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Insight Online – December 2024

This month, read our response to a communication sent to pharmacists by Superdrug management and guidance for those who sat the November 2024 registration assessment and are making an appeal.

Mon 30th December 2024 The PDA

Also, explore some upcoming events for PDA members and ways you can save money this New Year with PDA Plus.

In this issue:

  • PDA Union responds to management’s message to Superdrug pharmacists
  • PDA is supporting members impacted by insolvency at West Cambs GP Federation
  • Appeals process for candidates that sat the registration assessment in November 2024
  • Meet the newly elected PDA BAME Committee
  • Have you got the right PDA membership following the November 2024 assessment?
  • PDA Reps meet to discuss Employment Rights Bill
  • Latest news
  • FREE events for PDA members
  • Enjoy a range of PDA Plus benefits!

PDA Union responds to management’s
message to Superdrug pharmacists
 

We have seen a document shared with pharmacists by a Superdrug management representative during the last week of November 2024.

A number of Superdrug pharmacists alerted us to the management communication and having reviewed the communication, we believe that there is a need for comment, and correction, to ensure pharmacists at Superdrug are properly informed about what union recognition means for them.

Superdrug management are not used to dealing with trade unions and the information circulated does not reflect the reality of the other established and successful partnerships between ourselves and other pharmacy chains.
LEARN MORE

PDA is supporting members impacted by
insolvency at West Cambs GP Federation
 

We are currently supporting pharmacists who are owed money from an NHS branded employer which is now insolvent.

Individuals formerly employed by the West Cambs Federation have the support from us in taking action to try and secure compensation after the community interest company declared itself insolvent. The federation had operated under the NHS brand including having an nhs.uk website address.

West Cambs Federation provided an out-of-hours GP service, eating disorder support, cancer screening and mental health services on behalf of six primacy care networks across Fenland and Huntingdonshire. However, though services were rated as ‘good’, its financial management led to it entering insolvency in January 2024, shocking employees and patients alike.
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Appeals process for candidates that sat the registration assessment in November 2024
 

We would like to remind all candidates who sat the November 2024 assessment, and feel that they have grounds to appeal on receipt of their results, to review the GPhC guidance and gather all evidence before taking action.

The GPhC guidance for those who were unsuccessful in the registration assessment can be found here. There are clear grounds for appeal.

If a candidate thinks they may have valid grounds for an appeal, they must send their appeal form and supporting evidence via email to [email protected] by 5 pm on Tuesday 7 January 2025.
LEARN MORE

Meet the newly elected PDA
BAME Committee

Every two years the PDA BAME Network hosts an election for new officers to run the network. We are delighted to announce the results of the recent elections and the newly elected officers who will also be working closely with the other PDA Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Networks (EDI).

Learn more

Have you got the right PDA
membership following the
November 2024 assessment?

We have once again reviewed our membership arrangements, adjusted internal systems, and undertook significant work with underwriters to ensure that whether a trainee or a re-sitter, there is a PDA membership policy available for everyone.

Learn more

PDA Reps meet to discuss
Employment Rights Bill

Last month, PDA Reps from all sectors met to discuss the details of the Employment Rights Bill which is currently going through Parliament.

Learn more
Below is a list of the other key news stories that have been published on our website this month:

24/12/24 – Boots Pharmacists’ Association joins the PDA family

23/12/24 – How a PDA Student Rep’s contributions improved the pharmacy student experience

21/12/24 – Update for members with benefits in the Boots pension scheme

20/12/24 – Medicines to Gaza PDA partnership with Salam Charity

17/12/24 – PDA Equalities Council reflect on their 2024 achievements and future shared initiatives

11/12/24 – Boots Newsletter – December 2024

10/12/24 – Five Years Already!

2/12/24 – PDA Regional Committees meet to discuss members’ views on current pharmacy issues

1/12/24 – Lloyds/Sainsbury’s enhanced redundancy claims update – November 2024
LEARN MORE

FREE events for PDA members

Throughout the year we host a range of events for PDA members. Also, with our affiliation with the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU), members can access a range of online and face-to-face courses at low or no cost. Below are some upcoming events you can take advantage of!

PDA ‘Transforming our working lives together’ event for NHS members

This FREE online event on Tuesday 4 February will inform PDA members working in the NHS about how the latest updates to Agenda for Change will affect them. Members will also find out how to work together with the union to improve their working conditions and affect change.

Learn more and register your place today!

GFTU Training – FREE online and face-to-face training for all PDA members

The GFTU’s programme of face-to-face and online courses running until 1 July 2025 include:

  • Strategy series
  • Activists’ corner
  • Solidarity series
  • Bargaining and organising for neurodiversity
  • Roots of racism
  • And more!

Learn more and register for a course today!

You can also keep an eye on the events section of our website for more upcoming events that will take place in the New Year.
LEARN MORE

Save up to 70% with MyActiveDiscounts

Did you know that as a PDA member, you can save up to 70% with MyActiveDiscounts? This offer includes online digital fitness, clothing & footwear, outdoors, food & drink, spa & self-care, travel & short breaks, and days out. So, if you are looking at improving your wellbeing this New Year then you can find the perfect deal to help you on your wellness journey.

Learn more and see how you could benefit by logging into your PDA Plus account today!
LOG IN TO YOUR PDA PLUS ACCOUNT TODAY

 

 

The Pharmacists' Defence Association is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England; Company No 4746656.

The Pharmacists' Defence Association is an appointed representative in respect of insurance mediation activities only of
The Pharmacy Insurance Agency Limited which is registered in England and Wales under company number 2591975
and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register No 307063)

The PDA Union is recognised by the Certification Officer as an independent trade union.

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