RPS appoints James Davies as Director of England

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has appointed James Davies as Director of England.

Davies will be joining RPS in January 2023 to drive professional leadership for the pharmacy profession in England, working with and for RPS members.

He’ll lead on national policy development, professional advocacy and member engagement across England, in partnership with the English Pharmacy Board.

Davies said: “It’s a privilege to take up this position within the RPS, the professional home of pharmacy. I have been a member of the RPS throughout my pharmacy career, and that has helped me to continually drive excellence in pharmacy practice. I’m excited about delivering the current RPS strategy to ensure that pharmacy is, and continues to be, at the forefront of healthcare. I’m eager to work as part of the team and with the Board, leading and developing opportunities for the profession that improve the lives of patients and the public.

“I’ve always been passionate about the pharmacy profession, from my student days as the BPSA President, through to my academic work that’s driven forward pharmacy practice and more recently delivering innovative digital solutions in healthcare. I am looking forward to working with members to continue to deliver an exciting future for pharmacy.”

Commenting on his appointment, RPS CEO Paul Bennett said: “I’m delighted that James is joining the RPS as Director for England and I’m looking forward to working closely with him. James brings with him significant experience across many sectors of the profession, including community, hospital, and academic posts. James will help us to further build our capacity and capability to deliver our mission.”

English Pharmacy Board Chair, Thorrun Govind added: “James brings a unique blend of policy experience, academic rigour and commercial acumen to the role. As a previous academic and policy advisor, he speaks with authority about how pharmacists improve patient care, backed up by science.

“James is exactly the right person to lead and develop evidence-based opportunities for the profession, to improve the lives of patients and the public and I am delighted we will be working together on this.”