APTUK president Nicola Stockmann last week (July 8) announced that she will step down from the role “to focus on [her] family and other areas of [her] life”.
In a statement posted on X, she said that she had made the decision “with a heavy heart” following “a period of time away from the organisation to grieve and reflect on the last few months”.
Stockmann leaves the organisation “in the trusted hands” of vice president Amy Laflin – who will serve as interim president until a nomination process and recruitment has been completed - and the APTUK board of directors, she said.
Read more: Nicola Stockmann takes up ‘prestigious’ role as APTUK chief
“It has been an honour to lead the profession and organisation during such a pivotal time for pharmacy technicians and the evolving pharmacy landscape,” she added.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity and experience to meet and learn from colleagues, so many of whom I am also privileged to call friends…Because of you all, the future of pharmacy is so bright,” she said.
“Dedication and leadership”
Stockmann thanked Laflin and the APTUK board and executive committee “for their understanding and leadership”, who extended their “sincere thanks” to her for her “dedication, leadership and valuable contributions to the organisation during her tenure”.
Laflin brings “substantial experience and valuable insight”, APTUK told C+D, adding that it is “confident in her commitment, with the support of the board of directors, to lead APTUK through this important transition”.
“Thank you, Nicola, and welcome, Amy,” the organisation said.
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APTUK remains “committed to advancing the voice, leadership and professional development of pharmacy technicians across the UK”, Laflin said.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with our members, partners and stakeholders to ensure continuity, stability and continued growth during this important period of transition,” she told C+D.
Stockmann took up the post in March 2024 for a two-year term, replacing outgoing president Claire Steele.
RPS director of pharmacy departs
It comes as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) last week (July 7) announced that its acting director of pharmacy Elen Jones will leave the organisation in October to become pharmacy dean at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW).
RPS chief executive Paul Bennett said that the organisation is “exceptionally sorry” to see Jones leave “after eleven years of loyal service” - joining initially as principal policy advisor in Wales and later holding roles such as policy & practice lead and director for Wales.
But Bennett added that he is “delighted to celebrate” Jones’ new appointment at HEIW.
Read more: RPS appoints England director after six-month delay
“[She] has grown immensely as a leader in her time with the RPS and I look forward to watching her flourish still further in her new position and to her continued support as a fellow of the RPS in our journey towards establishing the future Royal College of Pharmacy,” he said.
Jones said that she is “immensely proud” of what she and the RPS have “achieved together”, adding that she has had “the privilege of contributing to meaningful change in practice” and “valued the opportunity to work on GB-wide initiatives” and to advocate for the profession.
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“I remain deeply committed to the RPS’ vision and mission and will continue to support the transition to a Royal College, both in my new role and as a proud member and fellow,” she said.
The RPS will begin recruitment to the posts of director for Wales and director of pharmacy “in due course”, it added.
Last month, the RPS revealed that it has appointed Amandeep Doll as its new director for England following a “competitive and rigorous recruitment process” – six months after the departure of its previous director James Davies.
