The Royal Pharmaceutical Society Assembly has confirmed Professor Claire Anderson as president for a further term of two years.

Prof Anderson was first elected as president in 2021 and has overseen a turbulent two years in which the Society jettisoned one of its founding objectives of becoming a Royal College, and decided to leave the International Pharmaceutical Federation without consulting its members (it has since re-joined).

A perceived lack of leadership was thought by many to be behind the decision of the four UK chief pharmaceutical officers to commission a report on professional leadership which was published in February this year. It proposed that a transitional Collaborative Leadership Council should be established for a period of five years. It is understood the chair of the new body may be announced soon.

A key task during Prof Anderson's second term will be to oversee, deliver and implement a constitutional and governance review of the Society.

In her address to the Assembly, she said: “This is a time of unprecedented change and I have decided to stand as president for a second term to offer much needed continuity. I am passionate about our profession and committed to making the RPS and our members even more successful. I will also continue to be a dedicated ambassador and advocate for the profession nationally and internationally.”

Alisdair Jones was confirmed by Assembly as the new RPS Treasurer, taking over from Sibby Buckle, who stood down as treasurer in June. Mr Jones, a member of the English Pharmacy Board and RPS Assembly, was elected unopposed.

He is already part of the Finance and Investment Committee, where RPS budgets, pensions, assets, financial priorities and performance, reserves and investment policies are scrutinised and agreed.