Jon Barlow
The four UK chief pharmaceutical officers (CPhOs) have expressed support for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS)’s royal college proposals.
In a joint statement issued on 11 March 2025, Andrew Evans, CPhO for Wales; Cathy Harrison, CPhO for Northern Ireland; Alison Strath, CPhO for Scotland; and David Webb, CPhO for England, said: “We strongly encourage RPS members and fellows to take this historic opportunity to vote in favour of a Royal College of Pharmacy.
“As CPhOs, our interest is in supporting and guiding the transition to an authoritative, effective and sustainable structure of pharmacy professional leadership in the UK.
“Through the UK Commission and the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board (UKPPLAB), we have signalled the importance of a coherent professional voice and already committed significant leadership, expertise and resources to the process.”
The statement added: “Following a successful vote, we fully anticipate a roadmap to future excellence and inclusivity as the next step.”
A special resolution vote on the proposals opens at 09.00 on 13 March 2025 and will run until 17.00 on 24 March 2025.
The vote is open to RPS members and Fellows who are currently, or have ever been, registered with the pharmacy regulator. For the proposal to pass, a two-thirds majority of votes must be in favour.
In a statement published on 13 March 2025, Claire Anderson, president of the RPS, said: “This is a historic moment in the profession’s evolution, enabling advanced practice, enhancing patient care and strengthening professional leadership.
“Becoming a royal college will ensure our profession gains the recognition and authority it deserves, uniting us under a shared banner of excellence, fostering collaboration and inclusivity across all sectors and specialties.
“This is the moment to vote in support of the resolution and to champion the role of the profession in patient care and ensure pharmacy takes its rightful place amongst other healthcare professions.”
More information on the proposals and special resolution vote is available on the RPS website.
