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…
News
The latest news and updates from Royal College of Pharmacy
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New Trustees appointed to the Royal College of Pharmacy
The Royal College of Pharmacy has today (21 April) announced the appointment of three new Trustees to the Trustee Board of the College and the election of a final member from the Senate. The Board of Trustees holds ultimate responsibility for the Royal College of Pharmacy’s governance, strategy, and legal compliance. It provides strategic oversight, ensures the College meets its legal and charitable duties, and holds the executive team to account for delivery. A majority of the Trustee Board will be registered pharmacists, drawn from the Senate, the governance body of the College, which advises the Board of Trustees on professional matters. The President and three National Pharmacy Advisory Council Chairs (who also act as Vice Presidents) will serve as Trustees, together with a further elected member elected by the Senate. The Trustees appointed after interview are Jacob Lant, Katie Mantell and John Turner. The newly elected Trustee is Professor Claire Anderson. Joe Irvin, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “These appointments represent a significant step forward for the royal college. Each of our new Trustees brings expertise, integrity and a deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with public trust. “The Royal College of Pharmacy is setting out as an ambitious and purposeful organisation committed to placing pharmacy at the forefront of patient care. “I am delighted to welcome colleagues who share that vision and who will help guide the College with confidence, independence and purpose.” Tase Oputu, President of the Royal College of Pharmacy, said: “With its Trustee Board now strengthened, the Royal College of Pharmacy has the leadership and governance in place that will support its ambitions to establish a strong, credible and future‑focused professional leadership body, supporting professionals and driving excellence in practice for the benefit of patients and the public.” The Board of Trustees comprises of the following elected and appointed trustees: Chair: Joe Irvin OBE (appointed) Vice Chair: The Board will select one of the group when they first meet President: Tase Oputu (elected) Vice President: Mahendra Patel (elected) Vice President: Catriona Sinclair (elected) Vice President: Liz Hallett (elected) Elected: Claire Anderson (elected) Appointed: Jacob Lant, Chief Executive of National Voices Appointed: Katie Mantell, Chief Executive RCVS Knowledge Appointed: John Turner, Chartered Accountant The Board of Trustees meets four to six times a year. Its first meeting will be held on Thursday 23 April, when the Vice Chair will be selected. Read more news stories.
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Royal College of Pharmacy launch ‘heralds new era’ for pharmacy professional leadership
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society becomes the Royal College of Pharmacy, completing its transition to royal college status and establishing new profession-led leadership to strengthen pharmacy's voice and advance excellence in practice for patients and the public.
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Dr Catherine Duggan receives the 2025 RPS Charter Award
Dr Catherine Duggan has been awarded the 2025 RPS Charter Award in recognition of her exceptional global leadership and long‑standing contribution to advancing the pharmacy profession.





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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.

