Election nominations for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) future royal college are now open, the body today (January 5) announced.
The RPS said the inaugural elections to its National Pharmacy Advisory Councils in England, Scotland and Wales “offer a unique opportunity for members to influence pharmacy policy and practice” across the UK and “play a vital role in helping to shape the new organisation”.
It added that those elected to the councils can then “put themselves forward for officer roles in the royal college governance structure, such as president and vice presidents, which sit on the senate and the board of trustees”.
Read more: RPS elects interim chair of Welsh Pharmacy Board
It set out that eligible candidates must:
- Be an RPS member or fellow by January 29, 2026
- Be a current registrant with the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Stand for the council in the nation where they work
- Have two nominators, both of which are RPS members
Nominations close at 5pm on February 2, 2026.
Historic moment
RPS president professor Claire Anderson said the elections “mark a historic moment” as the RPS moves “towards becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy later this year”.
“Now is your chance to step forward, make a difference and bring your unique perspective to shaping and influencing pharmacy policy and practice in your nation,” she added.
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RPS chief executive Paul Bennett said the organisation needs “diverse experiences to build a strong royal college and ensure it reflects the patients [it serves]”.
“Your voice matters … If you’re passionate about pharmacy, please consider standing for election to the new National Pharmacy Advisory Councils and help shape the future,” he added.
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It comes after the RPS announced last month it had elected Liz Hallett as the interim chair of the Welsh Pharmacy Board.
Hallett will serve until the “inaugural elections” to the three National Pharmacy Advisory Councils in March 2026, it said at the time.
