Recognition for pharmacy
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Professional policy guides for dealing with legal, ethical and good practice.
Latest News
College sets out new expectations for pharmacists working in aesthetics
The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) has published an updated position following a review of aesthetic practice, setting out professional expectations for pharmacists who provide non-surgical cosmetic procedures. As the industry grows and public demand for cosmetic procedures increases, the new statement makes clear that procedure-specific training alone is not sufficient for pharmacists to practise independently in this area. Safe and effective aesthetic practice also requires appropriate clinical experience, supervised practice and the necessary competence. The review was carried out in response to legislative changes and a growing number of enquiries to the College about aesthetic practice. In the statement, RCPharm strengthens the emphasis on the broader clinical responsibilities involved in delivering aesthetic treatments, recognising that pharmacists must be able to assess whether treatment is appropriate for an individual, consider psychological wellbeing, identify and manage risks, and respond effectively to complications. It also sets out expectations around the wider governance of aesthetic practice, including appropriate premises, product safety, record keeping, ongoing professional development and arrangements for emergency care. RCPharm recommends that pharmacists should not provide aesthetic procedures to people under 18. The change comes as the regulatory landscape for non-surgical cosmetic procedures continues to develop across the UK, including recent legislation in Scotland to strengthen safeguards in this area. As requirements differ across the four nations, pharmacists are responsible for ensuring their practice complies with the standards and legal obligations that apply where they work. Tase Oputu, RCPharm President, said: “Aesthetic practice is an evolving area and pharmacists working in this space need to be able to demonstrate that they have the right skills, experience and competence to provide safe, high-quality care. “This updated statement reinforces the importance of putting safety at the heart of aesthetic practice. Pharmacists need to have the experience and professional judgement to put the individual first, recognise when a treatment may not be appropriate and make sure the individual is properly supported if things don't go as planned.” Read the updated position statement. Read more news stories.
Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month at the Royal College of Pharmacy
Members, partners and colleagues came together on 29 July for Many Threads, One Fabric, the Royal College of Pharmacy's South Asian Heritage Month event celebrating the rich diversity, cultures and lived experiences of South Asian communities in pharmacy. Held both in person at the Royal College of Pharmacy's London headquarters and online, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on identity, inclusion and the contribution of South Asian communities to the pharmacy profession. The evening opened with welcome remarks from Amandeep Doll, Director for England at the Royal College of Pharmacy, before Alishah Lakha, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK), delivered the keynote address. Drawing on her personal and professional journey, Alishah reflected on identity, belonging and leadership. (Left: Amandeep Doll. Right: Alishah Lahka) A panel discussion, chaired by Carolyn Scott, Editor of Pharmacy Business, brought together Dalvinder Moman, Maheer Khan, Atif Shamim and Anisa Islam to explore heritage, leadership and representation in pharmacy. Panellists discussed the importance of creating inclusive workplaces, tackling health inequities, and ensuring that people from all backgrounds have opportunities to lead and thrive within the profession. (From left to right: Dalvinder Moman, Maheer Khan, Atif Shamim, Carolyn Scott and Anisa Islam) The event concluded with an original spoken word performance, Thread Count, by Poonam Lumb, Lead Pharmacist for Women and Children at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Introduced by Tase Oputu, President of the Royal College of Pharmacy, the poem reflected on the event's theme, Many Threads, One Fabric, celebrating identity, belonging and the strength found in diversity. (Left: Tase Oputu. Right: Poonam Lumb) The evening concluded with an opportunity for attendees to network over traditional South Asian food, continuing the conversations and connections inspired by the event. (All photographs courtesy of the Royal College of Pharmacy) The Royal College of Pharmacy would like to thank the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK, the British Pharmaceutical Students' Association (BPSA), the Female Pharmacy Leaders Network, the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians of Colour, the UK Black Pharmacist Association and Pharmacy Business magazine for their collaboration in making this year's event possible. Thank you also to everyone who attended, shared their experiences and contributed to the thoughtful discussions throughout the evening. This event forms part of the Royal College of Pharmacy's wider programme celebrating diversity and inclusion across the profession. Upcoming events Evolving Threads – East and South East Asian Heritage Month 2026 – Wednesday 16 September, 7pm–8.30pm (online). Registration is now open. Black History Month Celebrations 2026 – Honouring Our Communities – Thursday 8 October, 5pm–8pm (in person and online). Registration is now open.
New three-year goals launched to advance pharmacy services in Wales
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. New goals to transform pharmacy services across Wales over the next three years have been launched today, setting out the next steps in 'Pharmacy: Delivering a Healthier Wales', the long-term 2030 vision for maximising the expertise of pharmacy teams to improve patient care. Since the vision was first published in 2019, pharmacy teams have made remarkable progress despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With investment and workforce development, patients now benefit from more clinical services closer to home, while the rollout of electronic prescribing is underway across all settings. The 2025–2028 goals build on this progress and were shaped through engagement with more than 500 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, support staff, students, patient representatives and healthcare partners. They focus on spreading and scaling services to ensure equitable access to care, wherever people live and however they access them. Priorities include embedding prevention and wellbeing, delivering electronic prescribing across Wales, and transforming aseptic services, starting with a new radiopharmacy facility in South East Wales. Other aims include increasing patient access to pharmacist independent prescribers, expanding the skill mix of pharmacy teams, and creating innovative career pathways that support multi-disciplinary care. Elen Jones, RPS Director for Wales, said: "This is an exciting moment for pharmacy as we begin another three-year commitment to transformation. The 2025–2028 goals take us closer to our 2030 vision, while recognising the pressures the workforce continues to face. Thanks to the passion and dedication of pharmacy teams across Wales, I am confident we are on track. "Progress has only been possible through the collective efforts of pharmacy teams and our partners. The PDaHW programme delivery board, supported by four themed subgroups, has driven momentum and kept goals in sharp focus. Their diverse membership has ensured our work reflects the needs of patients and the whole pharmacy workforce. "When barriers arise, these are escalated to the Welsh Pharmaceutical Committee, whose oversight ensures challenges are addressed and the voice of pharmacy is heard. I would also like to thank the RPS team for leading the development of this update, which captures the energy and commitment of colleagues right across Wales.” Read the new goals in Welsh. Read the new goals in English.
Open letter to the PDA following their statement about the RPS Special Resolution Vote process
This letter was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. We are disappointed by the position taken by the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) regarding the RPS forthcoming Special Resolution Vote (SRV) of Members and Fellows of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (voting is open between 13th-24th March 2025). These proposals are made by the RPS Assembly, our governing body, to modernise our Charter (subject to Privy Council approvals) and make us fit for our future as a professional leadership body in response to the changing pharmacy landscape. We have also applied for registration with the charity regulators to form the Royal College of Pharmacy. After an extensive period of engagement with our members and wider stakeholders about the proposed changes to our current constitution and governance, we are a matter of days away from inviting our Members and Fellows to participate in an historic vote that, if supported by two thirds of those members who vote, would see the RPS move towards becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy. This is something many have been calling for over a number of years and the time to act is now. Our proposals for change and SRV have been put forward following a democratic process during which elected members of Assembly have reviewed, amended and unanimously approved the proposals for change. In addition, colleagues then sitting on the three National Pharmacy Boards emphatically supported the proposals for change and the strengthening of their professional leadership body. RPS has been open about the progress of the Constitution and Governance review at every stage. The proposals for change and the principles behind them have been the subject of numerous member communications during 2024 and leading up to the SRV, not least during the engagement roadshows held during October and November last year. The report of which can be found here. We have been delighted with the number of RPS members who have actively engaged with us in this process, either attending meetings or webinars and those who have asked us questions in an effort to seek to better understand the proposals and the consequences of becoming a royal college. A detailed series of questions and answers can be found here and anyone with a question not already answered may send a question to us using the ‘feedback’ email and we will respond promptly and further build the FAQ. This is a significant moment in the evolution of the professional leadership body. With the support of our Members and Fellows, it will lead to a Royal College of Pharmacy that will create greater recognition for pharmacy and the scope of its impact, advance pharmacists to provide excellence in patient care, support workforce transformation and put patients at the forefront of our work. We will do this by working in collaboration to encourage, identify and showcase excellence. Member engagement, recognition and community will be at its very heart. Professional independence is a cornerstone of the current RPS and will remain a cornerstone of the future royal college. Providing a strong and respected voice championing pharmacy to government, industry and others will remain central to our work. We urge Members and Fellows to exercise their vote and support the unanimous recommendation of the RPS Assembly members, who together with our National Pharmacy Boards and alongside a wide range of pharmacy stakeholders, are endorsing the proposals for the new Charter and to become the Royal College of Pharmacy. Sincerely, Professor Claire Anderson FFRPS FRPharmS, RPS President Brendon Jiang FRPharmS, RPS Treasurer Jonathan Burton FRPharmS, Scottish Pharmacy Board Chair and RPS Assembly member Geraldine McCaffrey MRPharmS, Welsh Pharmacy Board Chair and RPS Assembly member Tase Oputu FRPharmS, English Pharmacy Board Chair and RPS Assembly member Paul Bennett FRPharmS, RPS CEO
Pharmacists highlighted for key role in mental health support at the Senedd
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Wales recently showcased the important role pharmacists play in mental health care and support during a multi-professional briefing at the Welsh Parliament, Senedd. The event was co-hosted by members of the Royal College Mental Health Expert Advisory Group Wales, a collaborative that unites royal colleges and professional organisations to discuss mental health services and provide expert advice to the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and other stakeholders. Joining the RPS Wales team at the Senedd was Emily Laing, Principal Pharmacist for Mental Health at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. Key messages were shared with politicians, emphasising the significant impact pharmacists have on mental health care. Some of our key messages included: Expertise in medicines: Pharmacists’ specialist knowledge ensures optimal medication regimens and avoids harmful polypharmacy for patients with mental health conditions, whether in hospitals or the community Workforce planning: Consistent workforce planning across Wales is essential to ensure every mental health multidisciplinary team includes a specialist pharmacist Prevention and early support: Pharmacists across all sectors play a vital role in prevention efforts, helping to identify and support individuals showing early signs of mental health decline. Commenting on the event, Elen Jones, director of RPS Wales, stated: “RPS Wales is delighted to represent the profession on the Royal College Mental Health Expert Advisory Group and collaborate with colleagues across professions to drive positive changes for mental healthcare. “I’m particularly grateful to Emily for her invaluable expertise at the event. She did a great job in bringing to life how pharmacists’ skills have a tangible impact on patients’ quality of life. “At RPS Wales, we look forward to continuing our active involvement with the Royal College Mental Health Expert Advisory Group, ensuring the crucial role of pharmacists is recognised and continues to develop within mental health service provision.” Emily Laing, principal pharmacist for mental health at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said: “It was great to be able to share my experience and explain in detail to the elected members the value our skills as pharmacists bring to our patients and to mental health multidisciplinary teams. Thanks to RPS for the opportunity.” Read more RCPharm news stories.
Mark Drakeford MS appointed Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Wales’s new First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has appointed Mark Drakeford MS to Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. Commenting on the announcement Elen Jones, director of Wales at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “I would like to congratulate Mark Drakeford on his appointment. In his previous roles as First Minister and his first period as Minister for Health and Social Services, Mark was a firm supporter of pharmacy and we were pleased to have a constructive relationship with him. "During this time, he was instrumental in advancing the clinical role of the profession in Wales; particularly in the development of cluster pharmacist roles and enabling community pharmacists to take the lead on the treatment of common ailments. "We look forward to working with him once more to ensure that pharmacists are fully supported to provide the same high-quality, patient-centred care that enables the public to benefit from their medicines’ expertise." Read more RCPharm news stories.