Royal College of Pharmacy in Scotland
We support, promote and lead the pharmacy profession across all sectors of pharmacy in Scotland.
The Royal College of Pharmacy is a GB-wide organisation, but there are significant differences in policy in Scotland, Wales and England. That’s why Scotland has its own National Pharmacy Advisory Council and RCPharm Scotland team: to ensure we understand and support all our members and the wider profession in Scotland.
Contact your RCPharm Regional Ambassador.
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UKPPLAB invite to pharmacy professional leadership conversation
This 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). Following its Board meeting in June, the UKPPLAB has published its Common Vision and Purpose for Pharmacy Professional Leadership. Co-created by Board members, and hundreds of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and people working in pharmacy across the UK, the Vision and Common Purpose sets out a shared vision to build a more collaborative, inclusive and effective model of pharmacy professional leadership. This focus on future collaboration will be used to guide the next steps on co-creation. RPS president Professor Claire Anderson said: "As the RPS representative on the UKPPLAB, I fully support the Board’s aim to provide shared principles that underpin strong, sustainable leadership across the profession. Ongoing collaboration and open dialogue are essential as we work to advance the profession and demonstrate our collective value in improving patient care." The UKPPLAB is now inviting pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and wider pharmacy team members from across the UK to contribute to the next steps in the discussions about the future of pharmacy professional leadership. The Board is actively discussing how to build a sustainable and effective future model of pharmacy professional leadership in light of the vote in favour of RPS proposals to establish the Royal College of Pharmacy in 2026. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this conversation and keep up the momentum towards greater collaboration, the Board is hosting a series of ‘Meet the Board Members’ webinars in July and September. Register now for your chance to join the webinars. All webinars are open to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, wider pharmacy team members and interested stakeholders from across the UK. Monday 14 July 2025, 6pm-7.15pm Tuesday 15 July 2025, 6pm-7.15pm Wednesday 3 September 2025, 6pm-7.15pm Monday 8 September 2025, 6pm-7.15pm Find out more about the work of the UKPPLAB. Read more news stories.
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Reclassification will help unlock access to medicines says RPS
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society welcomes the news from the Department of Health and Social Care encouraging more reclassification applications to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. RPS is a member of the Conditions & Category Working Group, which has worked with the MHRA to identify medicines which could be reclassified from ‘available only on prescription’ (POM) to ‘available in pharmacy’ (P) to improve opportunities for self care and to enable timely and more convenient access to medicines. Six broad health conditions have been identified where medicines could be reclassified to treat allergies, pain, skin problems, digestive disorders, women's health and oral health, based on international practice and real-world evidence. Reclassification of medicines enables people to be treated for specific conditions whilst receiving informed guidance, advice and support from their pharmacy team. President of the RPS Professor Claire Anderson said: "We welcome the news that applications for POM to P switches are being encouraged in six therapeutic areas. Reclassification can provide people with easier access to treatments for a range of symptoms and encourages self-care. “Diagnosing and discussing health problems with patients and advising on the benefits and risks of treatment options are integral to the role of the pharmacy team. “Enabling POM to P switches has a critical role to play in managing demand in primary care. It helps minimise unnecessary GP appointments and A&E attendances for minor conditions and ensures the public get the treatment they need from community pharmacies. “As the professional leadership body for pharmacists, RPS will work closely with the MHRA and manufacturers to provide guidance ensuring what is provided to the public continues to be safe and appropriate for their condition.” Read more RCPharm news stories.
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RPS response to GPhC’s updated guidance on online pharmacy services
Following new GPhC guidance, RPS President Professor Claire Anderson emphasises the importance of patient–prescriber interactions.
Our work in Scotland
Vision for the future of pharmacy
Pharmacy 2030: our vision for the future of pharmacy in Scotland.
Pharmacy best practice in Scotland
See how pharmacy teams in Scotland are demonstrating best practice.
Election manifesto for Scotland
Our asks of the next Scottish government.
How we work in Scotland
National Pharmacy Advisory Council
Meet the council for Scotland and find out how it works.
The Royal College of Pharmacy Scotland team
Supporting members and leading pharmacy in Scotland.
Our policy and advocacy work in Scotland
Find out more about the College’s Scottish policy and advocacy work.