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PDA warns GPhC overseas pharmacist training proposals could risk patient safety
The PDA has submitted a detailed response opposing the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) proposals to radically shorten the route to registration for internationally qualified pharmacists seeking to practise in Great Britain.
The PDA has raised serious concerns about the lack of evidence supporting the changes, the potential impact on patient safety, and the consequences for pharmacy education and training capacity across the UK. |
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PDA responds to Department of Health and Social Care ministerial changes in England
The PDA has welcomed the appointment of Yvette Cooper MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, following the latest government reshuffle, and looks forward to working with the new leadership team at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
The changes in government come at a time of significant transformation across health and social care, including the implementation of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan and continued reforms affecting pharmacists across all sectors. The PDA will monitor how the new ministerial team takes forward these plans and will continue to press for frontline pharmacists’ voices to be heard as policies develop.
While ministers and Secretaries of State may change, the PDA’s mission remains constant: ensuring that policy decisions affecting pharmacists are informed by the realities of professional practice and by the best interests of pharmacists and their patients. |
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PDA welcomes new generation of pharmacists as assessment results announced
The PDA has congratulated trainee pharmacists who successfully passed the June 2026 Common Registration Assessment (CRA), while highlighting the importance of ensuring newly registered pharmacists will receive appropriate support as they begin their professional careers.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) announced this week that 2,748 of the 3,326 candidates who sat the assessment on 16 June 2026 were successful, representing an overall pass rate of 83%. The pass rate for those undertaking the exam with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was 94%.
The results are particularly significant as they include the first cohort of trainee pharmacists whose education and training were delivered under the revised initial education and training standards introduced in 2021. |
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Health Unions Calling for Fair NHS Pay Reform
In March, NHS health unions wrote to the then Health Secretary (Wes Streeting), calling for negotiations to begin. These talks were long promised and have now begun. They are expected to continue.
Learn more |
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NHS England launch ‘Staff Standards’
The NHS staff standards set national minimum employment requirements to improve staff experience, outlining employer actions and what staff can expect.
Learn more |
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Appeals process for candidates that sat the registration assessment in June 2026
The PDA would like to remind all candidates who sat the June 2026 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.
Learn more |
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Boost your skills with free PDA Education training and support
Below is a selection of our upcoming FREE training sessions and events, available exclusively to PDA members. The full list of events currently available can be found on the events section of our website. We recommend checking the website regularly, as new events will continue to be added.
Emerging Leaders Programme
Saturday 1 August to Thursday 31 December 2026
The PDA Emerging Leaders Programme is designed for pharmacy students, trainees, and early-career pharmacists who are beginning to explore their leadership potential. This structured four-month programme combines self-directed learning with live online sessions, helping you to develop your leadership style, build confidence, and gain practical skills to support your professional growth.
Register today |
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| Developing your assertiveness
7 pm to 8.30 pm, Tuesday 4 August 2026
This interactive online workshop, with facilitated discussion, breakout activities, and practical communication exercises, is exclusive to PDA locum members to help them develop their skills and confidence when it comes to being assertive.
Register today |
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| Working Safely as a Locum Pharmacist
7 pm to 8.30 pm, Tuesday 11 August 2026
Locum pharmacists often work across multiple settings with varying levels of support, creating unique challenges in maintaining their health, safety, and professional wellbeing. The session will encourage participants to reflect on their own experiences while developing practical tools and shared approaches to safer working.
Register today |
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| Neurodiversity at work
6.30 pm to 8 pm, Tuesday 18 August 2026
This online interactive workshop is designed to introduce neurodiversity and what it means to be neurodivergent. The workshop will explore the barriers that exist in the workplace that prevent full participation at work, the role of the employer in supporting neurodivergent workers, and the actions that PDA members can take to support neurodivergent workers.
Register today |
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| Making Placements Work (Professional Skills)
6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Wednesday 9 September 2026
Placements are a key part of the foundation training year, offering valuable hands-on experience in real-world settings. This workshop will explore practical strategies to help trainees maximise their learning during placements, including how to set clear learning objectives, how to engage proactively within teams and how to give and receive feedback effectively.
Register today |
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| Foundations of Professional Practice
6.30 pm to 8 pm, Tuesday 15 September 2026
This interactive workshop will cover reflective practice, which is an essential skill for pharmacists at all stages of their career, supporting continuous learning, revalidation and the ability to confidently navigate complex professional situations.
Register today |
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| Negotiating skills for locum pharmacists
7 pm to 8.30 pm, Tuesday 22 September 2026
This programme is designed to build confidence and capability in negotiation by combining a live, interactive workshop with structured self-directed follow-up learning and reflection.
Register today |
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| More to explore…
Continue your development journey with a range of upcoming opportunities designed to help PDA members to grow, adapt, and succeed in their careers. Click any of the events below for more information and to secure your FREE place.
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Join the team at the PDA!
As a not-for-profit organisation supporting pharmacists, pharmacy students, and trainee pharmacists across the UK, we are proud to have a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about making a difference.
We are currently recruiting for two roles and would love to hear from talented individuals who share our values and commitment to supporting pharmacists. Whether you’re looking for your next challenge or know someone who would be a great fit, please explore our latest opportunities below.
National Officer
Location: UK-wide (primarily remote working)
Contract Type: Permanent | 30 hours – 37.5 hrs (Full-time), negotiable
Salary: Up to £55,000 (FTE) + Benefits
We are seeking a National Officer to join our existing team in supporting members across the NHS and at other employers where pharmacy is practiced, to help them act collectively as both employees and as health professionals. This role will mainly be home-based but with some travel, and we are open to considering applicants wanting to work between four days per week and full-time.
Learn more and apply today. |
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Professional Development Support Pharmacist
Location: PDA HQ, Birmingham (with some remote working by agreement and travel to events, universities and conferences)
Contract Type: Permanent | Full-time
Salary: £46,148 – £52,809 per annum (FTE) + Benefits
We are seeking a Professional Development Support Pharmacist to join our Professional Development directorate. This exciting new role will help deliver educational programmes, build relationships with pharmacy schools and training providers, support students, trainees and early career pharmacists, and contribute to the development of resources, networks and initiatives that strengthen the profession.
Learn more and apply today. |
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Support when you need it most
Did you know that PDA membership includes access to a range of free and confidential support services? Whether you’re dealing with personal challenges, seeking legal guidance or needing advice on tax matters, expert help is available to support you whenever you need it.
Members can access a 24-hour confidential counselling helpline, providing professional support for issues such as stress, anxiety, bereavement, and relationship difficulties. In addition, members have access to legal and tax advice helplines, offering practical guidance from experienced specialists on a wide range of personal and business matters.
These valuable services are included as part of PDA membership and are designed to give members added peace of mind, both professionally and personally. |
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Supporting newly qualified pharmacists
Congratulations to everyone who has successfully passed the registration assessment and is preparing to begin the next stage of their professional journey. For many, this marks the start of a new chapter as part of the first generation of pharmacists entering the profession with Independent Prescribing responsibilities from the point of registration.
To support newly qualified pharmacists during this important transition, they can take advantage of PDA membership. Available to eligible newly qualified pharmacists, whether prescribing or not, the PDA Newly Qualified membership includes professional indemnity and legal defence costs insurance, PDA Union membership, workplace advice and representation, access to PDA Education, and a range of additional member benefits.
Designed to help pharmacists start their careers with confidence, the scheme provides expert support, protection, and guidance at a time when professional responsibilities are increasing. Eligible pharmacists who have completed their trainee year and passed the registration assessment are encouraged to activate their membership and take advantage of the support available as they begin their careers. |
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Make the most of PDA Plus this summer
Planning days out with family and friends, a UK getaway, or a trip to the theatre? PDA Plus offers members access to a wide range of discounts designed to help make summer more affordable.
This season’s featured offers include 10% off theatre tickets with LOVEtheatre, giving members access to savings on West End musicals, plays, comedy, dance, and family shows. There are also opportunities to save on breakdown cover, family attractions, days out, and holiday homes, lodges, and glamping breaks, helping you get more from your leisure time without stretching your budget.
Whether you’re organising a family adventure, booking a last-minute escape or planning a special evening out, PDA Plus provides exclusive member discounts on a variety of popular experiences and services.
Explore the latest PDA Plus offers and start saving today. |
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