Policy Unpacked

Global Policy Network

Welcome to Policy Unpacked, a podcast by the Global Policy Network. In this series, we dive into the policies shaping our world, from healthcare, to sustainability, to education, and explore how these critical areas intersect to drive meaningful change. Whether you're a policymaker, practitioner, or just policy-curious, we're glad you're here. Let’s unpack policy, together.

  1. 27 JAN

    S3, Episode 2: Report 1, The Role of Medicines in the NHS 10-Year Plan with Maria Nasim and Stephen Riley

    In this episode of Policy Unpacked, a podcast by the Global Policy Network (GPN), we explore the findings of the policy report “The Role of Medicines in the 10-Year Plan.” This series was inspired by an invitation-only roundtable hosted by GPN on 25 June 2025, chaired by Yousaf Ahmad, GPN Advisor and ICS Chief Pharmacist. The official policy report from this roundtable will be published on 7 October 2025, capturing the discussions, insights, and recommendations from system leaders across pharmacy, the NHS, and industry. To unpack the key findings, Ameneh Ghazal Saatchi, Founder and CEO of Global Policy Network, is joined by Maria Nasim, GPN Associate and Regional Market Access Director, Academic Clinical Fellow, Editor at EAHP, and Core20PLUS5 Ambassador at NHS England, alongside Stephen Riley, GPN Associate and Deputy Regional Chief Pharmacist for Pharmacy Integration at NHS England Northwest. Together, they reflect on what the report reveals about pharmacy’s role in delivering the NHS 10-Year Plan and what must change to unlock its full potential. In this episode, we discuss: Why a dedicated focus on medicines and pharmacy was needed now What it means for pharmacists to work “at the top of their licence” and how the system can better support this How new and existing prescribers can be enabled through infrastructure, leadership, and culture The persistent silos between community, hospital, and primary care pharmacy and how to break them down Leadership models required to reposition pharmacy as a core pillar of integrated care How to cultivate the next generation of pharmacy leaders The role of digital integration and data access in delivering safer, more patient-centred care Key barriers to pharmacy integration identified through the roundtable Pharmacy’s position in the NHS digital transformation agenda The role of industry in supporting implementation of the report’s recommendations How the findings resonate beyond the UK and lessons for global health systems What success would look like if the recommendations were implemented now The risks of inaction and who stands to lose if pharmacy remains underutilised How stakeholders can engage in the next phase of the GPN roundtable and policy series Key Themes Medicines optimisation as a strategic system lever Empowering pharmacy professionals and prescribers Breaking down silos across the health system Leadership and cultural change in pharmacy Digital integration and data-enabled care Aligning policy ambition with frontline realities Global Policy Network: www.globalpolicynetwork.com

    21 min

  2. 20 JAN

    S2, Episode 6: What Have We Learned So Far? with Stephen Riley

    In this episode of Policy Unpacked, a podcast by the Global Policy Network (GPN), Ameneh Ghazal Saatchi is joined by Stephen Riley, GPN Associate and Deputy Regional Chief Pharmacist for Pharmacy Integration at NHS England Northwest, to reflect on the key insights from the Medicines in the NHS 10-Year Plan podcast series. This episode brings the main part of this series to a close, drawing together lessons from system leaders across community, hospital, and primary care pharmacy, and examining what the NHS 10-Year Plan means in practice for medicines, workforce, and patient care. The key roles and opportunities for community pharmacy under the NHS 10-Year Plan Where hospital pharmacy can have the greatest impact over the next decade The central role of medicines optimisation and why it underpins system reform The importance of pharmacy system leadership in delivering the ambitions of the Plan What the pharmacy workforce needs to look like to meet future demand Professional development opportunities for pharmacists across clinical, leadership, and advocacy roles The evolving role of pharmacy technicians and how their contribution can be strengthened Changes in education and training for pharmacists and technicians and how these can be built upon Maintaining a patient-centred focus while operating within constrained resources The role of pharmacists within neighbourhood-based, multidisciplinary teams The biggest challenges and risks facing the pharmacy profession Whether the profession is ready to deliver what the NHS 10-Year Plan requires What pharmacy services could look like as the Plan is realised Reflections on optimism, realism, and readiness across the sector Key moments and standout insights from across the series Where GPN should take the NHS 10-Year Plan podcast series next Key Themes Medicines optimisation as a system-wide enabler Community and hospital pharmacy transformation Workforce development, capability, and sustainability Pharmacy leadership at neighbourhood, system, and national level Patient-centred care within integrated services Delivering long-term policy ambition through frontline practice Follow GPN and Learn More Global Policy Network: www.globalpolicynetwork.com LinkedIn: /global-policy-network

    30 min

  3. 16 JAN

    S2, Episode 5: Clinical Pharmacy in the NHS 10 Year Plan with Sarah Trust

    In this episode of Policy Unpacked, a podcast by the Global Policy Network (GPN), host Stephen Riley is joined by Sarah Trust, an experienced clinical pharmacist and healthcare leader, to explore the future of primary care pharmacy through the lens of the NHS 10-Year Plan. In this episode, we discuss Sarah’s career journey into clinical pharmacy, leadership, and national policy roles Key experiences and challenges that shaped her progression beyond frontline practice Advice for early-career pharmacists considering leadership and policy pathways What success looks like for primary care pharmacy by 2035 under the NHS 10-Year Plan The role of primary care pharmacy in prevention and medicines optimisation Deprescribing as an emerging priority and the barriers to implementing it at scale Balancing patient-centred care with financial and system pressures The impact of collaborative working on patient outcomes in local systems What makes effective industry partnerships work and where they can fall short How training for pharmacists entering primary care is evolving to support the three shifts in the NHS 10-Year Plan Sarah’s role as a GPN Associate and what she brings to the network Key Themes Leadership and career pathways in primary care pharmacy Prevention, medicines optimisation, and deprescribing Patient-centred care and value-based decision making Collaborative working across primary care systems Workforce development and training reform Strengthening the influence of pharmacy in primary care Global Policy Network: www.globalpolicynetwork.com LinkedIn: /global-policy-network Join the conversation.

    39 min

  4. 13 JAN

    S2, Episode 4: Hospital Pharmacy and the NHS 10-Year Plan with Uzo Ibechukwu

    In this episode of Policy Unpacked, a podcast by the Global Policy Network (GPN), host Stephen Riley is joined by Uzo Ibechukwu, Chief Pharmacist at Royal United Hospitals Bath and former ICS Chief Pharmacist for Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire, to explore what the NHS 10-Year Plan means for hospital pharmacy.  In this episode, we discuss:  Uzo’s career journey into senior pharmacy and system leadership  The biggest challenges facing hospital pharmacy today  Strategic priorities for hospital pharmacy over the next decade  The ambitions of the NHS 10-Year Plan for hospital pharmacy  Workforce development and continuous professional development (CPD)  The expanding role of hospital pharmacists within multidisciplinary teams  How the NHS’s three strategic shifts could address hospital sector challenges  Digital transformation in hospital pharmacy, including medicines optimisation and personalised medicine  Barriers to data sharing and technology implementation  Supply chain resilience and medicines safety in hospital settings  Cross-sector collaboration between hospital and community pharmacy  Hospital pharmacy’s contribution to system-wide healthcare reform  Key Themes:  Leadership and career pathways in hospital pharmacy  Workforce capability, education, and sustainability  Medicines optimisation and patient safety  Digital innovation and data integration  System working across hospitals, ICSs, and community care  Delivering policy ambition through frontline practice     Follow & Learn More:  Global Policy Network: www.globalpolicynetwork.com   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-policy-network/   Join the conversation:

    43 min

  5. 16/12/2025

    Policy Report 2: The Potential of Scaling Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy

    The Potential of Scaling Independent Prescribing in Community PharmacyA Roundtable Debrief In this episode of Policy Unpacked, Global Policy Network CEO and Founder Ameneh Ghazal Saatchi is joined by Shilpa Shah and Stephen Riley to unpack the findings of GPN’s latest policy report, The Potential of Scaling Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy. Drawing directly from the roundtable that informed the report, the conversation explores why community pharmacy is clinically ready to scale independent prescribing, yet remains constrained by structural, commissioning and workforce barriers. Why the NHS is underutilising trained community pharmacist prescribers The structural gaps in commissioning, supervision and workforce planning International models from Scotland, Australia and New Zealand and what the UK can learn The critical role of pharmacy technicians in unlocking pharmacist capacity Balancing national commissioning frameworks with local flexibility Building trust and clinical integration between community pharmacy and general practice What the NHS 10-Year Plan must deliver to enable pharmacists to work at the top of their licence Practical policy levers to create momentum, including the report’s Start, Stop, Scale framework This episode moves beyond aspiration to action, framing independent prescribing as an actionable reform that can strengthen primary care, improve access for patients and deliver system-wide value. The discussion highlights the leadership decisions and cultural shifts required to translate policy ambition into sustainable implementation. Shilpa Shah, Chief Executive Officer, North East London Local Pharmaceutical Committee and Chair of the Roundtable Stephen Riley, Deputy Regional Chief Pharmacist for Pharmacy Integration, NHS England North West The Potential of Scaling Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy is based on insights from 21 national and regional leaders across policy, commissioning and frontline practice. It sets out clear recommendations for system leaders, professional bodies and policymakers to accelerate progress. 📄 Read the full report: https://www.globalpolicynetwork.com🎧 Listen to Policy Unpacked: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube What we coverKey themesFeatured guestsAbout the report

    31 min

  6. 28/10/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode 3: Hong Kong Trade Development Council and AstraZeneca

    Bonus Episode 3 - Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and AstraZeneca  Guests:  Chris Lo, Regional Director for Europe, HKTDC  Charles Chow, Head of Corporate Affairs for Hong Kong and Macau, AstraZeneca    Episode Overview:  In this episode of Policy Unpacked, brought to you by the Global Policy Network (GPN). GPN’s CEO, Ameneh Ghazal Saatchi, chats with Chris Lo and Charles Chow about the key takeaways from the 5th Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH), as well as AZ and HKTDC’s missions for collaboration. Topics include health equity, AI in healthcare, ageing populations, and how global events like ASGH drive real-world impact.     What you’ll learn:  The roles of HKTDC and AstraZeneca in shaping global health policy  Highlights from ASGH: AI, equity, and aging  How HKTDC turns summit conversations into business outcomes  What makes cross-sector partnerships work in healthcare innovation  How AstraZeneca adapts global strategies to local markets  What’s next for HKTDC and AstraZeneca in the coming year    Stay Connected and follow Global Policy Network on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-policy-network    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/global_policy_network?igsh=MW94NW4wdm82NHRxYg==   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZKGD3vx5V/?mibextid=wwXIfr   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalpolicynetwork?_t=ZN-8xV4J5QngTm&_r=1  Find out more about AstraZeneca’s work in Hong Kong and Macau: https://astrazeneca.com.hk/index/our-company/az-in-hk9ed2.html  And about the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, including their work on the Asian Summit on Global Health  HKTDC: https://aboutus.hktdc.com/  ASGH: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en    You can find more episodes of Policy Unpacked on:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalpolicynetwork  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27G4MszPLpmJ3AGV1mRBk6?si=ATqmrvO4RD2g_YPa9ygXWg   Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4eDJtgl  #PolicyUnpacked #GlobalPolicyNetwork #GPNPodcast #BonusEpisode #ASGH2025 #GlobalHealth #HealthEquity #HealthInnovation #PublicHealthPolicy #HealthcarePartnerships #HKTDC #AstraZeneca #ASGH #HongKongTradeDevelopmentCouncil #AZHongKong #CrossSectorInnovation #SustainableHealthcare #HealthTech #FutureOfHealth #GlobalCollaboration

    41 min

  7. 23/09/2025

    S2, Episode 3: Community Pharmacy with Shilpa Shah

    In this episode of Policy Unpacked, we continue the series, “Medicines in the 10-year Plan”. Stephen Riley sits down with Shilpa Shah, discussing the role of community pharmacy in the NHS 10-Year Plan. This series was inspired by our UK Roundtable titles "Medicines in the 10-Year Plan", chaired yesterday by Yousaf Ahmad. To get involved with future roundtables, follow GPN on social media and look out for upcoming announcements. Community Pharmacy Role in Prevention and Access to Care How community pharmacies are supporting preventative care in line with the NHS 10-Year Plan. Public health services delivered by pharmacies that directly impact early intervention. The role of community pharmacies in reducing barriers and improving patient access, particularly for underserved groups. Overcoming Barriers and Strengthening Integration The impact of financial pressures on community pharmacy’s ability to meet preventative care goals.Opportunities for collaboration with GPs, hospitals, and wider providers in integrated care systems.Policy and commissioning changes needed to strengthen pharmacy’s contribution to prevention and access Demonstrating Impact and Enabling Innovation Real-world examples of community pharmacy-led initiatives improving population health. How digital tools and technology are enabling more effective delivery of preventative services. The importance of demonstrating measurable impact to secure pharmacy’s role in the future NHS. Preparing For The Future Of Community Pharmacy Workforce development and training needed to expand pharmacy’s preventative and public health role. The biggest opportunities and challenges ahead for community pharmacies in delivering the 10-Year Plan. Reflections on moving pharmacy from “sickness to prevention” and meeting future expectations. KEY THEMES Community Pharmacy Role in Prevention and Access to Health Care Overcoming Barriers and Strengthening Integration Demonstrating Impact and Strengthening Innovation Preparing For the Future of Community Pharmacy Listen Now and subscribe for new episodes each week. Learn More Explore our work at globalpolicynetwork.com or email us at info@globalpolicynetwork.com

    33 min

  8. 16/09/2025

    S2, Episode 2: ICB Perspective of the 10-Year Plan

    In this episode of Policy Unpacked, we continue the  “Medicines in the 10-year Plan” series. Steohen Riley, GPN Advisor sits down with Yousaf Ahamad, Chief ICB Pharmacist for Frimley Intergrated Care Board.   To get involved with future roundtables, follow GPN on social media and look out for upcoming announcements.  The Role Of Chief Pharmacist  1. How the Chief Pharmacist role has evolved to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.  2. Key leadership responsibilities in ensuring safe, equitable, and innovative pharmaceutical care.  3. The impact of digital transformation and the opportunities it creates for pharmacy leadership.  Medicines Optimisation In Practice  1. Defining medicines optimisation and exploring whether the term itself causes confusion.  2. Challenges faced in the implementation of medicine optimization strategies.  3. The impact of medicine optimization in the improvement of patient outcomes and system efficiency.  4. The role of medicine optimisation in the NHS 10 year plan  Icb Systems And Collaborations  1. How the ICBs can collaborate with different providers to deliver key shifts as outlined in the NHS 10 year plan.  2. Governance and alignment strategies to ensure shared goals across the system.  3. Real-world examples of cross-provider collaboration delivering tangible progress.  The NHS 10 Year Plan and the Role of Pharmacy   1. Opportunities and future pathways to deliver the ambitions of the 10-Year Plan.  2. The growing role of community pharmacy in patient care and system transformation  3. Exploring pharmacy’s role in achieving the shifts from treatment to prevention, and analogue to digital  KEY THEMES  The Role Of Chief Pharmacist  Medicines Optimisation In Practice  Icb Systems And Collaborations  The NHS 10 year plan and the Role of Pharmacy   Listen Now  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalpolicynetwork  Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/27G4MszPLpmJ3AGV1mRBk6?si=ATqmrvO4RD2g_YPa9ygXWg  Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4eDJtgl  Subscribe for new episodes each week.  Learn More  Explore our work at globalpolicynetwork.com or email us at info@globalpolicynetwork.com

    28 min
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About

Welcome to Policy Unpacked, a podcast by the Global Policy Network. In this series, we dive into the policies shaping our world, from healthcare, to sustainability, to education, and explore how these critical areas intersect to drive meaningful change. Whether you're a policymaker, practitioner, or just policy-curious, we're glad you're here. Let’s unpack policy, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Global Policy Network
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Global Policy Network
  • Show Website
    Policy Unpacked