Nominations for the National Pharmacy Advisory Councils in England, Scotland and Wales opened yesterday (5 January), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has announced.
The elections provide a ‘unique opportunity’ for members to influence pharmacy policy and practice across Great Britain and play a key role in shaping the new Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm), expected to launch in April 2026.
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To stand for election, candidates must:
- Be an RPS member (MRPharmS) or Fellow (FRPharmS) by 5pm on 29 January 2026;
- Be a current registrant with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC);
- Stand for the Council the nation where they work;
- Have two nominators who are both also RPS members.
Nominations close at 5pm on 2 February 2026.
RPS president, Professor Claire Anderson, said: ‘These elections mark a historic moment as we move 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.’
RPS chief executive, Paul Bennett, added: ‘We need diverse experiences to build a strong royal college and ensure it reflects the patients we serve.’
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He encouraged anyone who is passionate about pharmacy to consider standing for election to the new National Pharmacy Advisory Councils.
At the RPS annual conference in November, pharmacy leaders hailed the creation of the Royal College of Pharmacy as a ‘historic opportunity’ for a collective voice – one that must be inclusive, transparent and united.
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The discussion followed the RPS’s vote earlier this year, in which members voted in favour of becoming the ‘Royal College of Pharmacy’ with charitable status.
Joe Irvin OBE was recently appointed chair of the board of trustees for the future RCPharm.
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