The inaugural members of the three national advisory councils to the new Royal College of Pharmacy have been announced.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) announced the results of the elections for the three National Pharmacy Advisory Councils in England, Scotland and Wales.
These councils will form a key part of the new governance structure of the future Royal College of Pharmacy, which is due to launch in April 2026.
Each council, and its elected members, will be responsible for developing pharmacy policy and practice in their nation, supporting professional development activity in their nation, and engaging with members and representing the college.
RPS chief executive Paul Bennett said: ‘My sincere thanks go to all the candidates who put themselves forward this year and for the time and dedication they invested. Their enthusiasm, leadership and passion reflect their commitment to building an ambitious and confident Royal College that benefits both professionals and patients.
‘I extend a warm welcome our newly elected council members as we take this important step towards building an inclusive and influential Royal College for pharmacy.
‘I’d also like to thank everyone who voted. The contributions of new and continuing elected members will be crucial to the success and effectiveness of the new Royal College of Pharmacy, so that it can deliver on the high expectations and ambitions we all share.’
Candidates elected to the council in England
Three-year term:
- Bruce Warner
- Joseph Williams
- Mahendra G Patel OBE
- Claire Nevinson
Two-year term:
- Katherine Pearson
- Sarah Baig
- Mildred Johnson
- Aisling Considine
Candidates elected to the council in Wales
Three-year term:
- Aled Roberts
- Gareth Hughes
- Liz Hallett
Two-year term:
- Sarah Brown
- Clare Clement
- Amy Jayham
Candidates elected unopposed to the council in Scotland
Five nominations were received for the five vacancies on the Scottish council, so no election was required.
Three-year term:
- Jonathan Burton
- Kellie King
- Joshua Miller
Two-year term:
- Paul Forsyth
- Jill Swan
Lots were drawn to determine the allocation of the terms of office, the RPS added. The RPS said the newly-elected council members will be able to put themselves forward for additional roles in the Royal College by being elected to positions on the Senate and the Board of Trustees – these positions will be announced in late March.
The election results are yet another step towards the RPS transitioning into a Royal College on 15 April, after King Charles III approved changes to the organisation’s Royal Charter earlier this week.
A version of this article was originally published by our sister publication The Pharmacist.
