Chief pharmacists, directors of pharmacy and senior pharmacy leaders

This guide supports chief pharmacists/directors of pharmacy, senior leaders, and people who work with chief pharmacists or aspiring chief pharmacists/directors of pharmacy working in Great Britain.

The guide has been refreshed in alignment with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Standards for Chief Pharmacists (2025).

The role of the chief pharmacist/director of pharmacy in NHS organisations has changed significantly over the years, and this role will continue to change in the future. Pharmacy leaders have the skills to negotiate at board level, plan how to strengthen pharmacy at both local and national levels and manage change. The chief pharmacist/director of pharmacy in any organisation should have a clear reporting line to an executive lead and the board. Under the new GPhC standards, each board must now ensure that its chief pharmacist meets the professional and governance expectations set out in the Standards for Chief Pharmacists.