Royal College of Pharmacy elections 2026: Darren Powell

I bring over three decades of pharmacy leadership spanning frontline practice, local professional representation, regional management and national policy.

My career began in community pharmacy, progressing to deputy superintendent pharmacist supporting operations, service quality and clinical governance across a broad footprint. I now work as a clinical lead in NHS England’s Transformation Directorate, focusing on national patient safety and governance while continuing to practise on the frontline.

Alongside operational roles, I have contributed extensively to regulation and advocacy. I served on the General Pharmaceutical Council Investigating Committee, represented pharmacists through the PDA Union and supported contractors via my local pharmaceutical committee.

I chair the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Digital Pharmacy Expert Advisory Group, collaborating across all UK nations to shape digital policy and professional standards.

My qualifications include a BPharm, a diploma in clinical pharmacy (community) with honours and postgraduate training in leadership and clinical risk management, to support ongoing professional practice nationwide.