Royal College of Pharmacy launch ‘heralds new era’ for pharmacy professional leadership
Published: 15 April 2026
Today (15 April 2026), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society becomes the Royal College of Pharmacy.
Just over a year after members voted in favour of changes to the Society’s Royal Charter, the transition to royal college status is now complete. The change follows a series of rigorous legal and governance processes and has culminated in the establishment of new profession‑led leadership, including the election of three National Pharmacy Advisory Councils, the Senate and the President, together with the appointment of a Chair of Trustees and recruitment of lay Trustees.
The stated commitments of the new royal college are to create a strong and unified voice for pharmacy, support pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists to advance the safe and effective use of medicines, and drive excellence in practice for the benefit of patients and the public.
The Royal College of Pharmacy will build on existing strengths, with plans in place to progress its credentialing programme, develop new learning resources and deliver enhanced support for members.
A new visual identity has been unveiled, reflecting the College’s proud heritage while placing a renewed emphasis on pharmacy. This includes a new logo, linking the historic coat of arms with the organisation’s name. A new website at www.rcpharm.org hosts new content and updated resources, and will provide the platform for an iteratively enhanced digital experience.
Looking ahead, the College will work closely with Members, Fellows, the wider pharmacy community and patients to shape its long-term strategy. This process will involve a period of evidence-gathering and deep engagement, informed by member feedback, consideration of the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board’s recommendations, and a core focus on the College’s ‘Commitments’, before the final strategy is established.
Further opportunities for members and stakeholders to engage with the work of the Royal College of Pharmacy and help shape the strategy will be announced as the organisation’s first year unfolds.
President of the Royal College of Pharmacy, Tase Oputu FRCPharm MFRPSII comments:
“I’m very proud to be the first President of the Royal College of Pharmacy. Today is a landmark moment and heralds a new era for pharmacy – but it’s just the beginning of the journey. The real work of change begins now.
“Becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy gives us a stronger platform to develop a louder and more influential voice, and a renewed purpose to champion pharmacy and drive excellence in practice.
“With strong governance and profession-led leadership in place, the new royal college can step into the future with confidence and ambition, determined to play a unifying role in advancing pharmacy practice and improving patient care.
“Let’s harness the momentum, build on the potential of today and work together to ensure the new Royal College of Pharmacy becomes the professional leadership body that pharmacy and patients deserve.”
Inaugural Chair of Trustees, Joe Irvin OBE, comments:
“From its earliest days the Society has evolved to meet the changing needs of patients and pharmacists. And I’m delighted to be Chair of Trustees as we take the next, significant step forward as a royal college and a charity. Together we are beginning a new chapter for pharmacy, rooted in collaboration, inclusivity and a shared commitment to improving care for patients and the public.
“Over the coming months the College will be delivering against a transition strategy, drawn from our five Commitments, while we develop our long-term strategy. We will continue to work with members and partners to ensure the College’s direction is shaped by member insight, evidence and the needs of patients, and reflects the skill, passion and potential of the pharmacy community.”
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