New positions have been created at Community Pharmacy England to increase our capacity for in-depth research and for LPC support, both of which are critical as we work to secure a sustainable future for community pharmacy.
Experienced pharmacy leader and researcher Dr James Davies has been appointed as Director of Research and Insights at Community Pharmacy England. The new role will involve overseeing key projects, such as on dispensing, supply and professional clinical issues, as well as supporting the development of our research and data infrastructure. This will ensure we have a solid and stable foundation for ongoing evidence gathering and statistical analysis, supporting our overarching strategy and objectives to provide better outcomes for community pharmacy.
James joins us on a permanent basis after providing valuable insights and recommendations to the Committee on pharmacist flexibilities and substitution, branded generics, and period of treatment. He also recently helped bring our summer regional events to life through interactive funding allocation workshops.
In his previous role as Director for England at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, James co-authored the Medicines Shortages: solutions for empty shelves report, putting him in good standing to examine core issues for the sector. He also undertook his PhD on the structure of Community Pharmacy Businesses.
Community Pharmacy England will also welcome Rebecca Butterworth as a new LPC Engagement and Support Manager from the end of October. This role aims to maintain strong relationships with LPCs and builds on efforts to strengthen LPC support through the recruitment of Vicki Roberts (former Chief Officer of Community Pharmacy South Yorkshire) as an additional Services Team member earlier this year to focus on support for local service commissioning.
Rebecca has considerable experience working in community pharmacy and will step down from her role as Chair of Community Pharmacy Birmingham and Solihull to take up this position.
Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, said:
“I am delighted to welcome new permanent additions to our team, squarely focused on areas that are critical to Community Pharmacy England’s core functions as a strong representative body for the sector.
We look forward to having them help us produce more evidence-based submissions to Government and strengthen our LPC support offer, especially with the 10 Year Plan outlining a more locally-focussed direction of travel for healthcare services.
James, Rebecca and Vicki join an incredibly hard-working team, bringing more resource and expertise for critical workstreams, and building our resilience for the future.”
Regarding his appointment, Dr Davies said:
“I am thrilled to join the studious team at Community Pharmacy England. I look forward to bringing further insights and additional data driven approaches to the valuable work that they do in representing community pharmacy owners.”
The post Community Pharmacy England expands research and LPC support capacity with new roles appeared first on Community Pharmacy England.