The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued an important update for all registered pharmacists regarding changes to the 2025 annual retention process and an extension to the current CPD submission period.
In communications circulated on 18 April and 16 May 2025, and reinforced in a further notice this week, the PSNI confirmed that this year’s annual retention process has been delayed. A preliminary new date of 1 August 2025 has been set, with further details to follow in due course. This decision comes following the recent consultation on registration fees, notification procedures, and direct debits — all of which require legislative amendments and Department of Health approval before implementation.
CPD Submission Extended to 30 June 2025
In addition to the delayed retention process, the PSNI has acknowledged technical issues affecting its Regulator Online (ROL) portal, which have disrupted pharmacists’ ability to complete their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) submissions.
To accommodate those affected, the CPD deadline has been officially extended from 31 May to 30 June 2025. Pharmacists can include any CPD completed up to the new date in this year’s submission or carry it forward to the 2025/2026 cycle if preferred.
The Society is working to update the ROL portal to reflect the new submission deadline, and has reassured pharmacists that these changes will not interfere with portal access.
Looking ahead, the standard CPD deadline of 31 May will resume in 2026.
Stay Informed
Pharmacists who have not received the previous email updates are encouraged to check their spam or junk folders. If the messages are still not located, they should contact info@psni.org.uk with their name, registration number, and current email address to ensure they receive all future regulatory communications.
Canice Ward, Chief Executive of the Pharmaceutical Society NI, extended his thanks to all registrants for their patience and understanding as the organisation works through these important regulatory changes and technical updates.