Chief Standards Officer

• Locations

  Canary Wharf, London (Hybrid working)

• Salary

  A competitive salary is offered, aligned with the seniority of the role. Further details are available on request.

• Sector

  Leadership

• Type

  Contract / Interim

“Drive innovation and inclusion at the heart of pharmacy regulation”

Chief Standards Officer

9 to 12-month Fixed Term Contract / Secondment
Interview date: 15 May 2025

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and registered pharmacies in Great Britain. With pharmacies operating at the heart of their communities, and pharmacy professionals in all sectors playing a much greater role in providing care to patients and the public, the GPhC’s job is to protect, promote and maintain the health, safety, and wellbeing of members of the public by upholding standards and public trust in pharmacy.

There are a number of significant developments that will impact pharmacy and pharmacy regulation, including advances in science and technology which affect care and the supply of medicines, high public expectations about person-centred care, and further integration of health and social care. We are committed to working effectively with others to support and assure safe and effective pharmacy care at the heart of healthier communities.

We have created an exciting new role, which is the Chief Standards Officer. Reporting to the Chief Executive & Registrar, this person will be responsible for overseeing a broad and impactful portfolio across a range of teams (pharmacy education and training, pharmacy policy and standards, regulation reform, EDI, public affairs and external communications) and will ensure these collectively follow a single strategic approach, aligned with the GPhC’s Strategic Plan, and Vision 2030.

The successful candidate will need exceptional strategic, leadership, analytical, communication and presentational skills. With a record of success in regulating, leading or governing professional education and training, ideally in a pharmacy or other healthcare context, you will bring an understanding of the dynamic between policy, standards, the law, and delivery. Candidates will be able to work effectively at board level and bring extensive experience in stakeholder management. An authentically inclusive leader, you will bring a clear commitment to our values and our EDI strategy.

The General Pharmaceutical Council is committed to delivering equality, improving diversity and being inclusive in all our work as a healthcare regulator and an employer. EDI is central to everything that we do and is woven throughout our Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan, which sets out our roadmap for the future of pharmacy regulation. As part of this commitment, we actively encourage candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply for this role.

We also strongly welcome applications on a secondment basis for the duration of this fixed-term assignment. If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity as a secondment, we encourage an early conversation with your employer to explore the possibility.

For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please read the Appointment Brief on our website. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 3713 7880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by midday on 24 April 2025.