The Nuffield Trust says that, from 2026, thousands of new graduates from the Master of Pharmacy programme will qualify as independent prescribers at the point of registration for the first time but warns there is a shortage of suitable supervisors and inconsistent arrangements for providing oversight.

In addition, researchers note limited funding for training places, patchy opportunities for continued professional development and a lack of protected time for prescribers to maintain and develop their skills.

Other key facts on the independent prescribing workforce:

• by 2025, non-medical clinicians accounted for 24% of the independent prescribing workforce
• pharmacists have the greatest proportion of their workforce qualified as independent prescribers (22,770 prescribers, 33% of all pharmacists)
• nurses make up the greatest number, accounting for 69% of non-medical prescribers (68,180 prescribers, 8% of nurses). However, there is no data collection about nurse prescribing outside of primary care, leaving a significant knowledge gap about this workforce
• 4% of physiotherapists, 7% of paramedics, 7% of chiropodists/podiatrists and 5% of therapeutic radiographers were independent prescribers by November 2025. 

Nuffield Trust deputy director of research, Sarah Scobie said: ‘To get the most out of independent prescribing, the forthcoming NHS workforce plan must set out clearly the role prescribers will play within neighbourhood teams, and plans must be based on local population needs. Better monitoring of independent prescribing practice in all settings will also be crucial. Without this, the opportunities presented by the incoming wave of new pharmacist prescribers will sadly be missed.'

Professor Claire Anderson, RPS president, said: ‘While this report highlights some challenges, it's important to recognise the significant opportunity the expansion of pharmacist prescribers presents. We're already seeing the impact across the UK, with improved access to care and support patients with long-term conditions. In Scotland and Wales, nationally commissioned services are enabling more patients to benefit from prescribing in community pharmacy, while in England the NHS Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Pathfinder Programme is helping to shape future services, and we look forward to this being expanded to ensure more equitable access.

‘As more pharmacists qualify as prescribers, it's essential they are supported with appropriate supervision, protected learning time and ongoing professional development to build confidence and practise safely within their competence. With the right workforce planning and investment, pharmacist prescribers can play a central role in delivering more care closer to home and supporting wider NHS priorities.'

A DHSC spokesperson said: ‘This Government is determined to expand the role of pharmacies and better utilise the skills of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, including a commitment to making prescribing part of the services delivered by community pharmacists.

‘Pharmacies are central to our shift towards community-based care, and we increased community pharmacy funding to £3.1bn in 2025/26 — the largest boost for any part of the NHS over the last two years.

‘Our 10-Year Health Plan sets out how community pharmacies will play a central role in delivering the neighbourhood health service and ensuring more people can receive care closer to home, freeing up GP appointments.'

The DHSC is currently consulting with Community Pharmacy England on the 2026/27 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework.