Wes Mountain / The Royal Pharmaceutical Society
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has announced the names of eight pharmacists in England and six pharmacists in Wales who have successfully been elected to positions on the inaugural national pharmacy advisory councils for the Royal College of Pharmacy.
In a statement published on 13 March 2026, the RPS confirmed that 26 nominations were received for the 8 substantive places on the English Pharmacy Advisory Council, while 7 nominations were received for the 6 vacancies on the Welsh Pharmacy Advisory Council.
No election took place for the Scottish Pharmacy Advisory Council, where 5 nominations were received for the 5 vacancies, so the candidates were elected unopposed.
In England, Bruce Warner, Joseph Williams, Mahendra Patel and Claire Nevinson were elected to three-year terms, while Katherine Pearson, Sarah Baig, Mildred Johnson and Aisling Considine were elected to two-year terms.
In Wales, Aled Roberts, Gareth Hughes and Liz Hallett were elected to three-year terms, while Sarah Brown, Clare Clement and Amy Jayham were elected to two-year terms.
In Scotland, Jonathan Burton, Kellie King and Joshua Miller will hold three-year terms, while Paul Forsyth and Jill Swan will hold two-year terms.
The length of terms were decided by the number of votes cast for each candidate, except in Scotland where lots were drawn to determine the allocation of the terms of office.
The elections were held between 23 February and 11 March 2026. There was a voter turnout of 11.1% in England and 18.1% in Wales.
The three national pharmacy advisory councils for England, Scotland and Wales — previously known as national pharmacy boards — “will contribute to the development of the College’s strategy and aid its implementation within each nation.ontribute to the development of the College’s strategy”, the RPS said.
“Each council, and its elected members, will be responsible for engaging with members and representing the College; developing pharmacy policy and practice in their national and supporting professional development activity in their nation,” it added.
Paul Bennett, chief executive of the RPS, offered his “sincere thanks” to everyone who stood for the elections.
“Their enthusiasm, leadership and passion reflect their commitment to building an ambitious and confident royal college that benefits both professionals and patients.
“I extend a warm welcome our newly elected council members as we take this important step towards building an inclusive and influential royal college for pharmacy,” he said.
“I’d also like to thank everyone who voted. The contributions of new and continuing elected members will be crucial to the success and effectiveness of the new Royal College of Pharmacy, so that it can deliver on the high expectations and ambitions we all share.”
