Attendees of the PDA EDI Networks Conference 2026
Held in Birmingham and online, the event brought together the PDA’s four EDI networks – Ability, BAME, LGBT+ and NAWP – to share experiences and explore what truly inclusive pharmacy practice looks like in action.
The keynote address from Melanie Holloway, Diversity, Inclusion and Participation Manager at NHS England, highlighted the distinction between diversity and inclusion, stressing that representation alone is not enough to create equitable workplaces. She emphasised that inclusive practice leads to better decision-making, stronger teams, and safer patient care, and described networks as a critical source of insight, influence and cultural change.
A central theme of the keynote was intersectionality, understanding how overlapping identities shape people’s experiences at work. Holloway drew on workforce data to illustrate ongoing inequalities in pharmacy, including disparities in career progression, experiences of discrimination, and representation in leadership. She challenged employers to better understand lived experiences to drive meaningful change.
Melanie said, “It was an honour to deliver the keynote at the PDA EDI Networks’ Conference and to be part of such an energising day. The commitment from attendees stood out immediately, particularly given the event took place on a Saturday, and it was fantastic to see so many people engaging so thoughtfully. The sessions offered a real insight into the impactful work being led through member networks, and the mix of experience in the room made for valuable and open conversations. A strong focus on intersectionality was a highlight, ensuring the conversations reflected the full breadth of people’s lived experiences.”
Each of the four PDA EDI Networks led a session.
NAWP explored barriers facing women in pharmacy and the importance of allyship.
Lourette Latif Philips, President of the NAWP Network, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the EDI day and was inspired by the openness, honesty, and enthusiasm shown throughout the event. It was wonderful to see colleagues from our four networks coming together to share experiences, learn from one another and explore practical ways to make our profession more inclusive. The conversations were insightful, thought-provoking, and a reminder of the positive impact we can have when we work collectively.”
The BAME Network shared practical advice on visibility and leadership.
Lola Dabiri, President of the BAME Network, said, “Attending the EDI event was a delight… It was an honour for me to articulate the essence of the PDA BAME Network: a platform providing family vibes and comradeship with no one standing or feeling they are standing alone… I left the conference feeling energised, encouraged, and hopeful for a brighter future for pharmacists as one and all show up courageously.”
The Ability Network focused on disability inclusion and reasonable adjustments.
Jyoti Buxani, President of the Ability Network, said, “Attending the EDI Networks conference was extremely useful for all four networks. We met to discuss important points from all pharmacy sectors and how we can work collaboratively. The sessions were all very engaging with contributions from delegates both in person and online.”
The LGBT+ Network addressed gender-affirming care in pharmacy.
Adam Somerville, President of the LGBT+ Network, said, “The LGBT+ Network committee presented a session on transgender healthcare, highlighting how medicines are used to treat gender incongruence. We also discussed how recent legal changes have affected pharmacy practice. It was brilliant to hear what the other networks had been working on this year… Engagement in EDI from early career is vital to building the momentum that will carry these ideas into practice.”
Interactive learning from PDA Education and networking opportunities throughout the day enabled delegates to build connections and share experiences. One member said, “It was an excellent day with really informative sessions and a lot of respectful and thoughtful discussions. It was wonderful to meet so many passionate pharmacists and learn from them.”
A consistent message was the importance of collaboration across networks to better understand workplace experiences and drive meaningful change. Delegates were encouraged to move beyond discussion to action, using collective insight to influence practice and policy.
Nura Bakari, a pharmacy student, said, “The event was very inspiring as someone who had never been to a PDA event before. I now feel more informed about the PDA and the four EDI Networks. There were speakers from different fields, which was interesting to hear, and I liked how each speaker had different activities that were interactive.”
Closing the event, Dr Jayne Love, PDA Organiser and Equalities Lead, thanked the network committees for their dedication, highlighting that members contribute their time voluntarily alongside their professional roles, and encouraged delegates to get involved, whether standing for election or in a more informal way.
She said, “What really stood out to me at the conference was the strength of our collective voice. When we bring together different perspectives, different experiences, and different areas of focus, we’re able to build a much fuller picture of what needs to change – and how we make that change happen.”
Overall, the conference reinforced a shared commitment across the profession to move beyond representation towards truly inclusive and equitable pharmacy practice.
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Get involved
PDA members can join an EDI Network for £12 per year, retired members for £24 per year, and non-PDA members for £36 per year. In accordance with the PDA’s support for future pharmacists, membership of the networks is FREE for PDA student and trainee members (PDA student and trainee membership is also FREE).
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.