmaceutical committees (LCPs), was published in June, recommending a radical overhaul of the PSNC and LCPs – including restructuring and rebranding the former into Community Pharmacy England (CPE).

In light of the 33 recommendations in the review – which was led by Professor David Wright – the NPA has said a “national vote with a ‘triple lock’ approval process should be required” for the proposed changes to go ahead.

The “triple lock” approval would require an”absolute majority” of all contractors – as well as of the sector’s two “main constituent parts”, independents and multiples – to nationally vote and agree on any suggested changes before they are implemented, the NPA said in a statement on Monday (August 17). “Significant change needs a significant and unequivocal mandate,” it  added.

The NPA is also asking the PSNC to “establish a shadow governance board external to its existing structures” to take forward proposals.

“Any independent expertise necessary to help facilitate the process of discussion should report to that shadow board – not to the existing structures,” the NPA explained.

“Voice of independents must be heard”

NPA chief executive Mark Lyonette said the organisation supports the process of change, but emphasised that “the distinctive voice of independents must be heard and the new structure must work for everyone, big and small”.

“We believe that through collaborative working there will be a solution that meets the needs of all parts of the contractor base,” he added.

The NPA is encouraging its members to submit their views on four questions that the PSNC is currently consulting on in relation to how to proceed with the suggested overhaul by emailing [email protected] before August 24.

This will help inform the NPA’s final statement on the proposed changes, the organisation said.