The Royal College of Pharmacy has appointed Dr Emily Kennedy FRCPharm (Consultant) as its new head of Professional Standards, Guidance and Patient Safety.
She will take up her role on 29 June and report to Justine Scanlan, director of pharmacy.
Kennedy will lead the development of the Royal College of Pharmacy’s professional standards and guidance, which will support pharmacists and pharmacy teams to deliver safe, high-quality care, and drive the organisation’s work to improve patient safety across Great Britain.
Kennedy is currently a clinical pharmacist for Climate Emergency and Sustainability at the Scottish Government and lead pharmacist for Respiratory and Sustainability at NHS Dumfries and Galloway.
She has a strong background in clinical practice, quality prescribing and patient safety, and led national work to embed sustainability into prescribing strategies.
She was appointed a Fellow of RPS in 2024 and has served as the Chair of Advanced Pharmacist Credentialing Committees since 2022.
Royal College of Pharmacy interim chief executive Karen Baxter said, “I’m delighted to welcome Emily as our new Head of Professional Standards, Guidance and Patient Safety. She brings a wealth of experience across clinical practice and national policy, alongside a strong commitment to patient safety and professional standards.
"She will play a central role in building on the organisation's valued standards and guidance that support pharmacists and pharmacy teams to deliver safe, effective care for patients.”
Kennedy said, “This is such an exciting time to be joining the Royal College of Pharmacy. I am proud and honoured to take on this role and I look forward to working with colleagues, members and partners to support the development of professional standards and guidance that reflect modern pharmacy practice and continue to safeguard patients through the safe and effective use of medicines.”
