A royal college is only as strong as its membership

As the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) moves toward its transition into a royal college, I believe our profession stands at one of the most important turning points in its modern history. This is why I have chosen to stand for election to the National Pharmacy Advisory Council for England. My decision is shaped by a simple belief: a royal college is only as strong as its membership. If pharmacists and pharmacy technicians do not feel represented, supported or connected, the royal college cannot speak with the authority our profession deserves.

Throughout my career — across community pharmacy, system leadership and commissioning — I have seen first‑hand the dedication of colleagues delivering care in challenging circumstances. I have also heard a recurring question from many of them: “What has the RPS done for me?” We must treat this not as criticism to be deflected but as a call to action. Rebuilding trust, relevance and value is essential if we want a royal college that commands respect across the NHS, government and the public.

I believe I can contribute meaningfully to this task. My experience spans both front‑line patient care and board‑level leadership. I have worked closely with NHS England, integrated care boards, GPs, local medical committees and community pharmacy organisations to design services, build partnerships and reduce friction across the system. I understand the pressures pharmacy teams face at the counter, dispensaries, hospitals, in clinics and in multidisciplinary teams — and I also understand how decisions made at system level shape what is possible on the ground.

If elected, my priorities will be clear:

• Strengthening member value and rebuilding trust in the royal college;
• Developing a credible, career‑long leadership pathway for pharmacists;
• Ensuring pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have a central voice in designing patient pathways;
• Championing national professional standards that improve safety, quality and workforce capability.

This is not about titles or status. It is about restoring pride in our profession, ensuring our expertise is recognised and building a royal college that truly feels like it belongs to all of us — community, hospital, primary care, academia and beyond.

Gursaran Matharu (Raj)

Candidate for the inaugural elections to the English Pharmacy Advisory Council