Medicine shortages
Our work to highlight how medicine shortages affect patient care, the pressures on pharmacy teams, and recommendations to inform action.
Our focus on education and credentialing
RCPharm President Tase Oputu reflects on a significant moment for pharmacy and the College’s focus on education, professional development and credentialing.
Enhanced curriculum and credentialing
Supporting newly qualified pharmacist prescribers to develop their prescribing practice, build professional capability and progress with confidence.
RCPharm annual conference 2026
Bringing together pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists from across the UK and beyond, this will be our first Annual Conference as the new Royal College.
For newly qualified pharmacists
This resource hub provides real-time practical support to ensure you develop the capability, confidence and professional judgement you need to prescribe safely and effectively.
Celebrating Black History Month 2026
Join us in celebrating Black History Month throughout October, to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black people to British society and pharmacy.
What’s next for a community pharmacist prescribing service in England?
This episode of The PJ Pod reflects on the ‘Community pharmacy independent prescribing pathfinder programme’.
News
The latest news and updates from Royal College of Pharmacy.
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RPS launching new e-learning module to tackle polypharmacy and drug interactions
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), in partnership with EL Healthcare Education, is launching a new e-learning module to help healthcare professionals safely manage polypharmacy and reduce the risks linked to drug interactions.
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Adam Pattison Rathbone receives RPS Barnett Award 2025
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is proud to announce that Adam Pattison Rathbone has been awarded the RPS Barnett Award, recognising his exceptional commitment to mentorship and professional development in pharmacy. Adam is a clinical academic at Newcastle University who has dedicated over 15 years to developing pharmacy education and supporting the profession. He has led innovations in clinical teaching, placements and case-based learning, and has published widely on novel approaches to pharmacy education. Adam played a key role working with senior leaders to create the new role of Ward Medicines Assistants, which has since been adopted in many NHS Trusts across England and Scotland. He was also instrumental in developing the Great North Pharmacy Research and Great North Pharmacy Careers Conferences with colleagues across North East England, which continue to support professional development across the sector. Adam is also an active mentor through the RPS, universities and FIP, supporting colleagues through RPS credentialing, the development of their peer review skills and their growth as educational leaders. Alongside his professional achievements, he has shown remarkable commitment to lifelong learning, completing a PhD, clinical prescribing qualifications, and training in counselling to support colleagues, students and patients. His leadership, inclusiveness and dedication to others’ growth have made a lasting impact on the profession. Adam Pattison Rathbone, said: “It is a real honour to have been nominated for this award. Nina was an amazing inspiration to many pharmacists, including me. I hope I can continue to support others and help as many people as she did throughout her career. Thank you to those who nominated me and to all the mentees, mentors and colleagues I’ve been able to work with. It is only the support that I have received myself, from many different people, that has allowed me to go on to help and support others the way I do, so thank you.” RPS president Claire Anderson said: "We’re delighted to present this award to Adam. His leadership in education, research and mentorship has a profound impact on colleagues across the profession. The Barnett Award celebrates those who dedicate their time to supporting and advancing others, and Adam exemplifies that commitment.” Created by the RPS in memory of esteemed RPS Fellow Nina Barnett, this award honours individuals who have dedicated their careers to supporting, mentoring, and advancing others within the profession. Adam will be amongst fellow RPS Honours and Fellowship recipients invited to the RPS Annual Conference to receive his award in person. Read more about RPS Honours and Fellowships. Read more RCPharm news stories.
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RPS launches new consultation to strengthen inclusion, diversity and equity in pharmacy
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a new profession-wide consultation to better understand inclusion, diversity and equity across the pharmacy sector.
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RPS sets course for royal college with the announcement of leadership changes
Four key roles will be available as royal college transformations continue amidst five-year strategy planning
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Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2025
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Our Many Threads, One Fabric – South Asian Heritage Month 2026 event is now live. Click here to book your place now! Did you catch our celebrations for South Asian Heritage Month, which explores the history and identity of British South Asians? We collaborated with Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK, British Pharmaceutical Students' Association (BPSA), Female Pharmacy Leaders Network, Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists Pharmacy Technicians of Colour, UK Black Pharmacist Association and Pharmacy Business Magazine to create some fabulous pharmacy highlights for you to enjoy. ‘Roots to Routes’ event We hosted our 'Roots to Routes' event at De-Montfort University in Leicester, where we came together to celebrate the contributions of South Asian communities in pharmacy and explore the identity, heritage and journeys that shape us. Find out more here. (Roots to Routes, RCPharm) Ayurvedic medicines in the RPS Museum (RPS Museum) The RPS Museum showcased two examples of Ayurvedic medicine from its collection: Jakhme Ruz, a healing ointment from Gujarat, and Maha Sudarshan Churna, a powdered remedy from early 20th-century India. These items reflect the enduring legacy of Ayurveda and its influence on global health practices. Read the blog. Fun facts with the BPSA The BPSA shared a collection of fun facts celebrating the diversity of South Asia, highlighting the rich history, culture and contributions of each country in the region. Explore them here. (British pharmaceutical students association) Find out more about our inclusion and diversity work. Read more RCPharm news stories.
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RPS publishes 48th edition of Medicines, Ethics and Practice
This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has published the 48th edition of Medicines, Ethics and Practice (MEP). Reflecting the growing complexity of pharmacy practice, this year’s edition includes essential new content on remote prescribing, pharmacy services at a distance and the safe supply of medicines in specialised and evolving areas of care. Digital MEP – always up to date The digital version of the MEP is continuously updated throughout the year, so pharmacists can be confident they’re always working from the latest information and guidance. Changes can be made at a moment’s notice, ensuring the MEP remains a dynamic and reliable resource. While physical copies are available on request, the online MEP is now the primary way to access the most up-to-date information. New content in MEP 48 includes: Guidance on remote prescribing — helping pharmacist prescribers to practice safely and effectively when working remotely; Support for new models of care in specialised settings — outlining the RPS position on structured and supported verification of medicines in specialist settings, with links to the BOPA 'Standards for the pharmacy verification of prescriptions for cancer medicines'; Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP) updates — details on status categories for isotretinoin to guide monitoring and treatment duration; Gender incongruence and dysphoria — new guidance to inform the supply of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues in children and young people; Pharmacy services at a distance — a new section with key information on General Pharmaceutical Council guidance for pharmacies providing services online or remotely. Rakhee Amin, MEP Editor at RPS, said: “This edition reflects the continuing evolution of pharmacy practice. We’ve worked closely with colleagues and expert contributors to ensure that the MEP remains a valuable, relevant and trusted resource. “We encourage all members to explore the easy-to-use digital MEP for up-to-date information wherever you practise.” All RPS members, regardless of membership type, have free access to the digital MEP. All Foundation Trainee members of the RPS will receive a free print copy of MEP48 as part of their membership. RPS members who are currently practising GB-based pharmacists (excluding Student, Retired, or International Members) can request a free print copy of the MEP48 by completing a quick 4-question form. For those not eligible for a free print copy, the MEP48 is available to purchase via the Pharmaceutical Press website. RPS members can benefit from a 30% pre-publication discount before the official publication date of 25 July 2025, after which the price will revert to £52.50 for members and £70 for non-members. Read more RCPharm news stories.
We are the Royal College of Pharmacy, the professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. We exist to advance the safe and effective use of medicines, drive excellence in patient care and support pharmacists to deliver the highest standards of practice.
As the third largest workforce in healthcare, pharmacy plays a vital role in the health system, and as experts in medicines, pharmacists and their teams are central to patient care and public health. Our mission is to put pharmacy at the forefront of patient care, advancing the safe and effective use of medicines to the benefit of patients and the public.
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