The British Pharmacopoeia Commission

The British Pharmacopoeia Commission (BPC) is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care and is subject to a triennial review to provide assurance to the Department and the public that the BPC’s functions are needed and that it is operating effectively. The most recent review was carried out December 2014 - January 2015, the British Pharmacopoeia Commission: triennial review is publicly available.

The BPC is responsible for:

  • preparing new editions of the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) and British Pharmacopoeia (Veterinary) (BP (Vet))
  • the selection and publication of British Approved Names (BAN)
  • providing clear policies and technical advice for the BP
  • providing advice to the United Kingdom delegation to the European Pharmacopoeia Commission
  • appointing members to expert advisory groups, panels of experts and working parties

Appointments

Members of the BPC are appointed by the Department of Health and Social Care’s Appointments Team, on behalf of the Secretary of State and the Northern Ireland Minister. Information on current members of the British Pharmacopoeia Commission is included in each edition of the BP. 

The British Pharmacopoeia Commission is currently looking to appoint new members with effect from 1 January 2024.

Potential applicants will need to apply directly via the Cabinet Office website by midday on Thursday 13th July 2023.

Apply to join the BPC here.

Meetings 

The BPC usually holds three meetings per year. Summary minutes of BPC meetings are publicly available.

Fees and expenses 

Members are entitled to claim fees and expenses in accordance with BP policy.

Code of practice 

All members of the British Pharmacopoeia Commission are required to comply with the MHRA Code of Practice on Identifying, Declaring and Managing Interests. This document is effective from 8th September 2022 and replaces the former BPC Code of Practice on declaring interests in the pharmaceutical industry.

Annual report 

The activities of the BPC are reported annually as part of the medicines advisory bodies annual reports.