Jonathan Burton to receive RPS Charter Award for promoting the interests of pharmacy

Jonathan Burton will receive the 2022 RPS Charter Award for his outstanding work for the Society and the wider profession in promoting the interests of pharmacy.

The award will be presented by the President at a future meeting of Fellows and Members to take place at the Society’s Edinburgh office on 22nd March 2023.

Jonathan’s main role is as a practising, patient-facing pharmacist within the community in NHS Forth Valley where he uses his advanced practice skills and independent prescribing qualification to assess and treat acute ENT, dermatology, and respiratory conditions.

He was one of the first community pharmacist prescribers in Scotland and has always been at the forefront of innovation and service development.

Jonathan has demonstrated outstanding commitment and passion for the pharmacy profession throughout his career. He has excelled as a pharmacist in the Right Medicine Pharmacy group, on local and national committees, in advocacy for the pharmacy profession and as a local and national leader who is highly regarded as an exceptional role model for the profession.

His commitment to helping support and enhance the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) as a Scottish Pharmacy Board Member has been particularly significant: serving on the Board from 2012 – 2021 including time as Vice Chair and, from 2019 – 2021, Chair of the Board and Assembly Member.

Jonathan is an ambassador for the pharmacy profession, a true champion for community pharmacy and an exceptional leader. His practical, compassionate, and realistic nature and his ability to make everyone in the room feel valued and equal regardless of their skills, knowledge, or experience.

His outstanding contribution to pharmacy, patient care and his local community was recognised in 2018 when he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said: “Jonathan has had a significant impact on the practice of pharmacy. He has run an innovative pharmacy in Stirling for many years. He was one of the first community pharmacy prescribers. It was a pleasure to work with him when we were both board chairs and I am delighted to be able to present him with this prestigious award.”

Upon hearing of the Award, Jonathan Burton said: "I am absolutely delighted to receive the RPS Charter Award. For me, being a pharmacist and helping the public is a privilege. I've been very fortunate to have amazing support from family and colleagues throughout my career and I feel this recognition of my contribution belongs as much to them as it does to me.

“I'd like to pay particular tribute to the dedication and professionalism of all the pharmacy teams across Scotland, and those working in the various organisations that support them, who help deliver the Pharmacy First service to patients every day. It was a great experience to be involved in the early development of this service and it's a fantastic example of a shared vision for pharmacy becoming a reality. My involvement with RPS has always helped widen my professional perspective, supported my practice and I will always consider my membership, supporting other members and the wider profession to be a lifelong commitment."

Any Member or Fellow of the Society is eligible for nomination (with the exception of current Board and Assembly members who are ineligible whilst holding office). Nominations for the Charter Award can be made through the national Pharmacy Boards or Assembly members and are assessed by a panel consisting of the President, Treasurer and the three national Board Chairs.