From Friction to Flow: Strengthening Collaboration in Neighbourhood Health

About

The Pharmacy Show, in partnership with the PMA, is hosting a free webinar bringing together primary care professionals for an open and engaging discussion on how collaboration across neighbourhood health can be strengthened to better support patients and local communities.

 

Date & Time

7 May 2026, Thursday | 13:00 - 14:00

 

About the speakers

Host:

• Ian Jones, Director, PMA

Ian is a Director at PMA with the responsibility for programme design, development and delivery. Working closely with primary care providers, Ian brings management and analytical skills honed over 25 years working in large public, private sector and non-profit organisations in technology & publishing such as Future Publishing, The British Computer Society and the National Computing Centre (NCC).

During his tenure at the NCC as Head of Research & Content, he was responsible for developing a range of events and learning programmes. This experience has proved invaluable in his role with the PMA as technology is playing an ever more prominent part in the delivery of efficient and effective care for patients.

 

Speakers:

• Sophia Bi-Raja, MBA CMgr FCMI

Sophia Bi-Raja, MBA CMgr FCMI, is a senior primary care leader, currently serving as a Managing Partner and Primary Care Network (PCN) Manager. She brings extensive experience in leading at scale across complex systems, with a strong focus on operational delivery, workforce development, and sustainable service transformation.

As Chair of her locality’s Practice Manager Forum, Sophia plays a pivotal role in strengthening collaboration across practices and aligning primary care with wider system priorities. She is also a Trainer with the Practice Managers Association (PMA) and a Director at Primary Care Accelerator, where she supports leadership development and the advancement of innovative models of care.

Sophia’s impact has been recognised nationally, including being named PCN Manager of the Year and receiving an award for Outstanding Contribution to Primary Care. An MBA graduate, Chartered Manager, and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, she is particularly passionate about enabling high-performing teams, driving integration, and delivering improved outcomes for patients and communities.

• Managing Partner (Yardley Wood Health Centre)
• Director of Delivery - OHP Primary Care Accelerator
• MOBY PCN Business Manager,
• Enhanced Access Contract Manager
• Trainer - PMA
• Co-Chair PCN Managers Forum - NHS Confed
• Employer Advisory Board Member (Leadership & Service Industry Management) - Arden University

 

• Sanjeev Panesar, Superintendent Pharmacist, Pan Healthcare Limited

Sanjeev qualified in 2009 and has since gained extensive experience across both independent and multiple community pharmacy settings. In 2011, he became Superintendent Pharmacist for a chain of six pharmacies, where he has led their modernisation and future-proofing agenda, expanding clinical services while maintaining a consistently high standard of patient care across the communities they serve.

In 2014, he was elected to Community Pharmacy Birmingham and Solihull, where he represents the interests of independent pharmacies. Working closely with fellow committee members and key stakeholders, he strives to drive positive change through the development of services and the strengthening of professional relationships across the region. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the committee.

Sanjeev also joined the NPA Board in 2020, advocating for the independent sector and contributing to positive change within the profession. He is passionate about demonstrating the value, expertise, and accessibility that community pharmacies bring to the wider NHS landscape.

He strongly believes that community pharmacies play a pivotal role in supporting the health and wellbeing of local populations and remain an integral – yet often undervalued – part of the NHS. Alongside his colleagues, he is committed to supporting NPA members and the wider community pharmacy network by making the case for sustainable core funding. His aim is to ensure that community pharmacies are not only able to survive, but to thrive, while also helping the sector navigate ongoing challenges by embracing expanded clinical services across both NHS and private provision.

 

What to expect

The session will focus on practical insights and shared experiences, including:

• What effective collaboration looks like in everyday practice
• Common challenges and opportunities across primary care
• Ways to improve communication and joint working
• Examples of what’s working well and how this can be built upon

The webinar will take the form of a relaxed, facilitated discussion, designed to encourage honest conversation, peer‑to‑peer learning, and the sharing of lived experiences – nothing formal, just meaningful dialogue.

 

Join us on Thursday, 7th May

Simply fill out the form below to register for the free webinar.