Election nominations for future royal college now open

A graphic with a hand placing a vote in an RCPharm-branded ballot, with the text 'Election nominations for future royal college now open' on the left.
(RCPharm)

Election nominations for future royal college now open

Nominations for the National Pharmacy Advisory Councils are now open. Stand for election and help influence pharmacy policy and practice in your nation.

Published: 5 January 2026

This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Nominations are officially open from today (5 January) for the inaugural elections to the National Pharmacy Advisory Councils in England, Scotland and Wales.

The elections offer a unique opportunity for members to influence pharmacy policy and practice across Great Britain and play a vital role in helping to shape the new organisation.

Elected members of each National Pharmacy Advisory Council will then be able to put themselves forward for Officer roles in the royal college governance structure, such as President and Vice Presidents, which sit on the Senate and the Board of Trustees.

Candidate criteria:

To stand for election, candidates must:

  • Be an RCPharm (previously RPS) Member (MRPharmS) or Fellow (FRPharmS) by 5pm 29 January 2026.
  • Be a current registrant with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
  • Stand for the Council in the nation where you work.
  • Have two nominators (a Proposer and a Seconder), both RCPharm members.

Professor Claire Anderson, RCPharm President, said:

“These elections mark a historic moment as we move towards becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy later this year. Now is your chance to step forward, make a difference and bring your unique perspective to shaping and influencing pharmacy policy and practice in your nation.”

Paul Bennett, RCPharm Chief Executive, added:

“Your voice matters. We need diverse experiences to build a strong royal college and ensure it reflects the patients we serve. If you’re passionate about pharmacy, please consider standing for election to the new National Pharmacy Advisory Councils and help shape the future.”

These elections are enabled by interim regulations which Royal College of Pharmacy members had the opportunity to review and comment on prior to approval by the RCPharm Assembly and enactment on 2 January 2026.

Nominations close: 5pm, Monday 2 February 2026

Further reading

Read more RCPharm news stories.

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