We are urging our Members and Fellows to vote from today to approve the proposed changes to our Royal Charter, paving the way for our transformation to the Royal College of Pharmacy.
This historic Special Resolution Vote to confirm the resolution on the proposed Charter changes and change the name of the Society to the Royal College of Pharmacy is open until 5pm on Monday, 24 March 2025. A single vote covers both elements of the resolution.
Vote in favour of a royal college for:
More influence in government, increased recognition and status for the work of pharmacists
- Commitment to collaboration
A professional leadership body committed to excellence through collaboration
- Advancing and driving excellence in patient care
Encouraging, identifying and showcasing excellence in patient care
Providing post registration credentialing frameworks to enable career development, enabling and supporting excellence in practice
- A future-focused approach
Driving the development of pharmacists as leaders, researchers, educators and managers
Those eligible to vote are pharmacists who are currently, or ever have been, registered with the pharmacy regulator and who are a Member (MRPharmS) or Fellow (FRPharmS) of RPS. Eligibility to vote is not dependent on the country a member lives in or whether they are retired or working.
The vote is being conducted by the independent scrutineer Mi-Voice, who will contact Members and Fellows directly about how to vote. Alternatively, votes can also be cast directly on the secure section of the Mi-Voice site.
Two-thirds of those members who vote in the SRV must approve the resolution for it to pass and enable us to take the next steps towards becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy.
President of RPS Professor Claire Anderson said:
“This is a historic moment in the profession’s evolution, enabling advanced practice, enhancing patient care and strengthening professional leadership. Becoming a royal college will ensure our profession gains the recognition and authority it deserves, uniting us under a shared banner of excellence, fostering collaboration and inclusivity across all sectors and specialties. This is the moment to vote in support of the resolution and to champion the role of the profession in patient care and ensure pharmacy takes its rightful place amongst other healthcare professions.”
Paul Bennett, Chief Executive of RPS, said:
“Pharmacy and our profession continues to evolve, and this transition represents the next step in our journey. A royal college will empower us to advocate more effectively, strengthen the profession’s leadership in healthcare, and provide the best support for our members. I urge all those who can to vote in support of the resolution made by Assembly and be part of shaping the future.”
Find out more about our future commitments to members.
More about the vote and our proposals for change.