Ravi Sharma has been appointed as the new Royal Pharmaceutical Society's (RPS) Director of England. The role is accountable for national policy development, professional advocacy and member engagement across England, in partnership with the English Pharmacy Board (EPB). He will drive professional leadership for the pharmacy profession in England, working with and for RPS members.

Sharma said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been offered this role with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.  I am really looking forward to working as part of a passionate and driven team in order to deliver the mission of the RPS - putting pharmacy at the forefront of healthcare.  The prospect of being part of a professional body, that strives to become the world leader in the safe and effective use of medicines, excites me.  I have always been passionate about ensuring that patient care remains at the forefront of the profession. The RPS is a true embodiment of that testament and I am looking forward to working alongside members and other organisations to help ensure a successful and vibrant future for the profession.‘’

Commenting on his appointment, RPS Director of Pharmacy and Member Experience Robbie Turner said: “I am delighted that Ravi is joining the RPS as Director for England and I am looking forward to working with him. Ravi brings with him significant experience of the NHS in England and has been instrumental in expanding the role pharmacists play in supporting patients and their fellow healthcare professionals. Ravi will help us build our capacity and capability to deliver our mission.

Sandra Gidley, RPS English Pharmacy Board Chair, added: “Ravi has already made a huge impact on the profession and wider NHS, as a leader and practitioner. Ravi speaks with authority about how pharmacists improve patient care. He has proven this in his own professional practice. Ravi ‘walks the walk’ as well as he ‘talks the talk’ about how our profession can work in an integrated way across sector boundaries and with members of the multidisciplinary team. Ravi is exactly the right person to lead and develop opportunities for the profession to improve the lives of patients and the public and I am delighted we will be working together on this.”