The PDA member networks allow pharmacists to come together to proactively address and campaign about issues that impact them based on certain shared characteristics. Members help identify issues that need to be acted upon and can help influence PDA policy.
The PDA EDI Networks have been working to promote more inclusive working environments. They provide a structure through which pharmacists, pharmacy students, and trainees can work together to proactively address and campaign around various forms of discrimination and its causes and consequences.
There have been many network successes over the last 5 years. Below is a quick recap of just some of the key activities for each network.
Key PDA BAME Network campaigns
- BAME Network factsheets: Sickle Cell Awareness, Tokenism, Islamophobia, Race and Ethnicity Terminology
- BAME Network event – celebrating diversity, equality, and Black female leaders
- PDA presents anti-racist motion at STUC Congress. PDA BAME Network member, Urvi Vora presented the motion on behalf of the PDA.
- Anti-racist Pharmacy Toolkit
- BAME Network celebrates Black History Month with an event centred on Roger Kline’s ‘No More Tick Boxes’ report
- BAME Network event – discussing the Sewell Report and its effects on pharmacists and wider communities
- BAME Network event – exploring Covid-19 vaccines, practice, myths and overcoming vaccine hesitancy.
- Covid-19 vaccination campaign encouraging communities to engage with the Covid-19 vaccination programme
- BAME COVID-19 risk assessment and PPE survey
Key PDA LGBT+ Network campaigns
- LGBT+ Network attend the STUC’s LGBT+ Workers Conference – PDA supported a motion calling for more inclusive care for LGBT+ patients.
- LGBT+ Network speaks out against transphobic rhetoric
- LGBT+ Network calls for equality in the workplace
- LGBT+ Network launches resources to support LGBT+ inclusive education
- PDA LGBT+ Network writes to GPhC and PhSC on more inclusion of LGBT+ education in the MPharm programme
- PDA LGBT+ Network launches pronoun badges and flyers
- LGBT+ Network collaborate with Troglo to produce Sexuality and Gender factsheet
- LGBT+ network event
Key PDA Ability Network campaigns
- Ability Network urges employers to make the workplace accessible for those with disabilities
- ADHD Awareness Month
- PDA calls for zero tolerance for disability discrimination in the workplace
- It’s Time to Address Discrimination: Standing up for Sitting Down
- PDA Ability Network produces factsheet supporting those accessing reasonable adjustments
- Your rights under the Equality Act 2010
- Ability Network launches disability discrimination survey
- Ability Network seconds an emergency motion at the STUC Disabled Workers’ Conference
- PDA signs the Disability Employment Charter
Messages from EDI Network members
“The PDA BAME Network is such an essential lifeline to pharmacists. When I first qualified, there was no network like this that existed and seeing BAME pharmacists celebrated for the work they do would have massively helped me with building my self-esteem and realising the importance of my voice and the work I do. I have seen first-hand the way the network has nurtured students and new pharmacists and how empowered they are as a result. So much done in 5 years that I am sure it will go from strength to strength in the next 5, thank you for all the hard work you do!”
Anonymous, PDA BAME Network Member
“The Ability Network gives me a strong sense of community with other pharmacists I can relate to. I particularly appreciate the Member Voice articles, where members can share their experiences, anonymously if needed. Some articles have resonated with me personally, and I have found the linked resources and tools helpful. Learning about other pharmacists’ experiences has been insightful and reassuring, reminding me that I am not alone. I also value the Ability Network WhatsApp group as a safe space for meaningful conversations and support.
The Network has also developed valuable resources and toolkits that I have found useful. Regular member meetings provide opportunities to discuss important issues, ensuring every member’s voice is heard and valued.
Congratulations to the Ability Network on reaching this milestone and on the progress and impact achieved over the past five years!
Anjlee Shah, PDA Ability Network Member
“The 5-year anniversary sets an important milestone to reflect upon the incredible achievements of the group since its inception. I’d like to thank the network, committee, and wonderful PDA team for their engagement, knowledge, and support, which has culminated in a space for LGBT+ pharmacy professionals to feel seen and heard, particularly at a time when the LGBTQ+ community faces growing hardship and animosity. Here’s to another impactful 5 years for the network!”
Dr Josh Wells, co-opted PDA LGBT+ Network Member
“I love the solidarity I have experienced from the PDA and its diversity networks. I am encouraged and know that I am not alone.”
Anonymous, PDA BAME Network Member
“As an ally of the ability group, it has been of real benefit to me as a workplace rep to understand the issues that face pharmacists with a disability. It has made me more determined to ensure that people of all abilities are given the same opportunities at work.”
Gordon Finlayson, PDA Ability Network Ally
These three PDA EDI Networks were launched in April 2020.
There are four PDA EDI Networks in total. In January 2020, the National Association of Women Pharmacists (NAWP) started its 115th year by becoming part of the PDA, making it the first PDA EDI Network.
The NAWP Networks’ 120th year was celebrated last month at a face-to-face event on International Women’s Day (IWD). Learn more.
Get involved
Learn more
- PDA Member Network – EDI Flyers
- Celebrating 120 years of the PDA NAWP Network
- BAME Network
- NAWP
- LGBT+ Network
- Ability Network
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.