The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7505 p699
7 June 2008

Society summary

These reports are of debates at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s branch representatives’ meeting on 22 May 2008.
Further reports

BRM emphasises value of thriving branch structure for the future professional body

A motion asserting that a thriving local branch structure is essential to the success of the future professional leadership body for pharmacy was carried unanimously without debate at the branch representatives’ meeting.

Proposing the motion, Jen De Val (South East Metropolitan) said that it should be a Council priority to maintain the branch structure in the transition to a new professional body. As a voluntary body, it would have to attract members, and a branch structure would be crucial to its success. It needed a tangible local presence relevant to its grass roots members. A branch structure could achieve that and could encourage the development of new leaders for the profession.

Seconding, Fawz Farhan (South East Metropolitan) said that a branch network offered a huge potential for supporting pharmacists through training, education, continuing professional development, mentoring opportunities, meeting with peers and policy discussions. But it needed support from headquarters in terms of resources and manpower.