The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7216 p419
21 September 2002

Society summary

From the vice-president
Modernisation: its importance in retaining confidence in pharmacy

The British Pharmaceutical Conference, which brings together the practice, profession, science and politics of pharmacy, is almost upon us. For me, this is always a reminder that another year is heading towards its close.

By the end of the year, the Society expects to have completed the first phase of its important work to modernise its remit, functions and powers. We have completed our consultation with the profession on the regulatory aspects of modernisation: the race is now on for the Council to frame its proposals in time for our new draft Order to arrive on the Minister's desk early in the new year.

Some colleagues in the profession have expressed concern about this tight timetable. Some have been worried that the process has concentrated on the regulatory aspects of the Society's role. This approach has been down to the pressing need to take decisions on regulatory matters and the composition of the Council in time for them to be included in the new draft legislation. But only by meeting this deadline have we any hope of securing Parliamentary time for our plans before the end of 2003.

Over the coming months, the Council will now turn to the issues arising from its firm commitment that the Society should go forward as a professional as well as a regulatory body. This means considering how the Society will continue to exercise such roles as professional leadership, professional development, support for pharmacists and acting as an advocate for the profession with the Government, the National Health Service and other stakeholders.

Far from reducing its work in these areas, the Society is likely to need to develop and improve many facets of these roles to meet new needs. One key issue for the Council will be how to make sure that it has the right level of expertise in the fields of science, education and the various areas of practice in order to inform its policy-making work. The Council will also be considering what infrastructure is needed to manage the work to implement its policies and decisions as a professional body. It is recognised that the Council's roles as regulator and professional body will not always operate as two separate streams but will in many instances inform and influence each other. Structures and new ways of working will need to be evolved that ensure that the Society's various functions operate in synergy.

Some members are concerned about how their relationship with the Society might change as a result of the modernisation drive. I recognise and understand that these concerns are largely based on a legitimate sense of pride in our traditions and perhaps also on a fear that "our" Society might become just an impersonal machine for regulating pharmacists.

I believe that it is an immense privilege for a health profession to manage its own regulation. But, if we want to keep that privilege, with all the benefits it brings to public and profession alike, we need to meet modern expectations. In the past, after all, the Society has undergone many changes in order to achieve its excellent track record and become the organisation it is today. Change is inevitable but, rather than fear it, we should welcome it as an opportunity to be even better at what we do.

The Society has shown that it is possible to combine the roles of regulatory body and professional organisation in a way that serves the public interest. It goes without saying that the Council intends to build on that legacy of achievement.

Our aim is one that I know that all pharmacists will share: to create an organisation that will ensure that pharmacists, wherever they practise, continue to have the confidence of patients, the Government and society as a whole.