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
-
RCPharm President named Pharmacist of the Year at Black Healthcare Awards
President of the Royal College of Pharmacy, Tase Oputu, has been named Pharmacist of the Year at the Black Healthcare Awards 2026 in recognition of her leadership, commitment to tackling health inequalities and contribution to advancing the pharmacy profession. The award, presented by the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) at a ceremony in London on 4 July, celebrates healthcare professionals making an outstanding impact on patient care, healthcare leadership and community health across the UK. Tase shared the honour with fellow pharmacist Dr Yeyenta Osasu, who is National pharmacy Integration Lead at NHS England. The Black Healthcare Awards recognise excellence, innovation and leadership among Black healthcare professionals, highlighting individuals whose work is helping to improve outcomes, advance equity and drive positive change across health and social care. For many years, Tase has been a leading advocate for the profession, championing the vital role pharmacists play in improving access to care, addressing health inequalities and supporting better outcomes for patients and communities. (Source: Caribbean and African Health Network) Tase Oputu, President of the Royal College of Pharmacy, said: "I am deeply honoured to receive this award and to be recognised alongside so many exceptional healthcare professionals who are making a difference in their communities every day. "This recognition is not just a personal achievement. It reflects the commitment, talent and innovation of pharmacists across the country. Pharmacy teams play a vital role in tackling health inequalities, improving access to care and supporting better health outcomes for patients. "The Black Healthcare Awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate the contribution of Black healthcare professionals and to highlight the positive impact we have across health and care. I am proud to stand alongside colleagues who are leading change, inspiring future generations and helping to build a more equitable healthcare system for all." The Royal College of Pharmacy also congratulates all those recognised at this year's awards, including Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu, Professor of Pharmacy at University College London, who received the Lifetime Achievement in Black Health Award for her contribution to healthcare and research alongside Professor Martin Griffiths, Consultant Major Trauma Surgeon. Read more news stories.
-
Royal College of Pharmacy walks with APTUK at London Pride 2026
The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) joined members, colleagues and partners at London Pride 2026 on 4 July, showing support for the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion. We walked alongside members and colleagues from APTUK, with Boots on Oxford Street kindly hosting the group before the parade. Tase Oputu, President of RCPharm, who attended the parade, said: "It was a privilege to join colleagues, members and allies at London Pride to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. “Pride is a celebration of diversity, visibility and inclusion, and reflects the values we strive to uphold as a profession. Seeing so many people come together in support of equality was both inspiring and a powerful reminder of the importance of creating a profession where everyone feels respected, valued and able to thrive." Source: RCPharm Find our more about our inclusion and diversity work. Read more news stories.
-
Royal College of Pharmacy and partners sign Concordat on pharmacy professional leadership
The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) is one of seven pharmacy professional leadership bodies and specialist professional groups, along with independent expert members, that comprise the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board. Since April 2024, the Board has been working to co-create a stronger, more inclusive, effective and sustainable pharmacy professional leadership model for the future. The Board has today (25 June) published a Concordat, which builds on its statement of February 2026 and sets out a shared commitment to collaboration, transparency and engagement to establish the Royal College as the professional leadership home for pharmacy. Tase Oputu, president of the Royal College of Pharmacy, said: “This Concordat is a significant moment for pharmacy professional leadership, and we commend the Board, under Sir Hugh’s leadership, for their ambition and shared commitment to working collaboratively toward a unified future that benefits professionals and the public. The Concordat hands the baton to member organisations to make that unified future a reality, and I particularly welcome the clear articulation of UKPPLAB members’ shared pledge to co-creating an ambitious and inclusive royal college as a wider home for pharmacy. “To create a unified, collaborative future for pharmacy professional leadership, we need an ambitious long-term strategy for the Royal College, and we are committed to ensuring our members, and the wider pharmacy community, can play their part in developing this strategy and help shape the future direction of the College. “The Concordat sets out a vision and an ambitious timeline for an inclusive future in which pharmacy technicians are part of the Royal College, a change which would require a positive Special Resolution Vote by College members. Ahead of launching such a vote, we will need to be clear with our members and pharmacy technicians how we would protect distinct professional voices and create clear arrangements for equity and governance. “Together, we can build the future that pharmacy professionals and patients deserve.” The College will shortly announce a programme of engagement starting in autumn 2026. Read the Concordat Read more news stories.
Have any questions or comments on the new Royal College website?
Please visit our support page or email [email protected]
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.