The President of the Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm), Tase Oputu, and two College Fellows, Professor Diane Ashiru-Oredope and Ade Williams MBE, have been recognised as part of Honouring Black Britain 2026, in recognition of their contributions to pharmacy, public health and their communities.
Honouring Black Britain is a national recognition programme forming part of Black History Month. It features 54 people selected from hundreds of nominations representing different generations, professions, and experiences across the UK.
Honourees are spotlighted in the Black History Month Magazine 2026, a national exhibition poster series, and across digital platforms.
Tase Oputu, the first President of RCPharm has been recognised for her leadership within the pharmacy profession and her commitment to advancing equity, inclusion and professional excellence.
As a pharmacist, educator and leader, she has championed opportunities for the next generation of pharmacy professionals while promoting the vital contribution pharmacists make to improving patient care and reducing health inequalities. She has consistently highlighted the experiences of Black pharmacy professionals and encouraged colleagues to take their place in leadership roles.
She said, "I am honoured to be recognised alongside Professor Diane Ashiru-Oredope and Ade Williams MBE through Honouring Black Britain 2026.
"So many Black pharmacy professionals make an extraordinary contribution to patient care, public health, research and their communities. I hope this recognition will inspire future generations and highlight the positive impact pharmacy teams have across the country.”
Professor Diane Ashiru-Oredope, previously Deputy Chief Scientist of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, has been recognised in the Public Health, Pharmacy and Science category for her pioneering work in public health and tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Professor Ashiru-Oredope is Lead Pharmacist for healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), as well as Honorary Chair and Professor of Pharmaceutical Public Health at the University of Nottingham.
She has been a Fellow of the College since 2017 and has held key leadership roles in AMR, including serving as Global AMR Lead for the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association.
Diane Ashiru-Oredope, said: "I am humbled to receive this recognition. I remain committed to improving public/population health, addressing health inequalities and widening opportunities for others. I’m especially grateful for the nomination and for the time taken to recognise my contribution. It is a privilege to work alongside others who share a commitment to improving health and supporting others to thrive."
Ade Williams MBE has been recognised in the Community Pharmacy and Public Health category for his role in establishing community pharmacy as an accessible, trusted hub for local healthcare. His work has championed preventative care, vaccination access, and improved patient outcomes by bringing clinical expertise directly to local neighbourhoods.
A community pharmacist, independent prescriber, and Lead Pharmacist at Bedminster Pharmacy in South Bristol, Williams combines frontline clinical practice with wider healthcare advocacy. A Fellow since 2018, he serves as a trustee of the Self Care Forum and the Factory Foundation in South Bristol.
Williams, said, “Community pharmacy is about putting people first. I'm honoured to receive this recognition and proud of the difference pharmacy teams make in communities every day."
To mark Black History Month and celebrate the contributions of Black pharmacy professionals across the sector, RCPharm will host a dedicated event on Tuesday, 8 October 2026.
