This article was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is one of eight pharmacy professional leadership bodies and specialist professional groups, along with independent expert members, that comprise the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board (UKPPLAB).

Since April 2024, the Board has been working to co-create a stronger, more inclusive, effective and sustainable professional leadership model for the future.

And now, through an open letter published on its website, the Board is calling on pharmacists, students, trainees and pharmacy technicians to sign up for updates and attend a series of webinars to hear more about its proposals for a more inclusive future for pharmacy professional leadership.

RPS President Professor Claire Anderson FRPharmS commented:

‘As the RPS representative on the UKPPLAB I congratulate Sir Hugh and my fellow Board members on the Board’s continued commitment to deepening collaboration and to an inclusive future for pharmacy professional leadership. I can see significant benefits to both professionals and patients in coming together in terms of professional leadership, and it is vital that everyone in pharmacy has the opportunity to debate and discuss the proposals UKPPLAB puts forward.

“While any decisions about this inclusive future may rest with organisations and their members I value and appreciate the work of Sir Hugh Taylor and my fellow UKPPLAB board members in convening and facilitating the discussions that have led us to this point.

“That’s why it’s so important that pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, students and trainees join in this conversation, hear more about the proposals and share their views.

“RPS has always said it is committed to exploring a more inclusive future for pharmacy professionals, but decisions about the future must be based on discussion, consultation, and trust.”

Any proposals to change the criteria for full membership would require a positive Special Resolution Vote by the membership of the RPS and future royal college.

Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, trainees and students are being invited to sign up to receive the UKPPLAB statement, join webinars with Board members across the UK in February and March 2026, and engage with their member organisations, to discuss the proposals ahead of the Board developing its next steps.

The UKPPLAB webinars will each have a particular focus, but everyone is welcome to join them. Register via the links below:

• Tuesday 24 February, 6-7pm – to focus on pharmacy technicians across the UK.
• Wednesday 25 February, 6-7pm – to focus on pharmacy teams in Northern Ireland.
• Tuesday 3 March, 7-8pm – to focus on members of specialist professional groups.
• Wednesday 4 March, 1-2pm – to focus on pharmacy students and trainees.

Read more RCPharm news stories

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