RPS responds to UKPPLAB statement about the Royal College of Pharmacy
Published: 12 February 2026
This article was published when the organisation was 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.
The Board has today (12 February) published a statement outlining its proposals for a more inclusive future for pharmacy professional leadership.
RPS President Prof Claire Anderson FRPharmS and RPS CEO Paul Bennett FRPharmS commented:
“We believe that an inclusive and collaborative model of pharmacy professional leadership offers clear and significant benefits to both professionals and patients – and we applaud Sir Hugh and the UKPPLAB Board for their ambition and commitment to fostering a unified and inclusive future for pharmacy professional leadership.
“We have always said that the establishment of the new Royal College of Pharmacy is foundational – that it is a crucial first step in the journey but it is not the final destination. That’s why when we launch the royal college, scheduled for April, we will also announce a significant programme of engagement with our members about the future, including exploring the recommendations put forward by the Board.
“RPS Members, and those of APTUK and other specialist pharmacy groups which are part of the Board and may have Pharmacy Technicians in membership, must have the opportunity to explore these proposals in a meaningful way – particularly the proposed inclusion of pharmacy technicians as members of the royal college.
“Any proposals developed to be considered by our members will need to set out how both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can retain distinct professional voices whilst working collectively to elevate pharmacy, while also addressing considerations around equity and governance.
“Decisions about the future must be based on discussion, consultation, and trust, and in the case of RPS, 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.”
Further reading
Read the UKPPLAB statement
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