RP/Responsible Person
The MHRA and the European GDP Guideline of 5 November 2013 require that, in order to gain and retain a Wholesale Dealer’s Licence (WDA) licence, wholesale pharmaceutical distributors must designate a Responsible Person (RP) for Good Distribution of Medicinal (GDP) who must be named on the licence. The responsibilities and liabilities of the RP remain the same whether the Responsible person is employed directly by the licence holder or is an independent contractor.
According to the MHRA, the RP is responsible for “safeguarding product users against potential hazards arising from poor distribution practices”. The duties and responsibilities of a RP includeensuring that the provisions of the licence are fulfilled by means of GDP and GMP compliance and best practice within all regulated activities, a compliant quality system is established and maintained and a suitable document control system is in place to ensure that adequate records are maintained. In addition, the RP will need to oversee the audit of the quality system, carry out independent audits and cooperate with the product licence holder and regulatory authorities with regard to drug returns and product recalls.
In order to carry out his/her duties, the RP should have knowledge of the products being traded under the licence and the conditions necessary for their safe storage and distribution. The RP should have access to all areas and records which relate to the licensable activities and regularly review and monitor all such areas.
Skills and Experience required to become an RP
Degree in pharmacy (preferable) or Qualified Person status
Practical experience in Supply Chain, Production and Quality Assurance relating to the distribution of medicinal products
Extensive knowledge of GDP and GMP
Experience of hosting MHRA inspections, client audits and self-inspections
High level of accuracy
North West England
North West England is one of nine official regions of England. It consists of Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. Major towns and cities in the North West include Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton, Carlisle, Macclesfield, Knutsford, Blackpool and Warrington.
Cumbria in the north of the region is largely rural whereas the south of the region is much more densely populated. The North West is known as the “Northern Powerhouse” thanks to its strong history in manufacturing. In days gone by the region was particularly famous for its textile industry, but the manufacturing today is based more on food and drink, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and transport. Digital technology, including games and software development, is also a major sector in the region, particularly in Liverpool and Manchester which have both seen huge growth in tech start-ups.
Famous people born in the North West: Wayne Rooney, footballer and Paul McCartney, musician.
North West England is a great place to further your career in life sciences. If you are a looking for pharmaceutical jobs in North West England, scientific careers in North West England or want to discuss cell therapy, gene therapy, ATMP, medical device, technology, biotech or pharmaceutical job opportunities in North West England, give our Next Phase team a call. The North West area is continuing to expand as a centre for jobs in science, process development, technology, software development, project management, informatics, quality, reg affairs and supply chain.
At Next Phase we help people find new jobs in life sciences across the UK, Europe and USA. This page lists some of the job opportunities in the North West, and if you give us a call we can also talk to you about other scientific jobs, pharmaceutical career opportunities and the latest updates in cell and gene therapy and ATMP development in the given area.
