An election will take place for a new NPA board member in Scotland after Noel Wicks stepped down. Nominations will close at noon on 12 October.

All Scottish members will receive the forms by the end of September. Check on www.npa.co.uk election for updates. NPA election timetable:

Nominations stage

• Despatch of nomination packs by post to qualifying members – by 24 September
• Last date for receipt of completed nomination forms – noon on 12 October
• Declaration of nominations – 16 October

Election stage

• Despatch of election papers to qualifying members – by 26 October
• Last date for receipt of voting papers – noon on 15 November
• Declaration of results – 19th November

About the NPA board

The NPA board sets the policy, strategic direction and objectives for the Association. Board members are expected to contribute to debate in sharing ideas and deliver fresh thinking throughout the period of their service. In addition to NPA Board meetings, Board members also participate in Standing Committees and/or Working Groups of the Board. The main objective is to ensure that the NPA is advancing the interests of independent community pharmacy owners, to the benefit ultimately of patients and communities.

NPA chair Nitin Sodha has paid tribute to Mr Wicks and thanked him for his seven years’ service to the NPA board. Mr Wicks is the managing director of Right Medicine Pharmacy which has 22 branches and cited personal and professional reasons for his resignation. Mr Sodha said: “Noel had helped the NPA through some big changes. “Naturally we are sorry to see such a great advocate from community pharmacy leaving but we thank him for his hard work and dedication.

“Noel will carry on working on one or two NPA projects but without the demands of being a board member.”