Royal College election: Why I'm standing – Mahendra Patel

The transition to a Royal College represents one of the most significant structural shifts our profession has seen in decades.

This is not simply a name change, nor a rebadging of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. It will shape pharmacy’s professional identity, influence, and standing within the wider healthcare system for generations.

Formative decisions matter. The early years of any institution define its culture, credibility, and the confidence others place in it. Council composition at this stage will influence standards, priorities, and how effectively pharmacy’s voice is heard nationally and internationally.

The work of the UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board, alongside collaboration between our professional leadership bodies and specialist pharmacy groups, has provided important assurance during this period of change. The Royal College must now build on that foundation — strengthening coherence and ensuring a confident collective voice that commands respect across the system and with the public we serve.

Having been involved in this transition from the outset, I understand both its complexity and its opportunity. Bringing that insight, experience, and knowledge to Council during these formative years would help establish as strong, stable, and credible a platform as possible for the Royal College’s future.

Throughout my career, I have worked across science, education, frontline practice, policy, and professional leadership. Effective representation requires system-wide understanding, careful judgement, and the ability to bring diverse perspectives together constructively.

To members eligible to vote, I kindly seek your support in ensuring the Royal College begins its journey with strength, clarity, and collective purpose.