Helen Gordon

Chief Executive, Royal Pharmaceutical SocietynHelen joined the Royal Pharmaceutical Society on 1 July 2010 and has developed its role, work and impact as the newly dedicated professional body for pharmacists in Great Britain. Under Helen’s leadership and direction the organisation has created a much stronger member- focused service, introduced a professional development and recognition system for pharmacists, published professional standards as well as guidance, and has increased its profile and contribution to international pharmacy. The organisation has gained greater recognition for speaking on behalf of the pharmacy profession, a higher level of participation from patient groups, and is actively working in collaboration with other Royal Colleges on initiatives that benefit patients. Prior to this she held the position of Chief Executive of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, a position she held from 2005.nnHelen has a career in health care spanning over 30 years. Originally training as a nurse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, she progressed through a number of senior clinical and managerial positions, including the roles of Executive Director of Operations /Chief Nurse and Chief Executive at Hillingdon Hospital, and then from 2000-2005 she was Chief Executive at Queen Mary’s Sidcup NHS Trust.nnFor the past 6 years she has contributed to higher education as a Governor for Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee there. In 2013 Helen was approached to chair the new Alumni Relationship and Development Advisory Board at Henley Business School/ University of Reading.nnShe was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of General Practitioners in November 2013.nnApart from being a music lover, in her spare time Helen pursues her interests in marine conservation, particularly relating to preservation of sharks, and spends most holidays scuba diving around the world.