The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has today confirmed it has rejoined the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).

More than a year after leaving the global federation of national pharmaceutical associations, a decision which triggered strong criticism from within the pharmacy profession, RPS president Claire Anderson said it decided to rejoin after listening to its members.

“Members told us they wanted to see us re-join FIP to further our commitment to international partnerships which support education and advocacy to develop and progress the pharmacy profession,” professor Anderson said.

“We fully recognise the importance of international collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and best practice with our peers across the world.

“FIP are refocusing their membership offer and we’re delighted to work with them on opportunities for professional development and increased visibility and recognition for the pharmacy profession.”

Welcoming the RPS back, FIP’s chief executive Catherine Duggan, the former director of professional development and support at the RPS, said pharmacy’s professional leadership body was “an influential voice in pharmacy across Great Britain” and suggested its “re-joining will strengthen our objectives to advance pharmacy worldwide.”

RPS CEO Paul Bennett said: “Now that we have re-joined, our teams across RPS look forward to reinvigorating the close collaboration we have previously enjoyed with our colleagues both within FIP itself, and across the breadth of FIP Member Organisations to further our vision and mission.”