Royal Pharmaceutical Society
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has announced proposals for the organisation to register as a charity and become a royal college, to be called the Royal College of Pharmacy.
Announcing the proposals on 12 September 2024, the RPS explained that they require a vote of support from RPS members, before being submitted to the Privy Council to approve amends to the organisation’s current Royal Charter, and the charity regulators.
“The proposals are the outcome of a comprehensive independent review of the constitution and governance of RPS, which has taken place over the past 18 months,” the statement said.
“The proposed transition to a royal college aims to establish a stronger and more collaborative leadership body that can better deliver its strategic ambitions.
“Central to this is enhancing and developing RPS core activities in education, assessment and credentialling, and standards and guidance to assure professional standards, to the benefit of patients and the public,” it added.
The proposed move would include Pharmaceutical Press, the Society’s knowledge business, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary called Pharmaceutical Press Ltd.
The plans require endorsement by a two-thirds majority of voting members to enable the changes to progress. The Society expects the vote to take place early in 2025.
Ahead of the vote, members will have the opportunity to attend a series of engagement events to find out more details and allow the RPS to gather members’ feedback.
Claire Anderson, president of the RPS, said: “It’s time for pharmacy to take its place alongside other health and medical professional leadership bodies and for RPS to become the Royal College of Pharmacy.
“Becoming a royal college is a natural progression, reinforcing our commitment to our members and enhancing our capacity to serve patients and the public.
“It will empower us to better advocate for pharmacy and deliver our mission and vision; ensuring that we are always at the forefront of the safe and effective use of medicines.”
Paul Bennett, chief executive of the RPS, said: “Our proposed change in status reflects our commitment to the highest standards of professional leadership and patient care.
“It will enable us to be more agile, collaborative and influential across healthcare. As a royal college, we will have a stronger platform to advance the profession, push for the best possible outcomes for patients and support our members through a rapidly evolving environment.
“We are hugely excited about this next chapter in our history and want to engage with our members and stakeholders to shape the future together. We are keen to hear the views of members and the wider pharmacy community about these proposals and urge everyone to get involved.”
For more details, read our Q&A with Paul Bennett, chief executive of the RPS
2 comments
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Perhaps someone could explain what we be able to do as a Royal College that we can’t currently do?
Will annual membership costs
a.remain the same
b.decrease (by how much?)
c.increase (by how much?)
You will have already done the calculations so please tell us now BEFORE the ballot is posted out to members