UKPPLAB aims to future-proof Pharmacy, says 'We need to describe the big picture'

 The UK PPLAB emphasised the critical role of collaboration to enhance professional and regulatory standards, education, and the evolving roles of pharmacy professionals

In a significant move towards shaping the future of pharmacy practice, the recently established UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board (UKPPLAB) has highlighted the need for a collaborative effort to enhance professional standards and patient care.

Led by Sir Hugh Taylor, the 21 board members focused on professional and regulatory standards aimed at strengthening the clinical practice and emphasised on the recurrent theme of collaboration during their second meeting.

"We need to describe the big picture and future-proof so we don’t have to keep redefining professional roles," said Sir Hugh Taylor, Independent Chair of the Board, underscoring the necessity for a unified approach between Professional Leadership Bodies (PLBs) and Specialist Professional Groups (SPGs).

According to one IEM, celebrating the differences between "the professional identities as pharmacy technicians and pharmacists" is vital.

While another said that "patients and the public often do not understand the difference between professional pharmacy roles" and emphasised on the need to communicate better to differentiate between the two to the patients.

Moreoever, an Ex-Officio member stressed the importance of integrating pharmacy into the multi-disciplinary space and enhancing engagement with other clinical roles.

Discussions highlighted the need to boost patient and public confidence in the capabilities of pharmacy professionals and to collaborate more closely with pharmacy regulators to support new practice developments.

An independent expert member pointed out, “The professional leadership body and specialist professional group Board members must work closely to identify gaps in current guidance.”

Highlighting the evolving clinical roles, another expert mentioned, “Professional leadership is crucial in maintaining high-quality care and patient safety, especially as pharmacy technicians begin working under patient group directions (PGDs).”

The recent board meeting also underscored the key topics of education and training.

An Ex-Officio member stressed the importance of focusing on post-registration development and the upcoming 2026 introduction of independent prescribing for newly qualified pharmacists.

“We need to ensure that all pharmacy professionals benefit from the support and advice of PLBs and SPGs,” they stated.

Looking forward, the Board discussed the scope of practice for future pharmacy professionals amidst rapid industry changes.

"Horizon scanning is essential to avoid constantly redefining roles,” emphasised one member.

Another highlighted the need for better public communication about the differences in professional pharmacy roles.

As the Board prepares for their next meeting in September, the focus will be on developing a sustainable and effective structure for pharmacy professional leadership in the UK.

"We need to understand we’re not here to solve past problems but to relentlessly develop top-notch pharmacy professional leadership for the future,”Sir Hugh Taylor concluded.