Nigel Clarke has been appointed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society as the independent chairman of the inquiry on the principles, structure and functions of a future professional body for pharmacy.
Mr Clarke is currently chairman of the General Osteopathic Council, but will stand down from his position on 31 December. He is an experienced independent adviser, having recently conducted a review of the General Optical Council’s code of conduct for its members.
He has extensive experience within public policy, having worked for the Confederation of British Industry, the House of Commons and GJW Government Relations Ltd.
As chief executive of medical research business Vidapulse Ltd, along with performing several non-executive roles, Mr Clarke also has a strong business background.
In his role as chairman of the independent inquiry, the Society says, Mr Clarke will be supported by an independent secretariat and a small panel of independent advisers. The inquiry will be broad and inclusive and will involve two stages of consultation, a review of relevant documents, road-shows and formal evidence sessions. He will report back to Council with his findings and a proposed way forward before the annual general meeting in May 2008.
Mr Clarke’s appointment was agreed by Council at the July Council meeting. The inquiry will begin in late August 2007.
Mr Clarke, said: “I am honoured to be asked by the Society to undertake this task. It is one that will need the full participation of the whole profession in all its various forms. Obviously the work will take place alongside the work needed to create the new regulator and co-operation with that will be an important aspect of this.”
Martin Astbury, Vice-President of the Society, said: “I am delighted that an individual of Nigel Clarke’s experience and calibre will be undertaking this important inquiry. I look forward to hearing the outcome of his inquiry in the spring.”
