The NPA describes itself as there to "help independent pharmacies to prosper, professionally and commercially, for the benefit ultimately of the patients and communities they serve".

The NPA's core functions are to offer insurance and legal service and business and practice advice and act as the representative voice of the sector to government and regulatory bodies.

Additional roles are updating members on recent developments in the sector, new drugs coming to market, and offering training and education.

The NPA is officially designated as the Medication Safety Officer for all independent community pharmacies in England with fewer than 50 branches.

In this role the NPA shares good practice in relation to medicines safety and acts as an interface with the Department of Health and Social Care on this matter.