The Royal Pharmaceutical Society Assembly met on 25 March 2026 for its final meeting before the organisation becomes the Royal College of Pharmacy. The Assembly, which is responsible for setting the Society’s strategic direction and ensuring effective governance and financial oversight, reviewed progress across key programmes of work and discussed preparations for the next phase of the organisation’s evolution.

Commenting on the following discussion points at the Assembly’s meeting, RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said:

UKPPLAB

“Our recent work with UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board has greatly strengthened collaboration across specialist groups and partners, helping shape a shared vision for future pharmacy leadership. The relationship is warm, constructive and highly productive, with strong commitment across the profession to co-create the royal college model we all aspire to.

“We are progressing through a planned three stage journey towards a unified and inclusive future for pharmacy professional leadership. The first year of the new royal college will see us deliver an ambitious programme of activity, including exploring with our members the recommendations put forward by the Board."

Constitution and governance

“We have made significant progress on the constitutional and governance work required for our transition. This includes establishing new charity and subsidiary structures and securing approval from the Privy Council for our Charter changes and ensuring compliance with charity regulator requirements.

“Early elections for officer roles are underway to ensure the royal college begins with strong leadership in place, and we are working with the Shadow Board to bring in trustees with a real depth of specialist and charity expertise.

“The final regulations for the future royal college remain open till midnight on Sunday 29 March for member feedback, and we are grateful to everyone who has contributed so far.

“Our transition strategy is based on our series of Commitments and has been shaped by engagement across the sector. We will continue working collaboratively with all partners to develop the long‑term strategy for the new Royal College through a series of engagement events and opportunities.”

Pharmacy Schools Council

“I’m grateful to Professor Barrie Kellam, Chair of the Pharmacy Schools Council, who outlined shared priorities around workforce development, education standards and opportunities to strengthen the pipeline of future pharmacists across Great Britain.

“Pharmacy schools are central to building the future workforce, but they face mounting pressures from underfunding and workforce shortages to rising expectations for clinical training and experiential learning. With the expansion of independent prescribing, it is critical that students continue to receive both a strong scientific foundation and high‑quality clinical education.

“We will work closely with the Pharmacy Schools Council to champion excellence in education from student level through to graduation, and lifelong professional development through our own education and credentialling programmes, to secure the future of our current workforce and the next generation of pharmacists.”

Thanks to RPS Assembly

“This was the final meeting of the RPS Assembly before we become the Royal College of Pharmacy and it marks the end of an important chapter in our organisation’s history. The Assembly has played a vital role in shaping our strategy, governance and professional leadership.

“I want to thank all Assembly members, past and present, for their unwavering dedication and support. Their collective leadership and guidance has brought us to this moment, strengthening standards, education and the voice of pharmacy across Great Britain.

“As we step forward as the Royal College of Pharmacy, it is the Assembly’s work, wisdom and commitment that form the foundation for the next era of pharmacy professional leadership.”

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