Health and beauty retailer Superdrug rolls out eight week training programme across its physical store estate
Superdrug has announced the launch of its new Level 3 equivalent Healthcare Ambassador Accreditation, designed to strengthen the expertise of store colleagues and help them to deliver safe, informed advice on everyday health concerns.
The launch comes as new research among 634 Superdrug UK customers shows growing demand for accessible healthcare support on the high street. 66% believe health and beauty retailers play an increasingly important role in supporting everyday healthcare, with 65% saying they would value more in-store support and guidance for their health and wellbeing.
As more people seek convenient help with minor conditions, many are turning to stores as an accessible first step. 75% of shoppers say store colleagues are a helpful first point of contact for minor health concerns.
Customers are seeking support across a broad range of needs:
59% ask for advice on over-the-counter treatments
56% seek help with minor illnesses and symptoms such as sore throats, coughs and headaches
45% look for guidance on vitamins and supplements
20% would also ask for advice on sleep or stress related issues.
In response, the new Healthcare Ambassador Accreditation introduces a more structured and advanced level of learning for employees, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to provide clear, accurate and responsible healthcare advice. The eight-week programme is being introduced across 75 stores.
Simon Comins, Superdrug’s Chief Operating Officer, comments:“People are increasingly looking for convenient, trusted support with everyday health concerns, and the high street has an important role to play.”
This programme builds on the strong foundations already in place across our stores, giving colleagues even greater confidence to help customers with everyday health needs and ensuring they can offer clear, responsible advice at the right moment. As demand for accessible healthcare support grows, it’s important that our teams are equipped to respond safely and confidently.”
Roll-out will continue across the Superdrug store estate in the coming months.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Training programmes will be a key focus area at our sister title RTIH’s 2026 Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out the 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
