Can you help us uphold standards and public trust in pharmacy?

22 September 2015

We are looking for three new members of our governing council – one of whom will be on our register – to help us achieve our aims of making a positive contribution to patient safety and encouraging improvements in pharmacy services

We have an ambitious programme of work ahead at this time of change for pharmacy, and our council has an important strategic governance and assurance role to play.

What’s involved? Hear from some of our council members about the role

“If you are anything like me, when considering whether to apply you may query whether you have the knowledge, skills and experience to take on the responsibility of being a council member.

It is true that you need to have a particular skill set to be able to perform the role of council member well, but what an effective board needs is to have a mix of people from different backgrounds. This provides a spectrum of opinions that leads to discussion, challenges and exploration of accepted norms. All of this contributes to the production of well-considered policy and strategy.

To be a council member, you need to live the values of the GPhC; to always keep in mind that the health, safety and well-being of patients is at the heart of everything we do. You will have to listen, learn, be prepared for lots of reading and have the courage to ask difficult questions.”

Samantha Quaye, pharmacy technician and GPhC council member 2013 – present

"’Proportionate regulation supports professionals to achieve continuous improvement in their practice, enabling safe, effective care for patients.’

It is this belief that inspired me to apply to become a member of the General Pharmaceutical Council. I love new ideas and innovation, and I believe that right touch regulation helps all patients to benefit from those at the leading edge; how else can we improve what we do, inspire our students and maintain confidence in our profession?

I have benefitted personally from my role as a registrant member, I have grown in confidence through fulfilling a non-executive position; I have a broader understanding of the professional functions undertaken by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the lay members on our Council.

I would encourage younger professionals to get involved with the GPhC, this will give you the dual benefits of making a significant contribution to the care of patients and the public and supporting your own personal development.”

Liz Kay, pharmacist and GPhC council member 2010 – present

“Too often we look at a role and think that it is not for us, not yet, or that we would like to do it, but we could never be successful. We do not see ourselves in those roles. The irony is that the GPhC, like all organisations, needs diversity of thought and experience at all levels and especially at the top. Only you can bring your unique insights.

You will never know what you are capable of if you do not challenge yourself to seek out the opportunities. The council aspires to reflect the diversity of the public it seeks to protect and the registrants it governs, but it can only select from those that apply.

As a member of the GPhC council, you will be responsible for holding the executive to account and setting the strategic direction for regulation in pharmacy.  In many ways the role is similar to that of a school governor, acting as a critical friend: supporting as appropriate, challenging where necessary. I have found the role personally challenging, stretching, rewarding and above all an incredible privilege to serve. The skills I have developed are helping me in my other roles. As a council member I know I have made a difference and you will too.

I would in particular encourage those for whom this may be your first significant leadership role to consider applying. This role is open to all, so the only question you have to ask is: ‘If not me, then who?’”

Mohammed Hussain, pharmacist and GPhC council member 2013 - present

Applications close at 12 noon on 5 October 2015. For further information, please visit: http://www.gphccouncilmembers.com/

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