Following ICP’s story 'RPS investigates ex-president for alleged bullying' (November 27), it is understood the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has informed Hala Jawad, a pharmacist who made an allegation of bullying against Steve Churton during the English Pharmacy Board elections this year, that its membership committee is giving the matter “appropriate consideration.”

Although no formal proceedings have been opened against Mr Churton, as part of its investigations into the allegations, the RPS told Ms Jawad that it will allow Mr Churton the chance to respond to the complaint in writing to give his side of events.

The RPS informed Ms Jawad of this on November 28, one day after our story went live.

Ms Jawad initially contacted the current RPS CEO with her concerns on September 4 and, following its current regulations, the professional leadership body passed her complaint to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Mr Churton is not on the GPhC register.

The RPS then informed Ms Jawad on October 2 that the GPhC would not look at the case and that it had been forwarded to the Society’s Membership Conduct Panel.