Voting opens for first-ever elections to the Royal College of Pharmacy

Cast your vote and help shape the leadership of the future royal college

Published: 23 February 2026

This article was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Voting is now open for the inaugural elections to the new National Pharmacy Advisory Councils of the future Royal College of Pharmacy. RPS members and Fellows have until 5pm 11 March to make their voices heard.

These historic elections will appoint members to the three National Pharmacy Advisory Councils in England, Scotland and Wales, each of which will develop pharmacy policy and practice in their nation. The Councils will then elect representatives to the new Senate for the royal college, which will advise the Board of Trustees on professional matters and leads on pharmacy policy and practice at a GB level.

Voting is open to RPS members (MRPharmS) and Fellows (FRPharmS) from 23 February until 5pm 11 March so those elected can be in post ahead of the proposed launch of the new Royal College in April 2026.

Voting takes place via Mi-Voice, the independent scrutineers who are conducting the elections. Supporting information from each candidate is available via The Pharmaceutical Journal.

Professor Claire Anderson, President, Royal Pharmaceutical Society said:

“We stand at the threshold of a new chapter for pharmacy, one defined by possibility, collaboration and a shared vision for the future. I encourage every member and Fellow to take part in these elections and help shape the Royal College of Pharmacy from day one.

“This is more than an election. It is a chance to shape the leadership that will inspire and guide us for years to come. Together, we have the opportunity to build a College that reflects who we are and what we aspire to be.”

Paul Bennett, RPS CEO, said:

“Today marks a historic day in our journey to becoming a royal college. These first elections to the National Pharmacy Advisory Councils are a significant step towards shaping the new Royal College of Pharmacy and ensuring it embodies our collective ambition and potential.

“Every vote cast is a vote of confidence in our collective future and in the impact we can make together. I urge every member to seize this moment. Your voice will help build a College that stands for excellence, unity and a renewed sense of purpose across pharmacy.”

This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has awarded an Honorary Fellowship to Professor Mahendra G Patel OBE, recognising his exceptional contributions to healthcare, research equity and cross-professional leadership. Mahendra is an RPS Fellow, former member of the RPS English Pharmacy Board and previously held the post of RPS Treasurer. This accolade is the RCGP’s highest award for non-GPs. Starting in community pharmacy, Mahendra transitioned to academia, where he pioneered the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Student Champions Programme, embedding evidence-based practice and tackling health inequalities across the curricula of 40 medical, pharmacy, nursing and dental schools. He earned one of the first NICE Fellowships for his early leadership. As a Board member for RPS England, Mahendra led the development of national diabetes initiatives and a diabetes toolkit, while forging partnerships across professional boundaries and internationally. During the pandemic he played a crucial role in increasing diversity for the major 'PANORAMIC' and 'PRINCIPLE' COVID-19 trials, efforts which were recognised by the World Health Organization and the United Nations. He is the founding director of the Centre for Research Equity, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, shaping national research policy, collaborating with the RCGP and forming strategic partnerships across the UK. As co-lead of the NIHR-supported Race Equity Incubator, he is driving efforts to strengthen research capacity and capability while fostering equitable career progression for Black and minority ethnic healthcare professionals. A member of the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board, Mahendra is a strong supporter of RPS becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy. He is also a BMJ NHS Commissioner and Professional Advisor to England’s Chief Pharmaceutical Officer. HSJ named him as one of the 50 most influential BAME figures in UK healthcare today. Professor Mahendra G Patel OBE said: “This stands as one of the proudest moments of my career, and for the pharmacy profession I represent, as RPS progresses to become the Royal College of Pharmacy. I hope this recognition becomes a catalyst: for closer collaboration, for shared leadership, and for inspiring members of both our professions to think beyond traditional boundaries – at every stage of their careers. “At a time of extraordinary pressures on general practice and pharmacy, joined-up thinking and integrated leadership across our professions has never been more urgent. I’ve always sought to break silos, widen access, and drive equity, with a clear focus on improving health outcomes by tackling the deep-rooted inequalities that persist across our communities. This Fellowship, for me, is not the culmination of that long journey, but the beginning of a renewed and fresh commitment.” RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said: “I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations to Mahendra on this prestigious Fellowship, which marks his huge contribution to the profession and healthcare. His work continues to inspire a new generation of pharmacists and researchers committed to equity, innovation, and collaborative leadership. Long may it continue.”

RPS members vote in favour of change and royal college

26 March 2025

RPS is delighted to announce that members have voted in favour by way of a Special Resolution Vote (SRV), in support of proposed changes to the RPS’ Royal Charter and our transition to royal college.