By Prof Mahendra G Patel OBE FRPharmS, Independent Expert Member of the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board

We stand on the cusp of a new era in pharmacy. From September 2026 all newly qualified pharmacists will be independent prescribers from the day of registration and the need for the profession to adapt and evolve has never been more pressing. Under the guidance of the independent UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board (UK PPLAB), we now have a unique and rare opportunity to create a unified framework for leadership that will steer the future of pharmacy across the UK.

When considering our future, there are three options according to the recommendations made by the UK Pharmacy Commission on professional leadership. Things can remain as they are; a professional leadership body could be formed that hosts other professional bodies and specialist professional groups, or a new professional leadership body that seeks Royal College recognition could be created.

The last option has by far the greatest potential. A new Royal College of Pharmacy would provide a formal and prestigious structure for the professions and for specialist professional groups to operate as faculties. This would foster stronger collaboration, enhance professional development, and unite the profession under a shared and common vision.

To achieve this requires honest and wholesome engagement from all parties. It is critical that we reflect on our strengths and weaknesses, aiming for a future that is more inclusive, where all professionals and specialist groups collaborate more closely with each other and their members. Trust, collaboration, and mutual respect must be the foundation of our leadership, governance, and representation.

The driving force behind the UK PPLAB is ensuring that all voices are heard, and no one is left behind. Mutual respect between pharmacists and pharmacy technicians is central to this effort. Of course, this may necessitate a change in mindsets and approaches by some to ensure we are genuinely united as one cohesive pharmacy profession. Such critical self-examination is vital for future success.

Specialist professional groups are essential in this new leadership structure. Their expertise helps shape pharmacy practise, and their contributions must be fully recognised, valued, and supported, whether they are integrated as faculties within a Royal College or through another unified framework.

It was hugely encouraging to hear the announcement that RPS has proposals to transition to become a Royal College after its 18-month constitution and governance review. This future state aligns with the goals of the UK PPLAB in supporting inclusive collaboration and facilitating arrangements for the future of Pharmacy professional leadership. It’s vital that the profession now rallies behind this initiative which needs endorsement by a two-thirds majority of voting members to amend the Society’s Royal Charter.

It’s also further reassuring to see a broad engagement programme is now well on its way, with the RPS actively seeking feedback from members at roadshow events happening all over the country. It is crucially important that as many colleagues as possible from across the different areas of practice and settings take part in these and other similar initiatives to ensure there is a widespread and balanced collection of voices and opinions that are heard and considered.

For pharmacy leadership to truly evolve with purpose and meaning, we must facilitate open dialogue and challenge, ensuring equitable representation across all regions of the UK. Collaboration and inclusivity—both within the pharmacy profession and across the four nations—are key to building a strong, unified leadership that reflects our diverse workforce.

I see no other credible alternative other than the Royal College option and we must do all we can to support it becoming a reality. Leadership bodies such as RPS and APTUK must demonstrate their strengths and work collaboratively to shape the future of pharmacy in the UK. Only then will we create a leadership body that is strong, clear, and united—a source of pride for everyone in the profession.

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