"We have been arguing for a more formal system of qualification for several years, and we have developed innovative and inspiring training courses to give Responsible Persons the skills and information they need to carry out their duties. The response from industry has already been hugely positive (see quotes below), and it is clear that many wholesalers recognise the value of training for RPs even when regulations have not required it," said Lyndsey Wright of RSSL Pharma Training.

Under the new requirements a Responsible Person will need to possess a statement of eligibility to be named on a Wholesale Licence. This will apply both to new and existing RPs with a two year transition period applying to existing RPs. Statements of eligibility will only be issued to Responsible Persons who can demonstrate they have the required knowledge and competencies to properly fulfil their role and responsibilities.

As the pioneer of RP training in the UK and Ireland, and an established provider of Good Distribution Practice training, RSSL Pharma Training is already adding extra courses to its 2011 calendar in anticipation of extra demand. "Those clients that have already attended our RP courses will be ahead of the competition when the new requirements come into force, but the competency and qualification of RPs is clearly about much more than competitive advantage. It is in the interests of everyone that RPs understand and carry out best practice so that the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain can be maintained and even improved."