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 of Pharmacy comes a year after its members voted in favour of changes to the society’s Royal Charter, which were approved by the Privy Council and King Charles III last month.
The inaugural president Tase Oputu, said the launch of the new organisation was ‘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.’
Royal College of Pharmacy to advance pharmacy practice
Commenting on the priorities of the new organisation, Ms Oputu added: ‘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 Ms Oputu as president, alongside the appointment of a chair of trustees and recruitment of lay trustees.
The new Royal College has committed to ‘create a strong and unified voice for pharmacy, support pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists to advance the safe and effective use of medicines, and drive excellence in practice for the benefit of patients and the public’.
This includes plans to progress its credentialing programme, develop new learning resources and deliver enhanced support for members.
Post-nominals, rebrand and transition strategy
As part of its launch, the Royal College of Pharmacy has announced changes to the post-nominals for its various members and fellows.
As of 15 April, members will use the post-nominal MRCPharm, while fellows will use FRCPharm. Pharmaceutical scientists and associate members will have the post-nominals of SRCPharm and ARCPharm, respectively.
The Royal College of Pharmacy has also been given a rebrand to reflect its ‘proud heritage’ while placing renewed emphasis on pharmacy. This includes a new logo, a new website, updated content and refreshed resources.
Members will need to log in to the new website and change their password to access their accounts.
The College said its next steps will focus on working 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).
Inaugural chair of trustees Joe Irvin said: ‘Together we are beginning a new chapter for pharmacy, rooted in collaboration, inclusivity and a shared commitment to improving care for patients and the public.
‘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.’
