Medicine shortages
Our work to highlight how medicine shortages affect patient care, the pressures on pharmacy teams, and recommendations to inform action.
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.
From our President Tase Oputu
On 15 April 1841, a dedicated group of London chemists and druggists came together to form a professional body. Today, 185 years later, I am immensely proud to welcome you…
Credentialing
We provide a standardised credentialing framework for pharmacists’ post-registration education and training, enabling them to be recognised for their advancing professional capabilities.
News
The latest news and updates from Royal College of Pharmacy
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Royal College of Pharmacy congratulates candidates receiving assessment results
The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) has congratulated candidates receiving their General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Common Registration Assessment results today. Louise Goldring, director for education at the Royal College of Pharmacy, said: "Congratulations to all candidates who have passed this year’s registration exam. It's a rewarding and exciting time to join the profession, and we are committed to supporting new registrants as they begin their professional careers and progress through their journey in pharmacy. Look out later this week for our practical, structured support to help you develop your capability and professional judgement as you start to apply your knowledge in practice. "To those who did not achieve the result they hoped for today, you are not alone. The College is here to provide support and encouragement, whether through educational resources and revision tools for a future sitting of the assessment, or by helping individuals access wellbeing services and other sources of help.” If you didn’t pass this time, or if you are planning to sit in November or 2027, RCPharm associate trainee membership is still available to you. Just get in touch with our membership team at [email protected] to let us know. Continuing your RCPharm membership means you can retain access to all of our help and support with revising for your next attempt: Join us at our support webinar on Monday 12 October 2026. This webinar will provide additional support to foundation trainee pharmacists who are preparing to sit the 2026 autumn Common Registration Assessment. If you didn’t register your place at our revision course with mock assessment programme ahead of June, then you can still register to take our online mock assessment. Those that have previously registered have until 4 November 2026 to complete the mock assessment. Talk to our One-to-One Support Team for careers advice if you have issues around employment or any other queries. Remember to take a moment to reflect on the assessment but also on your mental and physical wellbeing. We understand it may be a lot to take in. Ensure you use your support network. Talk to those around you, your peers, your designated supervisor or family and share how you’re feeling. Consider if financially you need to continue working, or if you’d simply like to continue to keep your knowledge refreshed and up to date. Once you’ve reflected, think of your next steps and start working on an action plan if you’ll be sitting the assessment again soon. You can also get 1:1 guidance by getting in touch with an RCPharm post-assessment mentor. Register as a mentee on the mentoring service if you’ve not already done so. If this was your third attempt taking the registration assessment and you haven't passed, our Professional Support Team can advise you on your options and next steps — please get in touch. If you are taking the registration assessment in autumn or in 2027, please get in touch with our membership team on 020 7572 2737 or email [email protected] and select Option 2 to discuss extending your trainee membership, if needed. Read more news stories.
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Royal College of Pharmacy raises concerns over proposed international pharmacist training reforms
Patient safety and support for internationally qualified pharmacists should remain central to any reforms.
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College urges MPs to put pharmacy at the heart of NHS reform
The Royal College of Pharmacy has urged MPs to ensure pharmacy expertise is embedded at the heart of NHS reforms, warning that proposed structural changes to the NHS in England must not overlook the profession’s central role in improving access to care, prevention and medicines optimisation. Measures in the legislation include the abolition of NHS England and transfer of its functions to either the secretary of state or integrated care boards, the abolition of Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch, and enabling the creation of a single patient record. Key issues highlighted in our evidence include: NHS reforms Pharmacy’s role in delivering the ten-year health plan, supporting patient access to primary care, boosting prevention and managing the growing cost of long-term conditions; The importance of pharmacy system leadership to deliver best value from medicines for patients and the health service; The abolition of NHS England and the need for policymaking to be shaped by pharmacy expertise. Improving patient care Support for the single patient record, alongside safeguards to ensure public trust and confidence; Retaining independent voices, such as Healthwatch and the Health Services Safety Investigations Body, to support patient safety and service improvement; Tackling health inequalities caused by prescription charges. Workforce Key workforce issues, including support for staff wellbeing, protected time for professional development and equal access to the Leaning Support Fund for pharmacy students; Measures to support workforce transformation and assurance. RCPharm England Chair Prof Mahendra Patel OBE said: “The Health Bill presents a real opportunity to shape how care is provided for patients in the decades ahead. “As MPs scrutinise the Bill, pharmacy teams must be recognised as central to delivering the ten-year health plan. They already increase access to care closer to home and support prevention strategies. “We are urging the government to ensure pharmacy expertise remains embedded in decision-making, so patients can get the right care, in the right place, at the right time." Read the submission. Read more news stories.
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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.