Being a representative for the PDA takes many forms. There are workplace reps, health and safety reps, trainee reps, and student reps.
PDA Workplace Reps can work in employers with recognition agreements, such as LloydsPharmacy and Boots, and in workplaces without recognition agreements. A recognition agreement is a formal arrangement with an employer to undertake collective bargaining on behalf of pharmacists, which means that terms and conditions can be negotiated, such as pay. The PDA has several recognition agreements with ICBs, hospitals, and GP Federations. PDA Reps work within community pharmacy, hospitals, primary care, and education. There are reps across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the crown dependencies.
One thing all PDA Reps have in common is their desire to make pharmacy the best possible place for staff and patients. As well as helping everyone else, PDA Reps find that they get lots out of stepping forward and volunteering for the role too. From ‘being part of a team’ to ‘the ability to bring to the table things that actually matter to pharmacists and truly represent their views and opinions’, PDA Reps have so many reasons why they love being a rep.
Gordon Finlayson, PDA Regional Rep in Boots said, “I get a huge sense of achievement when I assist a member in obtaining the outcome they desired. I will always be grateful to the PDA for giving me the opportunity to assist pharmacists in times of need and to support my development as a rep.”
Anjlee Shah, PDA National Rep in LloydsPharmacy said, “You’re never alone as a rep. I’ve had so much support from fellow reps and PDA staff. We work together and there are also many opportunities to network with PDA Union Reps based in other companies and sectors. Sharing experiences and viewpoints in turn really helps with better supporting members.”
The PDA appreciates the hard work and dedication of all reps and looks forward to continuing to support reps in improving their workplaces for all.
To find out more about being a rep, please click here.
Get involved
- Become a PDA Rep here.
Learn more
- PDA Student Reps in action, the GFTU Young Members Development Weekend
- PDA Reps Negotiating Skills Training
- PDA Reps collaborate on member engagement
- PDA Reps meet to share best practice in supporting members
- PDA Reps networking event hailed a success
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.