Members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) have now elected representatives to the national pharmacy boards for England, Scotland and Wales.

The ballot was the highest turnout for board elections in recent years, with 21 per cent of members voting for their national candidates. Each board has a different composition, in line with the needs of each country, with 11 places on the English and Welsh boards and 12 on the Scottish board.

As well as determining policy in their own countries, the national boards, along with a pharmaceutical scientist, an academic and lay member, will form the RPSGB Assembly, which replaces the Society’s Council. The Assembly will maintain overall strategic direction for the organisation and take responsibility for its financial and governance aspects.

The inaugural meeting of each Board will see the election of a chair and vice-chair for that country.

"These historic elections mark the start of a new era for our profession, through which we can create a dynamic and responsive leadership body," said RPSGB President Steve Churton. The Boards will take full responsibility for driving forward the pharmacy agenda in their own countries and engaging much more closely with the needs and aspirations of their members."