Royal College of Pharmacy launch a 'landmark moment'

The launch of the new Royal College of Pharmacy today is a 'landmark moment' that 'heralds a new era' for the sector, its inaugural president has said.

The transition of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) into the new royal college comes a year after its members voted in favour of changes to the society’s Royal Charter.

The inaugural president of the Royal College of Pharmacy, Tase Oputu, said the launch of the new organisation was just the ‘beginning of the journey’.

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She added: ‘Today is a landmark moment and heralds a new era for pharmacy – but it’s just the beginning of the journey. The real work of change begins now.

‘Becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy gives us a stronger platform to develop a louder and more influential voice, and a renewed purpose to champion pharmacy and drive excellence in practice.

'With strong governance and profession-led leadership in place, the new royal college can step into the future with confidence and ambition, determined to play a unifying role in advancing pharmacy practice and improving patient care.

‘Let’s harness the momentum, build on the potential of today and work together to ensure the new Royal College of Pharmacy becomes the professional leadership body that pharmacy and patients deserve.’

The launch follows the establishment of a new profession-led leadership team, including the election of three national pharmacy advisory councils, the senate and the president, alongside the appointment of a chair of trustees and recruitment of lay trustees.

The new college has committed to:

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• Creating a strong and unified voice for pharmacy;
• Supporting pharmacists and pharmaceutical science to advance the safe and effective use of medicines; and
• Driving excellence in practice for the benefit of patients and the public.

The Royal College of Pharmacy also has plans in place to progress its credentialing programme, develop new learning resources and deliver enhanced support for members.

The new organisation has been given a rebrand to reflect the college’s ‘proud heritage’ while placing renewed emphasis on pharmacy. This includes a new logo, a new website, new content and updated resources.

Members will need to log in to the new website and change their password to access their accounts.

Looking ahead, the college says it will work with members, fellows and the wider pharmacy community to shape its long term strategy – a process that will involve a period of ‘evidence-gathering’ and ‘deep engagement’, informed by the recommendations of the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board (UKPPLAB).

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Inaugural chair of trustees Joe Irvin said: ‘Over the coming months the college will be delivering against a transition strategy, drawn from our five commitments, while we develop our long-term strategy.

‘We will continue to work with members and partners to ensure the college’s direction is shaped by member insight, evidence and the needs of patients, and reflects the skill, passion and potential of the pharmacy community.’