GPhC appoints two new Chief officers

The pharmacy regulator has welcomed two new executive officers to achieve next steps in their ‘strategic’ plans

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) recently appointed a chief pharmacy officer and a chief enforcement officer on 26 October.

Roz Gittins will be joining as chief pharmacy officer and deputy registrar whereas Dionne Spence as chief enforcement officer and deputy registrar from 3 January.

The regulator confirmed that the new officers will “form the new executive structure of the GPhC”.

They will be working with the existing staff members Mark Voce, in his new role, is the chief strategy officer and deputy registrar and Jonathan Bennetts, will be the chief operating officer & deputy registrar.

It is stated that Gittins is to serve as "the most senior member of the profession," offering pharmacy leadership throughout the GPhC.

She will be tasked with "representing the pharmacy regulator authoritatively on professional issues in public."

In her role as the chief pharmacy officer, Gittins will provide comprehensive professional leadership within the GPhC, collaborating closely with the company's pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

She said: "I’m looking forward to joining the GPhC team in the new year. As a registrant, I know how important it is for our regulator to connect more effectively with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

“I hope that this new role, alongside Dionne and other GPhC colleagues, offers a unique opportunity to influence progress, at an exciting and challenging time for the pharmacy professions."

Meanwhile, Dionne Spence will be overseeing and enhancing Fitness to Practise (FIT) processes and enforcement actions against registered pharmacies.

She will promote a consistent strategic and cultural approach to fitness to practice and pharmacy enforcement.

Talking about the company, Spence said: "I am delighted to be joining the GPhC, my second healthcare regulator, in this new and exciting role, and at such a critical time for the pharmacy professions.

“Coming in at the inception of this innovative approach to leadership, with a team so committed to streamlining our regulatory functions and improving the service provided to all users is incredibly exciting and will provide great benefit to the sector.”