While Ms Morrison is new to the sector, she has experience in health and social care and has “a strong track-record in influencing public policy, as well as working with commercially driven enterprises”, PSNC said announcing her appointment this morning (February 4).

Ms Morrison’s previous roles include a stint as deputy chief executive at the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts and 12 years as chief executive of an older people’s charity, Independent Age.

She was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours List for her work as founder and chair of a successful campaign to end loneliness for older people.

An “exceptional candidate”

PSNC members voted unanimously for Ms Morrison’s appointment, which was approved by the full committee yesterday (February 3), PSNC said.

Commenting on her appointment, PSNC chair Sue Killen said that Ms Morrison is “an exceptional candidate”.

“The interview process, combined with Janet’s impressive career history, showed us that she has both a clear view of the job to be done, and the skills to influence and lead effectively on behalf of community pharmacy,” Ms Killen added.

“She joins at a challenging time for community pharmacies, and I know all in the sector will welcome her to the role and support her in it.”

Meanwhile, Ms Morrison said she hopes to learn more about contractors’ and pharmacy teams’ experiences “very soon”, acknowledging their work during the COVID-19 pandemic “cannot have been easy”.

“I am looking forward to representing this vibrant and important sector to policy makers, as well as working to build wider recognition of, and better support for, community pharmacies,” she said.

Ms Morrison added that “PSNC has a lot of difficult work ahead of it” but she is “excited about taking up” the possible challenges that the negotiator might face.

PSNC began the recruitment process for a new CEO in July last year, following Simon Dukes's resignation from the post.

Mr Dukes was in the role for three years, and left to join chair Fair for You, a not-for-profit online lending company.