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Royal College status will give RPS ‘a louder and more effective voice’ – says Tase Oputu

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RPS believes that becoming a Royal College would strengthen its ability to raise the profile of pharmacy and advocate for change   

In September, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), the professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in Great Britain, announced its proposal to transition into a Royal College.

This significant step, which came following an 18-month independent review of the RPS constitution and governance, aims to strengthen the RPS’s leadership role, with the ultimate goal of delivering greater benefits to patients and the public.

In an exclusive interview with Pharmacy Business, Tase Oputu, chair of the RPS English Pharmacy Board, discusses the key reasons behind the proposed changes, the potential impact on pharmacists and patients, and her personal journey as the first Black Chair of the RPS Board.

Benefits for pharmacists and patients  

When asked how this transition would benefit pharmacists and patients, Tase says, “I’m excited about RPS’ proposals for change. In my view, becoming a Royal College would elevate the status of the profession and strengthen our ability to raise the profile of pharmacy, advocate for change and advance the safe and effective use of medicines for the benefit of patients and the public.”

She highlights that transitioning to a Royal College would place pharmacy professional leadership alongside other health and medical Royal Colleges.

Additionally, RPS would continue to develop and deliver its core activities, such as credentialling, education, standards and guidance, science and research and patient safety.

Tase explains that her role as chair of the English Pharmacy Board involves “ensuring the English Pharmacy Board’s Vision for Pharmacy Professional Practice in England is brought to life and that the Board is informed and able to support our Royal College ambitions.”

She believes that achieving Royal College status will significantly enhance their ability to advocate for policy reforms and drive the changes outlined in the ‘Vision’ report.

Credentialing at the heart of the transition

Tase emphasises that defining and assuring post-registration professional standards is a fundamental activity for a Royal College and fully aligns with their proposals for change.

She believes that the transition to Royal College will enable them to establish the credentialing pathways that pharmacy professionals deserve.

Tase explains: “Credentialing provides considerable benefits for pharmacists and the system. For a pharmacist, credentialing can support a standard professional career structure that offers potential for advancement. Credentialing also engenders professional confidence and pride, increases professional cohesion and provides a mechanism by which the skills and capabilities of an individual are recognised.

“Credentialing provides an objective and validated assurance mechanism for employee capability within and across organisations which can inform fair and valid career progression and recruitment decisions, assure consistency across the system and improve workforce portability. It also provides a mechanism by which other health professionals and patients can recognise the level of practice of the pharmacy workforce.”

RPS, in collaboration with the pharmacy profession, has been developing credentialing model over the last 4 to 5 years.

But Tase acknowledges that there is much work to be done, in continued partnership with many others in the pharmacy ecosystem, to ensure the full value of credentialing can be realised to the benefit of pharmacists, patients and the public.

“As a Royal College, this will sit at the heart of our work and becoming a Royal College and making the other changes will allow us to have the maximum impact and influence in delivering the credentialing pathways that pharmacy deserves,” she adds.

A more authoritative voice

On how this transition will impact the RPS’s ability to influence healthcare policy, Tase says: “The proposed Royal College of Pharmacy will benefit from the significant recognition that the term ‘Royal College’ now has, particularly with the media and policymakers.

“RPS will gain a more authoritative voice in policy discussions, allowing us to advocate more effectively for the role of pharmacy in the healthcare system. This positions us to more powerfully champion policies that elevate pharmacy practice and improve patient outcomes,” she adds.

Furthermore, she notes that the term ‘Royal College’ is increasingly used as a shorthand for a trusted health or medical organisation, particularly by the media.

Hence, the RPS strongly believes that as a Royal College, they will have a louder and more effective voice and be more able to “raise awareness and understanding of pharmacy, advocate for change, champion the role of pharmacists and the pharmacy team and advance the safe and effective use of medicines for the benefit of patients and the public.”

Charity status to enhance transparency 

RPS has undergone an 18-month review of its constitution and governance structure after receiving feedback from members that it was “confusing and opaque.”

“We’re very keen to change this,” says Tase, adding that the raft of changes they are proposing, including becoming a charity, will bring external scrutiny from charity regulators and demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability.

She expounds: “It’s a change that allows us to better inhabit our role as the professional leadership body support, to the benefit of patients and the public and with members at the heart of our work.

“Having a focus on public benefit means that everything we do, including our credentialing, education, professional standards and guidance and our advocacy work, must be clearly aligned with our charitable objective.”

Boost inclusivity and diversity efforts  

Tase also believes that the change in status will strengthen the RPS’s leadership role in advancing inclusivity and diversity initiatives.

She says: “I have been impressed with the efforts the RPS has made towards inclusion and diversity in recent years; however, there is still a long way to go. I believe that the transition to a royal college will provide an opportunity to amplify this work.”

“This transition is likely to strengthen the RPS’s leadership role in advancing inclusivity through closer collaboration with other pharmacy organisations. A royal college designation will enhance the RPS’s capacity to make impactful, long-term progress in areas such as differential attainment by offering a formal platform for unified advocacy. This shift will empower the RPS to leverage its influence more effectively, promoting a culture within pharmacy that prioritises equity and representation at all levels, while also ensuring that the momentum for inclusivity remains strong and visible.”

Immediate priorities after the transition

Tase answers: “RPS has ambitious plans for the future, we will continue to focus on assessment and credentialing and education and our other core activities such as professional standards, guidance and policy and advocacy.

“We will continue to offer professional support for our members and to drive member value. We are committed to working with the wider pharmacy eco-system and in close collaboration with special interest bodies, peers and partners.”

Feedback from roadshows to shape proposals

Throughout October and November, RPS has actively engaged with pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists across Great Britain, both members and non-members, through a series of in-person roadshows and online events.

“Board members have attended the majority of these events alongside the RPS team and we have all listened closely to the questions asked and views expressed at these events (and via our [email protected] email address,” Tase shares, adding that the insights have contributed to finalising the RPS’s proposals and plans.

A report summarising the feedback from these discussions is expected to be published in December.

New initiatives to meet evolving needs

Tase acknowledges that the pharmacy landscape in the UK is “changing rapidly, and the expectations placed upon pharmacists and the wider pharmacy team are significant for professionals in terms of delivering patient care.”

To meet this increasing demand, Tase states that RPS will continue developing and publishing respected pharmacy guides and professional standards, focusing on education and professional development resources while also offering professional support services for its members.

“We are committed to transforming the online experience for members and continuing to enhance member value. We are also increasing and improving the ways members can engage with each other and with RPS both online and at local in-person events.

“Our new initiatives are aimed at supporting professionals and ensuring we meet their evolving needs,” she adds.

Breaking barriers

Tase shares that being the first Black member of the English Pharmacy Board and its first Black Chair brings her “both pride and a sense of sadness.”

“This milestone highlights how long it has taken to see Black representation at such a high level, which reflects the broader environment Black pharmacists encounter daily, with limited visibility in senior roles.

“Putting myself forward for the role was a conscious effort to shift this narrative, demonstrating that it is achievable for Black pharmacists to aspire to and achieve these roles despite the challenges and ongoing exposure to discrimination,” she says.

For Tase, these roles mean much more than personal achievement.

“They underscore the importance of having leadership within pharmacy that reflects both the diversity of the profession, and the populations served. The richness of diverse perspectives and lived experiences is critical to informed decision-making and effective policy development.

“The drive to ensure this diversity in pharmacy leadership must be unwavering, as inclusion can too easily be sidelined when other priorities emerge. I felt this keenly after the initial focus during the pandemic compared to now.

“Yet, there is hope. The current generation of pharmacy students and early career pharmacists is actively working to make their institutions and curricula more inclusive. Groups like the British Pharmaceutical Students Association are making notable strides in advocacy, and representation setting an inspiring example.”

Tase’s goal is “to continue pushing for greater representation of minoritized groups at all levels, ensuring that the progress we’ve begun becomes lasting change.”

Tase’s message for female pharmacists

To female pharmacists, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds aspiring to advance, I’d say: it’s no secret that the journey can be tough. Women in the workplace face added pressures, and with the layers of intersectionality, we often face unique challenges. But we can navigate this by being intentional about the support we seek and build.

Start by investing in mentoring and coaching from an early stage, and seize straining and leadership opportunities when you can. It’s essential to grasp not just the theoretical aspects of your role but also the workplace dynamics—the “unwritten rules” that shape its culture. Networks, relationships, and the less visible power structures may not always be accessible, especially with family, religious or other commitments. So, find alternative ways to connect and grow.

Allies and sponsors are invaluable. Seek those who will advocate for you and champion your accomplishments, even when you’re not in the room. Above all, don’t be shy about putting yourself forward. Feel the fear, and do it anyway—you have so much to contribute, know your worth! The profession needs your voice and vision​!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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