What is the ‘Declaration of competence’ and why should pharmacists be using it to show what services they can deliver?

The ‘Declaration of competence’ (DoC) system is a nationally approved scheme developed by the Community Pharmacy Competence Group (CPCG). Hosted by CPPE, it allows pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to reflect on their learning and practice, and to record evidence of competence to deliver pharmacy services.

It is supported for use across England by Health Education England. It is also endorsed by NHS England and Public Health England.

What is DoC?

The DoC system is a self-assessment framework that allows pharmacy professionals to declare their competence to deliver a public health service. A structured series of steps needs to be worked through to ensure that they have the appropriate skills, knowledge and behaviours to deliver high quality, consistent services. Working through the competence framework supports reflection on current practice and previous learning.

Any gaps in competence can be addressed by working through elements of the learning and assessment pathway. Once a pharmacist is confident that they are meeting the required competencies, he or she signs their own personal declaration statement. This should be kept in the pharmacy where they practise and assures the pharmacist or technician concerned, commissioners and employers that the necessary competencies are in place to provide the service.

If someone has already provided a service for a number of years, they should still work through the DoC system. Failure to do so could be viewed as a disciplinary matter by the GPhC. Previous learning and experience, however, can still contribute to that required within the framework.

Why should DoC be used?

Working through the DoC system allows a pharmacist to be service-ready even if a particular service is not provided locally. This empowers an individual to take a more proactive approach when engaging with commissioners, and allows them to seek opportunities for new, innovative pharmacy services. The DoC system can also be used as a personal CPD tool.

An increasing number of commissioners across England are already using the DoC system within service specifications, although additional training requirements may still be required. Other methods can also support competence and develop practice. These could include peer review or work-shadowing.

There are currently 12 public health services for which there is an associated DoC. All pharmacy professionals are expected to meet the core competencies of consultation skills and safeguarding.

The DoC system has been developed by the CPCG and is hosted by CPPE, who develop and deliver key elements of the learning pathway. To find out more and to access the Declaration of competence, visit: cppe.ac.uk/services/declaration-of-competence