victorian Pharmacy - Royal Pharmaceutical Society

c o m m e n t
Breaking the Ties
Jeremy Holmes, CEO
With your
support
we can build
our future.
When I joined the Society almost three
years ago a few eyebrows were
raised. That was partly because I wasn’t
a pharmacist, but also because I didn’t
routinely wear a tie.
Not only was it not my habit, I also
felt not wearing a tie was a small signal
of the practicality and energy which the
organisation needed. Maybe some of that
has rubbed off. Reading Xrayser in Chemist
& Druggist on May 29, there was a genuine
sense of enthusiasm for the new Society
in the context of the other big changes
happening in pharmacy – “for those of us
who remember PIANA (Pharmacy In A New
Age) this is that new age!”
I agree. We are poised to launch a
professional body that is clearly focussed on
promoting and representing the professional
interests of its members. Regular research
amongst our members tells us the Society is
seen as more approachable, more proactive,
more supportive, more credible, and more
effective at communicating than it was a
year ago. That’s a tremendous credit to the
team. Which is not to say there isn’t more
to be done, but we really are ready for the
“new age”.
Energy and commitment
The separation of the Society’s regulatory
and professional functions is now absolutely
clear; the two roles of Registrar and Chief
Executive are no longer tied together. From
this month (July) Duncan Rudkin is Registrar,
in preparation for the transfer of regulation
to the General Pharmaceutical Council
(targeted for September). At the same time,
Helen Gordon takes over as Chief Executive
to lead the new Society as a dedicated
professional leadership body
I’m sure Helen will benefit from the
fantastic support that the staff, Council
and Boards of the Society have provided to
me, and from the energy and commitment
of the wider profession – all of which I am
enormously grateful for.
She is taking over as Captain of a spaceship
that’s already on the launch pad. When lift-off
happens, the launch gantry will fall away and
we will have broken our ties to regulation.
It may not be rocket science, but the
count-down has started and it’s going to be
great. Bon voyage! n
With our
support
you can
build yours.
We asked you, our members, what support you needed from your professional body.
You told us. We listened. We’ve changed.
Your new Society will provide confidential support and expert advice; helping you with your
professional queries; empowering you to make your own professional decisions; supporting you and
your professional development – so you feel more informed and more confident in your role.
Whether you’re just starting out on your career, returning after a break, looking to change sectors
or seeking support for your next move – we’re here to help you.
Help us to help you – as a member of your new professional leadership body, the Royal
Pharmaceutical Society.
Our support service is available now on 020 7572 2302, by email: support@rpsgb.org,
or via our website.
www.rpharms.com/support
Royal Pharmaceutical Society
RPSGB is working with the profession to build your new Society
10 Pharmacy Professional | July/August 2010
Support Recognise Lead Develop Network