Constitution changes pave way for 2027 pharmacy elections

Community Pharmacy England has made changes to its constitution and rules to enable the formation of a rebalanced Committee from April 2027.

In the latest step on a journey to better reflect the make-up of the sector, the constitutional adjustments implement the decision made in June 2026 to make a series of interim composition changes to the Committee permanent. This follows months of work by the Governance and People Subcommittee and engagement with other pharmacy bodies, and sits alongside preparations for the 2027 elections.

The composition of the Committee from 1st April 2027 will be:

Multiple side

• 2 appointed by IPA: from 10+Multiple (non-CCA) and IPA members 2-9
• 3 elected 10+ Multiples (non-CCA)
• 8 appointed CCA

Independent side

• 10 Independent regional representatives
• 2 appointed NPA Independents
• 1 Community Pharmacy England appointed Independent, from Independents who took part in the elections and were not elected.

In addition, the constitution changes introduce a mid-term review with a commitment to reconsider composition if there is a relevant, significant change (10%) in the sector. Meanwhile, the rules now require election candidates to disclose numbers of pharmacies and memberships in elections​.

Alongside this, Community Pharmacy England is working closely with LPCs to implement their revised constitutions reflecting sector changes ahead of their elections, with their new terms of office also starting on 1st April 2027. Support has included provided comprehensive elections guidance, including template letters and forms.

Adrian Price, Chair of CPE’s Governance and People Subcommittee, said:

“I’m pleased that we have been able to work through this issue as a sector and reach a consensus with other pharmacy bodies. The Committee now has appropriate levels of representation for all parts of the sector and with a new process for ongoing review it will continue to do so, allowing Community Pharmacy England to focus its energies on the vital work ahead. With these arrangements in place for the next election cycle, we can strengthen representation at a critical juncture for community pharmacy.”

Standing for election

With the election cycle beginning soon, we encourage earl thinking about standing for election for LPCs and CPE, what’s involved and the path towards LPCs and CPE.

Sitting on an LPC or the Community Pharmacy England Committee is a critically important job, offering an unmatched opportunity to be directly involved in crucial decisions and drive workstreams. These roles are an opportunity to influence the future of community pharmacy and further strengthen sector representation, working on behalf of the sector as a whole.

One of our newest Committee members, Dervis Gurol, recently shared an honest, behind-the-scenes account of his first year as an Independent Representative at Community Pharmacy England:

Reflections from the Committee: My First Year as a CPE Independent Representative

And we have a guide for those interested in sitting on an LPC:

Guide for prospective LPC members

Note, potential candidates should consider the different steps involved, particularly the nomination, which must include two supporting electors (LPCs) and six (if standing for CPE).

Over the coming months we will be releasing further information about the election process alongside blogs from CPE and LPC Members discussing what it’s like to be a pharmacy representative and what they have got out of the role.

Background information is available here: Our elections