Reflections on my first year as Numark UK chairman

The lack of a stable, predictable funding framework remains a critical issue for pharmacies in England - Harry McQuillan

As I reflect on my first year as chairman of Numark, I am struck by the incredible progress we’ve made together and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for community pharmacy. This milestone feels like the perfect moment to take stock of our achievements and look forward to the future.

Stepping into this role after 17 years as a chief executive was both exhilarating and, I’ll admit, a little daunting. However, any initial apprehension quickly faded thanks to the warm welcome and support from my fellow UK Board members, the exceptional Numark team, and our dedicated members. It’s this shared sense of purpose, supporting our members to deliver outstanding care to their communities that continues to inspire me every day.

One of my first priorities was to clearly define what Numark stands for. Together, we established a mission that reflects our commitment: “Numark is the support organisation to more than 5500 community pharmacies, dedicated to enhancing their business performance and the delivery of safe effective pharmaceutical care. We maximise our scale to add value to our pharmacy partners.”

This mission is far more than just words on paper, it’s a promise that guides everything we do. From providing practical support to advocating for the future of community pharmacy, it shapes our actions and priorities.

A defining moment of the past year was the launch of our 12 Principles for the Future Model of Community Pharmacy Practice. This initiative marked a significant step forward, sparking vital conversations about how pharmacy can evolve to meet the changing needs of patients and the NHS. I’m proud to share that the chief pharmaceutical officers from all four UK nations engaged with our vision, recognising its importance and relevance.

Yet, no vision for the future can succeed without proper funding. The lack of a stable, predictable funding framework remains a critical issue, particularly for pharmacies in England. Addressing this challenge is a top priority, and I am committed to working closely with contractor negotiating bodies to secure the financial stability our sector needs to thrive.

This year also saw the re-establishment of our country-specific advisory boards, providing members with a platform to share their insights and feedback. These sessions have already driven meaningful improvements, including enhancements to NumarkNet, updates to our training platform, and new initiatives set to launch later this year. Listening to our members and acting on their feedback is at the heart of what we do, and this collaborative approach will remain central to our work.

We’ve made significant strides in positioning Numark as a thought leader for the sector, but there’s still more to do. For me, it’s about ensuring that the incredible work our members do every day is not only recognised but celebrated. Community pharmacies are the backbone of countless communities, and I am determined to amplify their voices and champion their contributions.

Looking back on the past year, I feel immense pride in what we’ve achieved together. At the same time, I am more determined than ever to tackle the challenges ahead. Community pharmacy stands at a crossroads, and while the path forward may not always be easy, I am confident that by working together, we can secure the bright future our sector deserves.

To all community pharmacies across the UK, wherever you operate, I extend my heartfelt thanks for everything you do. Your dedication and resilience are an inspiration, and I look forward to continuing our partnership as we move into 2025 and beyond. Together, we will keep pushing boundaries, driving innovation, and ensuring community pharmacy remains at the heart of healthcare.