In this episode, we put DDA Chief Executive Matthew Isom on the spot over a recent question to our DDA Best Practice Facebook group on PA and VAT. You can also find out why we might be supplying you with eggs and flour on that subject in the free breakout session at the DDA 2026 Conference (day 2).

In this episode, we also give you our CEO's thoughts on the implications for dispensing of the new PM and health team, as well as some predictions for the Budget and some important news about the dispensing fee adjustment that might even be available to be announced at the conference itself. 

Referenced in this episode are: 

The DDA FOI requests

Dr Richard West interview (GP Online)

Pulse Today article

Management in Practice article

Join the DDA Best Practice Facebook group (member only)

DDA PA and VAT flowchart

DDA 2026 Conference registration

MediP DDA 2026 Conference Special Podcast

When the weather gets hot, we all feel like we are working harder - and so does your medicines fridge. But, are you looking after it properly? 

A fridge failure can cost you thousands in terms of lost stock but you can reduce the risk with just a small investment in servicing. 

It will also help to keep the regulator off your back. 

Medicines storage compliance, and infection prevention and control are just two of the many cost pressures facing dispensing practices. 

In our first DDA26 Conference Special Podcast, DDA Communications Officer Ailsa Colquhoun speaks with Gold Exhibitor MediP to understand how practices - and DDA members in particular - can save time and money in these vital areas.

You might also find out about the key fashion trends in surgery furniture. 

So, don't let a fridge breakdown let you down, and don't fall victim to surgery couch-barrassment. 

And, most of all, don't miss out on the special savings from MediP available to DDA members only.

Representing MediP in the podcast are Business Development Manager Luke Hess, Director Tom Preston and Key Account Manager Tegan Howarth. 

Listen in to get a better grip on your surgery costs, performance and savings.

July 2026 is an important date in the roll out of the Employment Rights Act 2025.

From July 1, employers must put protective measures in place to defend themselves against enhanced unfair dismissal claims from employees that come into effect from January 1, 2027. 

In this podcast, the DDA speaks to Mike Markham, managing director of specialist GP HR services provider Cavell HR about the implications of the new HR rules for employers of workers, including part time and zero hours, minimum wage, locums  and volunteers.

We discuss the key changes that will come into effect from July 1 and October 1, 2026, as well as review those that were implemented in April 2026 - particularly, the enhanced employer liabilities in the sphere of sexual harrassment in the workplace. 

Listen in to avoid an HMRC-style visit from the new Fair Work Agency

In the podcast we make reference to a free Unfair Dismissal pack for GPs, including: 

• A Unfair Dismissal Compliance Checklist
• An Fair Work Agency Operator Brief
• Probationary Period Structure Map
• Probationary Period Formal Review Form
• Tribunal Risk After the ERA - Training Video
• The New 6 Month Dismissal Rules - Training Video

Download the Unfair Dismissal Pack - Google Drive

"It's the 'Golden hour' to engage with the new health secretary." That's the call to action from Suffolk Coastal MP and Chair of the Labour Rural Research Group Jenny Riddell-Carpenter in the latest episode of the DDA Podcast.

In this podcast, hear Riddell-Carpenter set out the implications of the change at the top of the Department of Health and Social Care, how rural GPs can be at the heart of Neighbourhood Health and why dispensing GPs are critical to that conversation. 

Referenced in the podcast are: 

LRRG inquiry: The Future of the Rural Economy

LRRG report: Understanding Rural Britain

LRRG report: Rural Poverty in Britain

DDA Manifesto: Addressing the Disparities: A manifesto for change

RSN campaign: Rural Fair Funding: The Final Settlement for Local Government Finance (Feb 2026)

The DDA Conference takes place on Weds 30 Sept and Thurs 1 October at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham. 

In this conference preview podcast, DDA Chief Executive Matt Isom speaks about this year's innovations, including our new dispenser breakout sessions, and the many benefits conference offers to the whole dispensary team. 

There's also a chance to test your own dispensing knowledge ahead of the one and only annual DDA conference prize quiz.

Referenced in the podcast are the following:
the DDA Conference booking portal
DDA Quality in Practice Guidance 2025-28
EMIS negotiations
Parliamentary Briefing Paper: Addressing the disparities
Welsh emergency dispensing
DDA Best Practice Facebook group (DDA members only)

In this episode, the DDA speaks to the three mainland Britain GPCs to find out more about their progress towards achieving a sustainable dispensing contract in Wales, Scotland and England. 

DDA Communications Officer Ailsa Colquhoun spoke to: 

• GPC Wales Deputy Chair Dr Ian Harris
• Scottish GPC Deputy Chair Dr Al Miles (from 13m 08s)
• GPC England Chair Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer (from 25m 40s)

Referenced in the podcast are: 

The Welsh Senedd Health and Social Care Committee Report

The DDA 2026 Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd manifestos and supporting resources

In this episode DDA Communications Officer Ailsa Colquhoun speaks with Philip Edwards, Head of Pharmaceutical Services and Principal Pharmacist, at NHS BSA Prescription Services on the subject of best practice with the Drug Tariff for England and Wales. 

In this episode, you will find out where to find information on endorsing items and submitting payment claims, when to look out for changes to the Drug Tariff, and where to find other resources to help you to reduce reimbursement 'surprises'.

There is also information on the new Category H. 

There are references in the podcast to the following resources: 

The Drug Tariff for England & Wales: Drug Tariff | NHSBSA 

NHS BSA newsletter: Hints & Tips  

Concession Prices 

NHS dictionary of medicines and devices (dm+d) 

In this episode, we take a look at the challenges facing dispensing practices as electronic prescribing (and dispensing) systems roll out across England and Wales (the Electronic Prescription Service) and in Scotland (the Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways programme). 

Hear the latest news on these systems from DDA Board Members: 

Dr Mike Barstow (England)

Dr Fiona Porter (Wales, from: 12.45s)

Dr Hal Maxwell (Scotland, from: 23.30s) 

In this episode, DDA Board Member Mark Stone, pharmacist partner at the Tamar Valley Practice in Cornwall, looks at the changes to workflow and layout, buying and use of technology that the smarter dispensary can make to improve profitability and efficiency. 

Frosty" relations between the BMA and the DHSC leave dispensing contract negotiations in a fragile state. However, the DDA has a plan of action to protect dispensing practices as the challenges of 2025 fade into the New Year.  

Listen in to hear how the DDA will approach the challenges of 2026 in this new podcast