Our governance
The Royal College of Pharmacy is governed through a clear constitutional framework that ensures we operate with independence, accountability and professional oversight. Our constitutional governance documents set out how decisions are made, who holds responsibility and how we remain focused on our mission.
As a Royal Charter body, our purpose and powers are defined in our constitutional documents – our Royal Charter, Regulations and Standing Orders. This formal legal framework helps safeguard our role as the professional leadership body, ensuring our strategy, standards and resources are directed towards public benefit in support of our charitable aims of advancing the safe and effective use of medicines.
How our governance is structured
Our governance structure defines how the royal college is run, who has oversight and how professional insight shapes decision-making across Great Britain. Our Board of Trustees holds overall responsibility for the College, supported by the Senate and three National Pharmacy Advisory Councils.
What does each governance body do?
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees holds ultimate responsibility for the Royal College of Pharmacy’s governance, strategy, and legal compliance. It provides strategic oversight, ensures the College meets its legal and charitable duties, and holds the executive team to account for delivery.
Senate
The Senate advises the Board of Trustees on professional matters, determines the strategic direction of pharmacy professional leadership, ensures alignment across the work of the National Pharmacy Advisory Councils and monitors the College’s impact at a GB level.
National Pharmacy Advisory Councils
The National Pharmacy Advisory Councils for England, Scotland and Wales shape policy, and support the implementation of strategy, relevant to devolved health systems within each nation. Elected Council members support professional development and represent the College.
Our governance framework
The Royal College of Pharmacy operates within a clear legal and regulatory framework. Our Royal Charter, Regulations and Standing Orders set out how we are governed and ensure accountability, transparency and independent oversight.
Royal Charter
Our Royal Charter is the principal constitutional document of the College. It defines our charitable purpose, powers and responsibilities, and provides the legal foundation for how we are governed. It safeguards our role as the professional leadership body.
Regulations
Our Regulations set out the detailed rules that govern how the royal college operates. They define arrangements for governance bodies, elections, membership and decision-making. Together with the Royal Charter, they ensure clarity and compliance with statutory duties.
Standing Orders and other governance documents
Alongside the Royal Charter and Regulations, we have Standing Orders which set out the operational detail supporting the Regulations. We also publish a range of governance and reporting documents that support effective leadership, transparency and oversight.
Elections
Elections give members a direct role in shaping the leadership of the royal college. Members are elected to serve on National Pharmacy Advisory Councils and may also be elected by their peers to sit on the Senate and contribute to wiider governance. Elections are independently administered, and conducted in line with Regulations and Standing Orders.
Annual reviews & reports
The College publishes annual reviews and financial reports outlining progress, performance and stewardship of resources. These reports provide transparency and demonstrate how we deliver our mission and uphold our responsibilities.