Elen Jones to become pharmacy dean at HEIW

Elen Jones stands smiling in front of a purple background
(RPS)

Elen Jones to become pharmacy dean at HEIW

Published: 7 July 2025

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


After 11 years at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), Elen Jones will be leaving the organisation in October to take up the position of pharmacy dean at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW).

Paul Bennett, chief executive of the RPS, said:

“While we are exceptionally sorry to see Elen leave RPS after eleven years of loyal service, joining initially as our principal policy advisor in Wales and progressing her career through roles such as policy & practice lead to director for Wales, and currently as our acting director of pharmacy. I am delighted to celebrate with Elen her successful appointment as the new HEIW pharmacy dean.

“Elen has grown immensely as a leader in her time with RPS and I look forward to watching her flourish still further in her new position and to her continued support as a Fellow of RPS in our journey towards establishing the future Royal College of Pharmacy.”

Jones said:

“After over a decade at the RPS, including my time as acting director of pharmacy, director for Wales and policy lead for Wales, I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together. From leading the development of the ‘Pharmacy Vision for Wales’ to conducting the independent review of clinical hospital pharmacy services, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to meaningful change in practice. I’ve also valued the opportunity to work on GB-wide initiatives, such as environmental sustainability and supervision, and to advocate for our profession in political and media arenas.

“As I step into the role of dean of HEIW in October, I do so at a pivotal time for pharmacy, with the advent of prescribing rights for newly qualified pharmacists and the expanding role of pharmacy technicians. My passion for education and training, shaped by years of lecturing at Cardiff University and ongoing collaboration with pharmacy schools, continues to drive me. I look forward to advancing pharmacy workforce, education and practice for the future.

“I remain deeply committed to RPS’ vision and mission and will continue to support the transition to a royal college, both in my new role and as a proud member and Fellow. I want to sincerely thank all my colleagues and friends at RPS for making my time here so rewarding.”

RPS will begin recruitment to the post of director for Wales and the role of director of pharmacy in due course.

Read more RCPharm news stories.