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Home  »   Insight • Latest News   »   Insight Online – October 2026

Insight Online – October 2026

This month, discover how the PDA is strengthening its influence both at home and abroad, with a leading role in Europe through the European Pharmacists’ Association, continued advocacy for safe staffing and workforce investment, and action to improve workplace protections for pharmacy teams.

Fri 30th October 2026 The PDA

You’ll also find updates on AI accountability in pharmacy, the outcome of Boots pay talks, opportunities to support your wellbeing through the ACTNow campaign, the latest news affecting the profession, and a range of free PDA Education training and development opportunities available exclusively to members.

In this issue:

  • PDA takes the lead in Europe for the benefit of UK members
  • PDA responds to community pharmacy workforce report: investment must deliver staffing capacity
  • PDA welcomes respect campaign and calls for stronger workplace protections
  • PDA puts AI accountability in pharmacy under the spotlight at the Pharmacy Show
  • Agreement reached between Boots and the PDA Union in settlement of the 2026 pay talks for Pharmacists
  • Sign up for Pharmacist Support’s 2026 ACTNow campaign
  • Latest news
  • Boost your skills with free PDA Education training and support

PDA takes the lead in Europe for the benefit of UK members

With its Chairman, Mark Koziol appointed President of the European Pharmacists’ Association (EPA), the PDA is taking a leading role in Europe to advance the interests of its UK-based members.This gives the PDA a stronger platform to represent UK members’ interests with the World Health Organisation and International Labour Organisation in Geneva, as well as in European discussions on pharmacy workload, patient safety, and workforce development.

EPA will advocate for improved working conditions and greater professional recognition for pharmacists. A successful European pharmacist association will inevitably strengthen the PDA’s ability to exert influence in the UK with policy makers and governments.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EPA

PDA responds to community pharmacy workforce report: investment must deliver staffing capacity

The PDA has responded to the publication of the Community Pharmacy Workforce Development Group’s 2026 workforce review, saying that sustainable funding for community pharmacy must translate into appropriate staffing and protected capacity for pharmacists to provide safe and effective patient care.

The PDA’s response covers:

  • Funding that must translate into capacity
  • Employers also having a role to play
  • A sustainable workforce needing sustainable jobs
READ THE PDA’S RESPONSE

PDA welcomes respect campaign and calls for stronger workplace protections

The PDA welcomes the campaign promoting respect for community pharmacy teams in England and its clear message that abuse, intimidation and violence are unacceptable.

The campaign is an important step towards safer, more respectful interactions with pharmacy teams, and public messaging must be matched by action in the workplace.

Through its daily support and representation of members affected by abuse, intimidation and violence, the PDA sees first-hand how serious and damaging these incidents can be.
LEARN MORE

PDA puts AI accountability in pharmacy under the spotlight at the Pharmacy Show

PDA members want professional oversight, training and clear accountability built in before AI is introduced in the workplace. Yesterday, Professor Mark DasGupta put their case on stage at the Pharmacy Show 2026.

Learn more

Agreement reached between Boots and the PDA Union in settlement of the 2026 pay talks for Pharmacists

The PDA Union and Boots have released their latest joint statement following pay talks over recent months in relation to store-based pharmacists.

Learn more

Sign up for Pharmacist Support’s 2026 ACTNow campaign

The PDA is encouraging members to take part in the 2026 ACTNow campaign, an annual wellbeing initiative delivered by the PDA’s charity partner, Pharmacist Support.

Learn more
Below is a list of the other key news stories that have been published on our website since the last issue of Insight Online:

28/10/26 – Reflecting on specialist practice: Guidance for revalidation

28/10/26 – GPhC advises pharmacists to seek advice about their indemnity insurance from sources that are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

22/10/26 – PDA reiterate call for abolition of prescription charges in England

21/10/26 – NHS staff cannot be expected to do more for less, says PDA

15/10/26 – PDA champions allyship at the Pharmacy Show 2026

13/10/26 – NHS unions 2027/28 pay claim in Scotland

8/10/26 – PDA BAME Network Newsletter – October 2026

7/10/26 – PDA responds to sale of Boots to Wittington Investments

1/10/26 – PDA supports diversity and inclusion at the C+D Awards 2026
LEARN MORE

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.

Assessment Revision Programme November 2026

Running until Tuesday 10 November 2026

This self-directed online revision programme is for all PDA trainee and potential pharmacist members who are sitting the registration assessment on Tuesday 10 November 2026. This programme is designed to help you approach your calculations and clinical exams with confidence. Giving you the knowledge and techniques you will need to succeed.

Register today

Developing your assertiveness

7 pm to 8.30 pm, Tuesday 3 November 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

Live the life you want to lead – a PDA and Pharmacist Support online workshop

7 pm to 8.30 pm, Thursday 12 November 2026

This workshop was created for those of us who feel we’d like to make a change in our lives, but aren’t sure where to begin.

Register today

Working Safely as a Locum Pharmacist

7 pm to 8.30 pm, Thursday 24 November 2026

The session will encourage participants to reflect on their own experiences while developing practical tools and shared approaches to safer working.

Register today

PDA Leadership Conference Scotland 2026

10 am to 3.30 pm, Sunday 29 November 2026

The PDA is inviting all members in Scotland to come together for the Pharmacy Leadership Conference in Scotland. The day focuses on developing the confidence and skills that help pharmacists, trainee pharmacists, and MPharm students thrive throughout their careers and make a positive impact on the profession.

Register today

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.
VIEW ALL PDA EVENTS

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and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register No 307063)

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