Job Description

Help lead the new Royal College of Pharmacy as our first Chair of the Trustee Board
Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm)
Location: UK-wide| Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)
Time Commitment: Approx. 1-2 days/month (more during first year)
Be part of history and help shape the future
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is changing to become the Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) - a registered charity, with an updated royal charter, dedicated to advancing pharmacy to the benefit of patients and the public. As we prepare to complete our transition and launch in April 2026, we are seeking our first-ever independent Chair of the Trustee Board.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead a newly formed charity with a proud 184-year legacy and a bold vision: to be the world leader in the safe and effective use of medicines.
Why This Role Matters
As Chair, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership during a pivotal transformation.
• Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Guide the organisation through governance reform and cultural change.
• Support the CEO and Executive Team to achieve our mission - to place pharmacy at the forefront of patient care.
• Represent RCPharm nationally and internationally.

You'll oversee a 25M organisation, including a thriving publishing subsidiary - Pharmaceutical Press which produces independent, evidence-based pharmaceutical knowledge to help healthcare professionals globally make informed decisions about medicines.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking a visionary leader with:

• Board-level chairing experience in the charity, healthcare, or regulated sectors.
• A values-led, inclusive leadership style - humble, strategic, emotionally intelligent.
• Deep understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities.
• Experience navigating complex organisations and systemic change.
• A passion for public service, healthcare, and professional leadership.

Note: You do not need to be a pharmacist - but healthcare knowledge is a plus.
What You'll Gain

• A defining role in shaping the future of pharmacy professional leadership.
• The opportunity to amplify the role of pharmacy and drive excellence in GB pharmacy and professional standards.
• A platform to demonstrate innovation, inclusion and transformative change that ensures improvements in patient care.

Recruitment timeline:
A Q&A webinar session will be hosted by the Society, where they will share further insights and answer any additional questions you may have. Please register your interest in attending this webinar and we will send you a link: on Thursday 25th September, 6pm-7pm.
Application deadline: Friday 10th October 2025
First round interview: TBC
Final interviews: TBC
How to apply:
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to the RPS on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk and request a candidate pack.
For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala on 07563 030595 or seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Skills Required