Published: 15/01/25
The Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) Elections 2025 are now live. If you are one of our eligible members (see below for the definition of eligible) nominations are now open for Community Pharmacy Health Board Committee (CP(HB)).
Background: CPS serves as a voice of community pharmacy owners and their teams across Scotland. Our mission: is to support these essential community pharmacy healthcare providers in delivering pharmaceutical care services on behalf of NHS Scotland, ensuring their contributions align with national and local priorities. A crucial part of this mission is our elected committees, ranging from local groups to the CPS Board, all of which play an important role in shaping the future of community pharmacy.
If you’re reading this and you are an eligible member, now is the time to consider standing for election and actively contributing to the advancement of our profession. As of the 13th January 2025, we are now inviting our eligible independent pharmacy, owner members to seek nomination for their local Community Pharmacy Health Board Committee (CP(HB)).
Eligible member definition:
Independent eligible member = pharmacist who is a: director, superintendent or pharmacy owner.
Company Chemists Association (CCA) eligible members: The Scottish Management Group decide who will represent on each of the committees for CCA members.
Why do the CPS Elections matter?
Local committees are the backbone of CPS. These groups ensure that community pharmacy remains innovative, responsive, and collaborative across 14 health boards in Scotland. By joining a committee, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Collaborate with fellow pharmacists, share ideas, and shape services in partnership with local Health Boards.
Drive change in your community by developing and delivering impactful services, such as vaccination programmes and needle exchange initiatives.
For many members, being part of a committee provides invaluable networking opportunities. It encourages collaboration, bridges gaps between professionals, and offers a platform to share experiences. The work done at the local level doesn’t just benefit patients and communities - it influences the future of community pharmacy on a national scale.
The upcoming CPS 2025 Elections present an exciting opportunity for greater involvement and representation within the profession. As we begin 2025, key priorities like negotiation for the 25/26 contractual framework will take centre stage. At the same time, the elections will offer members a chance to contribute directly to shaping the future of community pharmacy in Scotland.
This year’s elections include opportunities for newly formed committees and associate members. We encourage all eligible members to consider how they can bring their unique perspectives to these discussions. Your voice matters, and your participation can drive meaningful change.
Why should you get involved????
If you’re passionate about community pharmacy and want to make a difference, joining a CPS committee is a great way to contribute. Here’s what you’ll gain:
A deeper understanding of how pharmacy services function at local and national levels.
A platform to influence change, from negotiating new services to enhancing existing ones.
A supportive network of peers to share knowledge, collaborate, and grow with.
A wide range of perspectives ensures that decisions are well-rounded and beneficial for the entire network. Your participation helps secure professional and financial progress for community pharmacy.
The CPS 2025 elections are more than just a formality, they’re a chance to actively shape the future of community pharmacy in Scotland. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or new to the profession, your voice and perspective are invaluable.
Consider standing for election and playing your part in ensuring that community pharmacy continues to thrive and deliver essential services to patients across Scotland.
For more information about the elections and how to get involved, visit our website here, or contact us on 0131 467 7766 or at elections@cps.scot.
CPS is promoting NHS Pharmacy First Scotland this winter as new figures show almost two million people used the service in 2025/26.