Royal College of Pharmacy in Wales
We support, promote and lead the pharmacy profession across all sectors of pharmacy in Wales.
The Royal College of Pharmacy is a GB-wide organisation, but there are significant differences in policy and pharmacy practice in Wales, Scotland and England. That’s why Wales has its own National Pharmacy Advisory Council and RCPharm Wales team: to ensure we represent, support and speak up on behalf of all our members and the wider profession in Wales.
Contact your RCPharm Regional Ambassador.
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Professor David Jones receives RPS Hanbury Medal 2025
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is proud to announce that Professor David Jones, Professor of Pharmaceutical and Biomaterial Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast, has been awarded the 2025 Hanbury Medal, in recognition for his outstanding scientific contributions to pharmaceutical sciences, education and innovation. Professor Jones is a leading expert in pharmaceutical engineering and biomaterials. Over his career, he has developed new ways to deliver medicines more effectively and safely — including drug-releasing implants, eye treatments for sight-threatening diseases and coatings for medical devices that help prevent infections. His work has resulted in over 70 commercialised products and devices that have improved the lives of patients around the world. He also co-founded two successful companies, Xiomateria and Re-Vana Therapeutics, which are bringing these products to market. Professor Jones is the only pharmacist to have been elected to three national academies — the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Irish Academy — a testament to his reputation across scientific disciplines. A passionate educator and mentor, he has redesigned pharmacy education programmes, supervised nearly 50 PhD students and authored widely used textbooks in pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical statistics. He has also served as Editor of the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology since 2000. In response to receiving the Hanbury Medal, Professor Jones, said: “I am both stunned and delighted to have been awarded the 2025 Hanbury Medal. Previous winners of this award have been both giants in and leaders of pharmacy and pharmaceutical research, and they have inspired me at various stages in my career. For me to join this list of winners is truly humbling. It is a great honour to have been recognised for my contributions to pharmaceutical research and education, as well as to my profession, pharmacy, to which I owe so much. I would like to sincerely thank all my work colleagues and students (both past and present), as well as my family, who have been with me throughout this journey.” Paul Bennett, RPS Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Hanbury Medal remains an important award of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in recognition of excellence in pharmaceutical science. Recipients of this prestigious award have been recognised for their pioneering work and reflects the importance that the Society places on pharmaceutical science and research, disciplines which underpin the profession of pharmacy and without which advancements in medicines and patient care would not occur. “Many congratulations to Professor Jones who joins an eminent list of past recipients going back to 1881 and whose passion for research and innovation and his pioneering work will be an inspiration to so many pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists.” Amira Guirguis, Chair of the RPS Science and Research Committee, and Hanbury Medal panellist, said: "It was a privilege to judge the awarding of the 2025 Hanbury Medal, and Professor David Jones is a worthy winner. His pioneering research in pharmaceutical engineering and biomaterials has had a profound impact on both patient care and scientific advancement. From developing innovative drug delivery systems to mentoring the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists, Professor Jones exemplifies the values of excellence and innovation that the Hanbury Medal celebrates. “We also extend our gratitude to the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences for nominating Professor Jones, whose work continues to inspire innovation, elevate the importance of science and research, and drive excellence among pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists." Click here for more information on the RPS Hanbury Medal Read more RCPharm news stories
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RPS members vote in favour of change and royal college
RPS is delighted to announce that members have voted in favour by way of a Special Resolution Vote (SRV), in support of proposed changes to the RPS’ Royal Charter and our transition to royal college.
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Strengthening our partnership with Pharmacist Support
This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. At the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, we’ve always valued our strong partnership with Pharmacist Support, and we’re committed to continuing to work together to support the profession. With the proposed changes to our Royal Charter as part of our ambition to become both the Royal College of Pharmacy and a registered charity, we’ve collaborated on a joint statement to clarify what this means for our partnership moving forward. We know there have been questions about how these changes might impact Pharmacist Support's work, particularly around the proposed benevolence object. Our statement sets out our shared commitment to strengthening our collaboration and ensuring that support for the profession remains as effective as possible. You can read the full statement below. Following the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) announcement of proposed changes to its Royal Charter as part of its ambition to become both the Royal College of Pharmacy and a registered charity, RPS and Pharmacist Support are issuing this joint statement to set out how the two organisations will continue to work collaboratively together and if the RPS’ changes may impact the collaboration in the future. Since our evolution into separate but closely aligned entities in 2006, the RPS and Pharmacist Support have developed a collaborative relationship, engaging in joint activities and shared initiatives. In May 2024, we formalised this partnership through an agreement designed to align our plans, enhance cooperation and maximise the charity’s impact in supporting RPS members. This is all in accordance with RPS’s power to undertake benevolent activities in the existing Royal Charter (clause 3(2)). Our joint intention is to continue strengthening this partnership. In particular, RPS has been keen to alleviate concerns raised by Pharmacist Support, regarding the proposed amended Royal Charter and charitable object (clause 3(1)(c)): "To relieve poverty, financial hardship, or other distress among current and former Members and Associate Members of the College, their dependents, and those studying or training to be pharmacists, as well as others in the pharmacy profession, as determined by the Trustees." Concerns were raised by the charity that this object overlaps with Pharmacist Support’s existing work and may therefore negatively impact the charity. Thus, the RPS wishes to clarify that this proposed change to the Royal Charter is not intended to create competition between our organisations. Instead, it reflects a long-standing commitment by the RPS to benevolence in the current Royal Charter, and which the Charity Commission requires to be explicitly moved to the amended Royal Charter’s charitable objects clause if that commitment to benevolence for the pharmacy profession is to be retained by the Royal College of Pharmacy. If the special resolution is approved by members, the RPS intends to ensure that its commitment to benevolence is delivered effectively through strengthening the partnership with Pharmacist Support. A review of the existing partnership agreement will be undertaken to align with the new structure and goals of the Royal College of Pharmacy. The intention, both now and into the future, is for the Royal College of Pharmacy to deliver object 31(c) by supporting and working in partnership with the independent charity Pharmacist Support in delivering its crucial work. This proposed transition represents a significant step forward for the profession, and the RPS encourages its members to participate in the upcoming vote to help shape the future of pharmacy. RPS members will have the opportunity to vote on these changes through a special resolution vote, which will take place from 13th to 24th March 2025. Professor Claire Anderson, RPS President Esther Sadler-Williams, Chair of Pharmacist Support
Our work in Wales
Pharmacy: Delivering a healthier Wales
The 2030 vision for Wales sets ambitions for how patients will benefit from the expertise of pharmacy teams.
Pharmacist independent prescribing
three core recommendations to support the increased use of pharmacist independent prescribers.
Use of the Welsh language
We recognise the importance of access to Welsh speaking pharmacists for people living in Wales.
How we work in Wales
National Pharmacy Advisory Council
Meet the elected council for Wales and find out how it works.
The Royal College of Pharmacy Wales team
Supporting members and leading pharmacy in Wales.
Our policy and advocacy work
Find out more about the College’s policy and advocacy work.