Vacancy for Chair of the Appeal Board

Chair of the Code of Practice Appeal Board

As a result of the current Chair completing her term of service, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair to commence in December 2025 or January 2026.  Candidates must be a KC or senior barrister. 

The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) was established by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) to operate the ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry independently of the ABPI itself.  In particular, the PMCPA adjudicates upon complaints about pharmaceutical companies made under the Code.  The ABPI represents innovative research–based biopharmaceutical companies; its members supply more than 80% of the value of branded medicines used by the NHS.

The aim of the ABPI Code is to ensure that the promotion of prescription medicines is carried out in a responsible, ethical and professional manner to support high quality patient care.  The Code also covers interactions with health professionals and health care organisations as well as the provision of information to the public about prescription only medicines and relationships with patient organisations.

The PMCPA is responsible for the administration of the ABPI Code including the provision of advice, guidance and training on the Code.  The Chief Executive of the PMCPA reports to the Code of Practice Appeal Board for guidance on the interpretation of the Code and the operation of the complaints procedure and to the President of the ABPI for administrative purposes. 

The main roles of the Code of Practice Appeal Board are to hear appeals against the decisions made by the Code of Practice Panel and to supervise the activities of the Panel.  The Appeal Board Chair is independent and legally qualified.  In addition, there are eight independent members and eight members from pharmaceutical companies.  Independent members, including the Chair, must be in a majority when appeals are heard.

Meetings of the Code of Practice Appeal Board are held approximately once a month, save for August, in central London for a day and the successful candidate will be expected to make themselves available for meetings, which are scheduled approximately six months in advance.  A competitive remuneration package including an annual retainer plus a ‘per meeting’ fee is offered.  Associated travel expenses are paid.  Fees for any additional work may be agreed with the Chief Executive of the PMCPA.

To ensure that there are no actual or perceived conflicts of interest, candidates must not have acted for or represented pharmaceutical companies in the last five years.  Experience in leadership positions is required. Experience in regulatory law would be an advantage.  Experience in a fee-paid judicial role, or similar fact-finding role would be an advantage.  There is no requirement for the candidate to have any knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry or the ABPI Code and full training will be provided.

The appointment will be made by the ABPI Board following consultation with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Information about the ABPI Code, the PMCPA and this role are available on our website (www.pmcpa.org.uk).

To obtain an information pack on the role of the Chair, or if you have any questions, please contact Alex Fell, Chief Executive at afell@pmcpa.org.uk or Nora Alexander, PA to the Chief Executive at nalexander@pmcpa.org.uk

Applications including a CV should be submitted via email to Alex Fell, Chief Executive at afell@pmcpa.org.uk by 05 September.  Interviews will be held in September/October. 

PMCPA, 2^nd Floor Goldings House, Hay’s Galleria, 2 Hay’s Lane, London, SE1 2HB

Telephone 020 7747 8878.  Email afell@pmcpa.org.uk