Shaping our future together: delivering an inclusive Royal College of Pharmacy

Leadership matters most at defining moments. This is one of them.

The proposal to establish a Royal College of Pharmacy represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen our professional identity, unity and influence. It is not simply about creating a new institution but about shaping a professional home that commands confidence from within and respect nationally and globally.

I have had the unique privilege of serving continuously — as an independent expert member — from the UK Commission on Pharmacy Professional Leadership through to the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board (UKPPLAB) and its subcommittees. I also had the privilege of proposing and leading the development of the shared vision and common purpose, now agreed by all professional leadership bodies and specialist groups. This continuity brings essential insight, independence and experience at a critical time — particularly during these formative years — when the leadership qualities we bring will shape an engaging, credible and inclusive professional platform that colleagues will be proud of for generations to come.

UKPPLAB has proposed a three-stage pathway to 2030. Delivering this will require significant engagement, meaningful support and shared ownership across the professions. The early steps are crucial: engaging members openly, co-creating an inclusive model, bringing pharmacy technicians fully into governance and membership, and securing approval through democratic processes, including a special resolution vote. This will require trust, clarity and collective commitment.

By ensuring continuity, supporting change and bringing valuable insight, I am uniquely positioned to help guide this transition in a way that delivers meaningful impact for everyone and ensures the future royal college emerges not only as a trusted professional home but also as a global leader in professional leadership. A strong collective voice under one inclusive umbrella will always carry greater influence, credibility and impact than fragmented individual voices.

For pharmacy professionals UK-wide, this means having a professional home that supports career development, advances education and research, and strengthens our collective voice. Inclusion must be real and visible, ensuring pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmaceutical scientists and students all feel heard, respected and represented.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a royal college that not only represents us today but sets the standard for professional leadership for generations to come.

With your support, I will continue to bring authenticity, influence and inclusivity — helping build a royal college that is truly a professional home for everyone.

Mahendra Patel

Candidate for the inaugural elections to the English Pharmacy Advisory Council