How to submit a new idea or initiative to FPM

Background

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) operates a structured model that balances:

  • Long-term strategic leadership
  • Annual priority delivery
  • Member-led innovation
  • Responsible use of organisational resource

We do this through Expert Groups, Task & Finish Groups, and Communities of Interest.

Expert Groups

Standing strategic leadership

Expert Groups are standing groups of volunteer members aligned to FPM’s long-term strategy.

They:

  • Provide subject leadership in defined areas
  • Support external influence and representation
  • Oversee activity within their remit

Expert Groups are not created or dissolved in line with annual policy themes. They reflect enduring strategic priorities for the specialty.

They are the primary mechanism through which annual policy themes are delivered, where those themes fall within their remit.

Because they require sustained oversight and support, new Expert Groups are established only where long-term strategic need is clearly justified.

Task & Finish Groups

Time-limited delivery

Task & Finish (T&F) Groups are established to deliver specific outputs within a defined timeframe.

They:

  • Have a clearly defined remit and timeline
  • Are established for a specific purpose
  • Dissolve once the work is completed
  • Report to the FPM Senior Management Team (SMT)

T&F Groups may work closely with relevant Expert Groups where appropriate, but their formal reporting line is to SMT.

Typical outputs include:

  • White papers
  • Consultation responses
  • Technical guidance
  • Conference sessions

This structure allows FPM to deliver meaningful outputs without expanding permanent infrastructure.

Communities of Interest

Exploration and idea development
Communities of Interest provide a flexible forum for members to connect around shared areas of professional interest.

They are particularly useful where:

  • A topic sits outside current annual policy themes
  • An issue is emerging or exploratory
  • There is interest but no established workstream

Communities of Interest

  • Inform FPM thinking
  • Surface expertise
  • Develop structured proposals

They do not independently publish formal outputs or set policy.

If a Community of Interest wishes to progress substantial work (e.g. a white paper or conference session), a proposal must be submitted for review. If approved, delivery will normally take place via a Task & Finish Group reporting to SMT.

If the issue represents a sustained strategic gap, Board consideration may be given to establishing a new Expert Group.

Annual Policy Themes

Time-bound areas of focused effort

Each year, FPM agrees a set of annual policy themes aligned to strategy and capacity, which are approved by the Board.

These themes:

  • Signal areas of focused activity
  • May cut across one or more Expert Groups
  • Are primarily delivered through relevant Expert Group leadership
  • Culminate at the FPM Annual Conference

Where defined outputs are required, delivery will usually be delegated to a time-limited structure.

How to submit an idea

Ideas can be submitted in any format via email to media@fpm.org.uk 

When submitting an idea, please include:

  • A clear problem statement
  • Whether it aligns with an existing Expert Group
  • Proposed outputs (if known)
  • Intended impact or audience
  • Why FPM should lead or convene
  • Description on how it delivers on the FPM Strategy 2026-28
  • Suggested timeline and expertise
  • Declaration of any commercial interests in the topic being proposed

What Happens Once an Idea Is Received?

1. Acknowledgement

We confirm receipt and may request clarification.

2. Initial Assessment

The FPM team reviews alignment with strategy, relevance to members, resource implications and duplication risk.

3. Route Determination

The proposal is directed to:

  • A Community of Interest
  • A Task & Finish Group
  • Consideration for Expert Group status
  • Existing governance structures
  • Or deferred/declined with explanation

Decisions are made by the FPM team and they may invite advice from stakeholders including the Board of Trustees.

4. Governance Oversight

Where formal outputs are proposed, appropriate governance approval is required before work begins.

5. Delivery and Review

Approved work proceeds through the agreed mechanism and is reviewed on completion.

Why we work this way

This model enables FPM to:

  • Encourage member-led innovation
  • Support emerging areas of practice
  • Deliver impactful outputs
  • Avoid unnecessary bureaucracy
  • Protect limited organisational resource
  • Maintain strategic discipline and credibility

It ensures ideas can scale appropriately.