RPS appoints James Davies as new director for England
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has appointed James Davies as its new director of England, it has announced.
Dr Davies – who has been an RPS member throughout his pharmacy career – will oversee national policy development, professional advocacy, and member engagement under his new role, which he will carry out in partnership with the English Pharmacy Board, the RPS wrote in a statement today (October 6).
Starting in January next year, Dr Davies will fill the role most recently held by Ravi Sharma, who left the RPS this month after almost four years in the post to become head of pharmacy for Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.
During his student years, Dr Davies was president of the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association. After he registered as a pharmacist, he initially worked in hospital and later continued practising as a locum community pharmacist.
Read more: ‘It’s been an honour’: Ravi Sharma to leave RPS for hospital pharmacy role
The research for a PhD he completed at University College London explored business and professional models of community pharmacy practice.
After a stint at the Company Chemists’ Association, Dr Davies joined online doctor provider Zava in 2014, moving his way up to the position of chief operating officer, which he currently holds.
“A privilege”
Dr Davies said it is “a privilege” to hold the position of director of England.
“I’m excited about delivering the current RPS strategy to ensure that pharmacy is, and continues to be, at the forefront of healthcare. I’m eager to work as part of the team and with the board, leading and developing opportunities for the profession that improve the lives of patients and the public,” Dr Davies said.
RPS CEO Paul Bennett said that he will bring “significant experience across many sectors of the profession, including community, hospital, and academic posts”, and he will help the RPS “to further build our capacity and capability to deliver our mission”.
Meanwhile, English Pharmacy Board chair Thorrun Govind said that Dr Davies’ background as an academic and policy advisor helps him speak “with authority about how pharmacists improve patient care, backed up by science”.
“James is exactly the right person to lead and develop evidence-based opportunities for the profession, to improve the lives of patients and the public and I am delighted we will be working together on this,” she added.
