Terms of Reference

1. The role of Rheumatology Pharmacists UK (RPUK) shall be to foster and promote the development of specialist clinical pharmacists across the UK.
2. The primary clinical focus shall be the diagnosis and management of rheumatology and associated musculoskeletal conditions, together with related immunological diseases.
3. RPUK will assist with the education and training of its members by organising meetings, facilitating the exchange of best practice, fostering mentoring partnerships, and developing a recognised training syllabus to guide those members who are keen to progress their careers including pursuing development towards the role of Consultant Pharmacist.
4. Rheumatology Pharmacists UK should provide an opportunity for members to exchange information about activities within their institution or organisations and for other members to query and discuss those activities. This strong forum for information sharing will allow for closer cooperation between members and enable coordination of work.
5. Rheumatology Pharmacists UK will act as a single voice for its membership when working across professional boundaries in order to promote the membership as a whole.
6. Rheumatology Pharmacists UK will work with NICE and other bodies to ensure that there is proper representation from clinical Pharmacist specialists when commissioners are considering new treatments and pathways of care.
7. Membership shall be open to any registered pharmacist working within rheumatology in any capacity, whether in primary or secondary care.
8. Membership is subject to an annual membership fee, to be approved each year at the Annual General Meeting. Dues become payable on the 1st September each year.
9. Rheumatology Pharmacists UK will hold at least one educational meeting each year (which will be free of charge to RPUK members), which will also serve as an Annual General Meeting during which the Committee will deliver the Annual Report for the preceding year, and outline the plans for the forthcoming year.
10. The working committee of Rheumatology Pharmacists UK shall consist of a Chair, secretary, a Clinical Lead, a Treasurer with input from a number of regional representatives as required. Further committee members shall be co-opted as required.
11. These Terms of Reference will be subject to revision and renewal after November 2025.