The dynamic duo of Bradford alumni heading the Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Paul Bennett, Pharmacy graduate of 1984, was last week appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and will take up his role at the beginning of July 2017. This latest news follows the appointment of Robbie Turner, Pharmacy graduate of 1999, as the RPS Director for England last October - Robbie started in his new role in January 2017.

The fact that two Bradford alumni are placed in two of the most influential roles in the UK is a testament to the quality of Pharmacy provision at the University. Professor Marcus Rattray, Head of Bradford School of Pharmacy and Professor of Pharmacology, commented:

"We are proud that the University of Bradford School of Pharmacy has helped shape Paul and Robbie and launch their careers. They are both superb advocates for the continuing development of the profession of pharmacy and the importance of pharmacists for patient care and safety."

More about Paul Bennett

Paul will join the RPS from his position as Chief Officer of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Pharmaceutical Committee. Prior to this, he was Professional Standards Director and Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots UK. He has gained a wealth of professional and commercial experience from both national and local pharmacy organisations alongside strong leadership credentials from business and from close working with NHS Commissioners of service and others.

Paul has also held senior leadership roles and Superintendent Pharmacist positions at Safeway Stores Plc and E Moss Ltd and was a member of the Moss Board at the time of the merger between Alliance Pharmacy and Boots. He has held accountability for both professional and commercial matters throughout his career.

On his recent appointment, Paul said: “I am delighted that I have been invited to join the Royal Pharmaceutical Society as its new Chief Executive at this important time for the profession. As a pharmacist myself, I am passionate about the advancement of the science and practice of pharmacy and driven by an ambition to support pharmacists, wherever they may practice, to improve the public’s health and wellbeing.

“I look forward to working closely with the President, the Assembly, the National Pharmacy Boards and of course the great team of staff at the Society, to build upon the work done over recent times to support the development of pharmacists and continue the journey to build a viable and sustainable organisation. Together we will deliver the agreed strategy and further strengthen the position that the Society now occupies as the voice of the profession.

“One of my highest priorities will be engagement with members, and I look forward to meeting and hearing from as many members as possible. I strongly believe that an influential and effective professional leadership body listens to, and is responsive to, the voice of its members.”

In parallel to his executive career, Paul has held a number of positions on professional bodies, most notably becoming Chair of the first RPS English Pharmacy Board in 2007 and Chair of the National Pharmacy Association in 2008. During his career he was a longstanding member of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, serving on various subcommittees and more recently was Non-Executive Chairman of Pharmacy Voice.

As a member of the RPS Wessex Steering Group and Wessex Local Professional Network Core Group, Paul has played an active role in developing the contribution of pharmacy and pharmacists to improving the health of local people through collaboration with other healthcare professionals, development of services and championing the role of pharmacy in illness prevention.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society website >>

RPS appoints new chief executive officer >>

More about Robbie Turner

As the new director for England at the RPS, Robbie is involved in supporting the work of the RPS English Pharmacy Board and directing its programme to develop the profession in England, while supporting and engaging members across the nation. He was previously the Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire, an organisation that represents over 560 local community pharmacies.

He is also a trustee of Pharmacist Support, an independent charity working for pharmacists and their families, and has previously worked in management positions for Cohen’s Chemists and the Assura Group. He is on the External Advisory Board of the School of Pharmacy, University of Bradford.

Commenting last October, on his appointment as Director for England RPS, Robbie said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the RPS and am looking forward to working with the English Pharmacy Board to support and further develop the role of pharmacists. I have always been impressed by the work the RPS has achieved in advancing the profession of pharmacy and am very excited to be able to help contribute to building on this.”

More about the University of Bradford School of Pharmacy

The School of Pharmacy at the University of Bradford is ranked in the top 150 in the world in the 2017 QS World University Rankings, up 50 places from last year. .

(Photos courtesy of www.pharmaceutical-journal.com)