Medicine shortages
Our work to highlight how medicine shortages affect patient care, the pressures on pharmacy teams, and recommendations to inform action.
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…
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’…
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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Professor David Jones receives RPS Hanbury Medal 2025
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is proud to announce that Professor David Jones, Professor of Pharmaceutical and Biomaterial Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast, has been awarded the 2025 Hanbury Medal, in recognition for his outstanding scientific contributions to pharmaceutical sciences, education and innovation. Professor Jones is a leading expert in pharmaceutical engineering and biomaterials. Over his career, he has developed new ways to deliver medicines more effectively and safely — including drug-releasing implants, eye treatments for sight-threatening diseases and coatings for medical devices that help prevent infections. His work has resulted in over 70 commercialised products and devices that have improved the lives of patients around the world. He also co-founded two successful companies, Xiomateria and Re-Vana Therapeutics, which are bringing these products to market. Professor Jones is the only pharmacist to have been elected to three national academies — the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Irish Academy — a testament to his reputation across scientific disciplines. A passionate educator and mentor, he has redesigned pharmacy education programmes, supervised nearly 50 PhD students and authored widely used textbooks in pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical statistics. He has also served as Editor of the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology since 2000. In response to receiving the Hanbury Medal, Professor Jones, said: “I am both stunned and delighted to have been awarded the 2025 Hanbury Medal. Previous winners of this award have been both giants in and leaders of pharmacy and pharmaceutical research, and they have inspired me at various stages in my career. For me to join this list of winners is truly humbling. It is a great honour to have been recognised for my contributions to pharmaceutical research and education, as well as to my profession, pharmacy, to which I owe so much. I would like to sincerely thank all my work colleagues and students (both past and present), as well as my family, who have been with me throughout this journey.” Paul Bennett, RPS Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Hanbury Medal remains an important award of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in recognition of excellence in pharmaceutical science. Recipients of this prestigious award have been recognised for their pioneering work and reflects the importance that the Society places on pharmaceutical science and research, disciplines which underpin the profession of pharmacy and without which advancements in medicines and patient care would not occur. “Many congratulations to Professor Jones who joins an eminent list of past recipients going back to 1881 and whose passion for research and innovation and his pioneering work will be an inspiration to so many pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists.” Amira Guirguis, Chair of the RPS Science and Research Committee, and Hanbury Medal panellist, said: "It was a privilege to judge the awarding of the 2025 Hanbury Medal, and Professor David Jones is a worthy winner. His pioneering research in pharmaceutical engineering and biomaterials has had a profound impact on both patient care and scientific advancement. From developing innovative drug delivery systems to mentoring the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists, Professor Jones exemplifies the values of excellence and innovation that the Hanbury Medal celebrates. “We also extend our gratitude to the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences for nominating Professor Jones, whose work continues to inspire innovation, elevate the importance of science and research, and drive excellence among pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists." Click here for more information on the RPS Hanbury Medal Read more RCPharm news stories
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Royal Pharmaceutical Society offers professional liability insurance for members
This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is proud to announce the launch of a new professional liability insurance policy, exclusively available to its members. The comprehensive and affordable insurance is designed to empower pharmacists to work confidently and deliver high-quality care, knowing they are protected. Professional liability insurance, sometimes called professional indemnity insurance or clinical indemnity, is essential for pharmacists to practice with assurance and provide the highest standard of patient care, regardless of setting. It ensures they can focus on providing the best possible care for their patients without concerns about potential liability. Acting on feedback from its members, RPS has developed the policy to empower pharmacists and encourage portfolio careers and prescribing, which are covered by the policy as standard. Research conducted by RPS in 2022 shows that over half of members haven’t switched provider in over a decade, as there are very few options in the market. A further 76% of those asked thought it was a good idea for RPS to offer professional indemnity insurance. Existing RPS members (with some exceptions) will be covered wherever they work, whether or not they are prescribers, but can choose to opt out of the insurance. New members will be offered the policy as part of their membership package. The insurance is arranged by Aon, a leading global professional services firm, and was designed to meet the unique challenges and opportunities of pharmacy practice. The policy will be provided to members at cost, so RPS will take no profit but is providing it as part of its commitment to professional growth and patient care. The cost of the insurance will be rolled into the overall membership price. This insurance package is not available to non-members. Paul Bennett, RPS CEO, said: “The pharmacy landscape is changing rapidly. Advances in practice mean pharmacists are taking on expanded responsibilities to enhance patient care and we are proud to offer this new indemnity policy as part of our commitment to supporting their professional development and confidence.” “By removing the barriers posed by uncertainty around liability, we aim to enable our members to practise at their full potential. This insurance supports safer practice and reflects our dedication to supporting pharmacists to deliver the highest standard of care for patients." Mark Riley-Pitt, UK Head of Health, Social Care and Risk Consulting, Aon said: “We have been pleased to collaborate closely with the RPS during the design of this insurance to ensure that it aligns with their members’ needs.” Find out more about professional liability insurance. RCPharm Professional Liability Insurance is arranged by Aon UK Limited and underwritten by certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s led by Carbon Syndicate 4747. Aon UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 00210725. Registered Office: The Aon Centre, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AN. Registered head office Tel: 020 7623 5500 – NB. this number is for general enquiries only; if you have a question about the RCPharm Professional Liability Insurance policy, please call the RCPharm membership team on 0207 572 2737 or refer to www.rcpharm.org/insurance-how The following products or services provided by Aon UK Limited are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority:-Legal advice and defence services -Medico legal helpline FP.CORP.2025.348.SD
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RPS awarded extended contract for prescribing training in Wales
This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) are proud to announce a three-year extension of their successful learning programme tailored to support pharmacists in Wales to deliver the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS) with confidence. Originally launched in 2024, the programme is designed to equip pharmacists with the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide excellent patient care. The programme offers practical, clinically focused workshops across Wales. Designed by experienced pharmacist prescribers and GPs, sessions focus on conditions commonly seen in community pharmacy and include case studies, group activities and expert Q&As. The extension means the programme will continue to run until at least 2028, helping to embed high-quality prescribing services across Wales. Elen Jones, RPS Director for England and Wales, said: “We are thrilled to continue and build upon this collaboration with HEIW as we embark on a new three-year journey to further empower pharmacists across Wales to deliver high-quality prescribing services to our communities. This extended partnership builds on the success of last year’s work and reflects the ongoing commitment to advancing the role of prescribing pharmacists.” “I am particularly pleased to recognise the invaluable contribution of prescribing pharmacists once again in Wales, whose expertise and feedback have been instrumental in shaping the content of this programme. With a continued focus on common conditions and minor ailments, this programme addresses the daily challenges faced by pharmacists in practice. By providing pharmacists with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to treat specific conditions as prescribers, we are not only enhancing patient care but also further strengthening the role of pharmacists as vital, trusted members of the healthcare team.” Margaret Allan, Pharmacy Dean at HEIW, said: “We are pleased to be able to build on our collaboration with RPS by continuing the HEIW/ RPS Independent Prescriber Series aimed at Pharmacists accredited to provide the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS) within Wales.” “Feedback from the programme in 2024/25 has been overwhelmingly positive, and many participants have reported an increase in knowledge, skills and confidence when supporting patients after attendance at an event.” “We are looking forward to offering further events to support PIPS with plans to increase the number of places available and offer more local events to improve equity of access to PIPS provision across Wales.” Read more RCPharm 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.