Pharmacy is my passion. Across community, hospital, primary care and industry, I have witnessed firsthand the evolving role of our profession and its impact on patients. Like many of you, I entered pharmacy not just to dispense medication, but to make a difference — to be a trusted expert, an advocate for better healthcare and a pillar in my community. With this deep respect for our profession, I urge you to support the transformation of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) into the Royal College of Pharmacy.
I recently met with an MP, introducing myself as vice-chair of the RPS English Pharmacy Board. They mistakenly assumed I represented pharmaceutical companies. This encounter reinforced how, outside our profession, perceptions can be markedly different. Becoming a royal college more clearly communicates and distinguishes pharmacy’s place in healthcare.
This is more than a name change; it is about recognition, influence and the future of pharmacy. For too long, our profession has been divided and undervalued. We know the critical role we play in patient care, yet too often, our contributions are overlooked. Becoming a royal college sends a clear message: pharmacy is a vital pillar of modern healthcare, deserving of the same esteem as medicine, surgery and nursing.
Key benefits
Greater influence — a royal college carries weight in policymaking, ensuring our voices shape the future of healthcare.
Enhanced professional standing — the designation strengthens our credibility, fostering increased trust among peers, policymakers and the public.
Opportunities for growth — greater recognition leads to more investment in pharmacy-led research, innovation and professional development.
Stronger financial position — from my perspective as treasurer, making Pharmaceutical Press a subsidiary creates a necessary separation that strengthens financial security, while continuing to support the core vision of the royal college. Furthermore, achieving charity status involves rigorous external scrutiny, safeguarding against undue influence or financial misalignment.
Embedded credentialing — the transition embeds credentialing at the heart of pharmacy’s future, further legitimising our expertise in the eyes of employers, regulators and the public.
Addressing concerns
“It’s a rebranding exercise.” No, this secures pharmacy’s rightful place at the forefront of healthcare. It elevates pharmacy’s standing and creates new opportunities.
“What’s in it for me?” A stronger profession benefits us all by improving funding, professional development and public recognition. When pharmacy wins, we all win.
“It’s not inclusive.” On the contrary, this change amplifies all voices in pharmacy. The Royal College of Pharmacy will seek ever closer ties with Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK, Pharmacy Forum Northern Ireland and other specialist pharmacy groups.
“It won’t make any difference.” History proves otherwise. Other professions with royal colleges recorded improvements in funding, policy influence and professional development.
The moment is now
We stand at a crossroads: remain where we are or take a bold step forward. This change lays the foundation for a stronger future.
I urge you to vote yes. Do it for the profession we love, for the colleagues who work tirelessly beside us and for the generations who will follow in our footsteps.
This is our moment — let’s seize it.
Brendon Jiang, treasurer, Royal Pharmaceutical Society; and senior clinical pharmacist, North Oxfordshire Rural Alliance Primary Care Network
