Matt Barclay is set to become the new Chief Executive Officer of Community Pharmacy Scotland in the new year, replacing current CEO Harry McQuillan from the 1st of February 2024.

Board members at Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) have unanimously recommended the appointment of Matt Barclay, the organisation’s current Director of Operations, as its next Chief Executive Officer.

He will step into the role on 1^st February 2024.

Mr Barclay has served as the Director of Operations for CPS since December 2015, leading and managing the day-to-day running, as well as undertaking budgetary responsibility for all operational areas, of CPS.

This news comes just two months after CPS, which represents Scotland’s community pharmacy operators, resolved a funding dispute with the Scottish government – arriving at a new financial settlement for 2023/24.

The selection of Mr Barclay as the new CEO comes after what the organisation describes as the ‘culmination of two years planning’ and the outcome of a bespoke competency-based development programme delivered over that period.

Mr Barclay has worked as a community pharmacist in Forth Valley and has been an independent prescriber since 2008 – delivering hypertension services from his community pharmacy.

Based in Falkirk, he has also supported local pharmacy networks and taken on committee roles in Forth Valley’s health board. He says he currently ‘enjoys regular days in practice' as a locum pharmacist.

Mr Barclay also currently sits on the Board of Action on Smoking and Health Scotland, supporting the running and managing of the charity since October 2021.

Current CEO Harry McQuillan  says he is delighted at the appointment:

“It has been a privilege to design and be part of this succession process.

“I will remain in the background for a period as an advisor to Matt and the CPS Board. The timing is right for many reasons and allows Matt to fully establish himself in the CEO role, with experienced office bearers, before the next CPS election process begins in January 2025. I wish Matt all the best in his new role, and I am sure he will be a great success.”

CPS has not yet announced who will take on the role Mr Barclay currently holds as Director of Operations, but Mr Barclay will appoint this position once he is CEO.

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