Independent UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board launched to strengthen collaboration

The UK Chief Pharmaceutical Officers (CPhOs) are delighted to announce the establishment of the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board and appointment of Sir Hugh Taylor as its Independent Chair.

Through the Board’s work, closer collaboration between pharmacy professional leadership bodies and specialist professional groups will enable and support pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Over three years, the Board of 19 members will lead the implementation of recommendations from the UK Commission on Pharmacy Professional Leadership’s report, published in February 2023.

Read an open letter announcing the Board

Open recruitment for Independent Expert Members

The CPhOs are launching an inclusive open recruitment for nine Independent Expert Members to join the Board, individuals who will play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting its work. A recruitment pack has been published which outlines how these important roles are open to leaders from diverse backgrounds who are of the highest calibre with an outstanding track record in, strong understanding of, or lived experience in, health and care in any country of the UK. The recruitment will close at 23.59 on Monday 13 November 2023.

Role summary

Recruitment pack

Independent Chair of the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board Sir Hugh Taylor:

Sir Hugh Taylor is currently Chair of the Health Foundation and a Trustee of Cicely Saunders International, and Chief Negotiations Adviser (Voluntary Pricing and Access Scheme for branded medicines), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). He was previously Chair of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and National Skills Academy for Health, and a Trustee of Macmillan Cancer Support, the Nuffield Trust and the Royal College of Physicians.

Prior to these appointments he had a long and distinguished career in the Civil Service including senior roles in DHSC and the NHS Executive, the Cabinet Office and the Home Office.

Sir Hugh said: "I am delighted and honoured to be taking on this role as Independent Chair. Pharmacy is an integral and vital part of our health system. The aim of this Board is to lead and support collaboration across the professions in the UK, so that they can look to the future with ambition and confidence and realise their full potential. That is a hugely exciting mission - and one I very much look forward to supporting."

UK Chief Pharmaceutical Officers Andrew Evans, Cathy Harrison, Alison Strath and David Webb:

“There is an urgent need for the pharmacy professions to work collaboratively to deliver on their potential, and address together a wide range of professional issues. We look forward to the new independent Board engaging with pharmacy professionals across the UK to champion a new and dynamic phase of collaboration and create a positive future."

“We are seeking Independent Expert Members from diverse backgrounds who are able to represent the patient and public interest, and with expertise in a wide range of fields including leadership, education, policy, research, academia and engagement, as well as experience beyond the pharmacy professions. This will help ensure the Board is broad, balanced and inclusive.”