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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has expressed disappointment at call by the Pharmacists’ Defence Association to vote against the forthcoming special resolution vote on steps to form a Royal College.

The PDA has urged the Society to “abandon its hastily convened” ballot, and told its members to vote against the plan if they do not. The Association says it is concerned the RPS is rushing into the proposal and insisted more time is needed for the plan “to be properly reconsidered and amended where necessary”.

In an open letter, the Society says the proposals by the RPS Assembly to modernise the Society’s Charter (subject to Privy Council approvals) will make it fit for the future as a professional leadership body in response to the changing pharmacy landscape.

The RPS has also applied for registration with the charity regulators to form the Royal College of Pharmacy.

“After an extensive period of engagement with our members and wider stakeholders about the proposed changes, we are days away from an historic vote that, if supported by two thirds of those members who vote, would see the RPS move towards becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy. This is something many have been calling for over a number of years and the time to act is now,” the RPS says.

It argues that the proposals have been forward following a democratic process. RPS says it has been open about the progress of the constitution and governance review at every stage, and the proposals have been the subject of numerous member communications during 2024.

“This is a significant moment in the evolution of the professional leadership body,” says the RPS, adding that: “Professional independence is a cornerstone of the current RPS and will remain a cornerstone of the future royal college.”

It urges members to exercise their vote and support the unanimous recommendation of the RPS Assembly, which together with the national pharmacy boards, are endorsing the proposals for the new Charter and to become the Royal College of Pharmacy.

The letter is signed by RPS president Professor Claire Anderson; treasurer Brendon Jiang; national board chairmen Jonathan Burton (Scotland), Geraldine McCaffrey (Wales) and Tase Oputu (England); along with RPS CEO Paul Bennett.