Pharmacist’s Suspension Ends After Sexual Harassment Misconduct and Intensive Remediation

Date of Decision: October 23, 2025

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

Sent a sexually inappropriate WhatsApp message to a colleague.
Physically touched a colleague’s buttock without consent.
Engaged in conduct found to be sexually motivated, in pursuit of sexual gratification and/or a future sexual relationship.
Verbally harassed and intimidated the same colleague upon her return to work.
Retaliated against the colleague for raising concerns with senior staff.

Outcome: Fitness to practise no longer impaired; 12-month suspension to lapse on 4 November 2025.

GPhC Standards Breached:

Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care
Standard 2 – Work in partnership with others
Standard 3 – Communicate effectively
Standard 5 – Use professional judgement
Standard 6 – Behave in a professional manner
Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership

Case Summary

Allegations

This case centred on serious professional misconduct by the registrant, a pharmacist, while employed at Buchans Chemist in Birmingham. The allegations related to a series of inappropriate and sexually motivated behaviours towards a female colleague (“Colleague A”) during and after their shared shifts. These included sending an unsolicited message via WhatsApp stating, “Don’t sit next to me…u turning me on,” and physically squeezing her buttock. The panel found these actions were sexual in nature and motivated by a desire for sexual gratification or a future sexual relationship.

Following Colleague A’s return to work after the incident, the registrant shouted at her with phrases such as, “what the fuck are you talking about all this time,” and, “ring him back, I’ll give him your fucking number – you can go out with him.” He further humiliated her by suggesting in front of patients that one of them was her boyfriend and confronted her about her complaints to management. These actions were found to constitute harassment, intimidation, and retaliatory behaviour for her having reported the misconduct.

Findings

The Fitness to Practise Committee at the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) concluded in its initial hearing (August and October 2024) that the registrant’s conduct was grossly inappropriate, sexually motivated, and posed a significant risk to public trust in the profession. As a result, a 12-month suspension was imposed, effective from 4 November 2024.

At the review hearing held on 23 October 2025, the Committee reviewed the registrant’s progress during the suspension. Substantial remediation efforts were presented, including:

Completion of a professional boundaries training course.
Active mentorship under a respected Superintendent Pharmacist.
A portfolio of CPD, case studies, and safeguarding protocols.
A reflective statement addressing the impact of his behaviour.

The registrant admitted his behaviour, accepted full responsibility, and expressed genuine remorse, describing the experience as humbling and transformative. He emphasised personal growth and the impact of his actions on his family, particularly his children.

GPhC Determination on Impairment

The Committee considered whether the registrant’s fitness to practise remained impaired. It applied the principles set out in Abrahaem v GMC [2008] EWHC 183, which require the practitioner to demonstrate insight, remediation, and the addressing of past concerns.

While the Committee acknowledged that the registrant’s insight into the root causes of his misconduct was not fully articulated—particularly the psychological motivation behind his actions—it concluded that there had been a sufficient and sustained effort to reflect and reform. Importantly, no new incidents had occurred, and his conduct during the suspension was exemplary.

The Committee found:

“The registrant has demonstrated sustained remediation, professional development, and a willingness to engage with the process.”

Although the Committee expressed mild concern that the registrant had not fully explained his misconduct, it ultimately determined that he no longer posed a risk to patients, the public, or colleagues.

Sanction

As the registrant was found no longer impaired, the 12-month suspension imposed in 2024 will lapse upon expiry on 4 November 2025. No further action or conditions were imposed. The Committee agreed that the initial suspension had served the purpose of upholding professional standards and public confidence.

Key Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals

Sexual Misconduct Has Serious Consequences: Inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, especially of a sexual nature, is a significant breach of professional standards. Even if perceived as “joking” or culturally relaxed, such actions can have damaging effects on colleagues and reputations.
Professional Boundaries Must Be Maintained: Pharmacists are expected to uphold high standards of behaviour. This case demonstrates the importance of recognising and respecting personal and professional boundaries at all times.
Remediation is Possible with Genuine Effort: The registrant’s ability to demonstrate meaningful change through mentorship, CPD, and personal reflection helped in mitigating the long-term impact of the original sanction.
Mentorship and Supervision Matter: Working under a mentor who actively supported remediation efforts contributed significantly to the Committee’s positive assessment of the registrant’s fitness to practise.
Lack of Psychological Insight Can Hinder Progress: Although remediation was substantial, the registrant’s inability to fully articulate the psychological factors that led to his behaviour was noted as a limitation. Deep self-reflection is essential in rebuilding trust.
Public Trust is Central to Professional Recovery: The registrant’s case serves as a reminder that being a pharmacist extends beyond clinical competence. Upholding integrity and earning trust through consistent professional behaviour is equally vital.
Training and CPD Are Crucial Tools: The registrant cited a specific e-learning module on workplace sexual harassment as impactful. Pharmacy professionals should regularly engage with ethics, safeguarding, and conduct-related training.

This case highlights the importance of professional conduct in maintaining public confidence in pharmacy, and it illustrates that recovery from serious misconduct is possible—but only through consistent, genuine, and documented remediation efforts.

Original Case Document

The full determination transcript is available to logged in users.