The PDA welcomed the ethos of reform as it is long overdue. However, the PDA expressed concern about the timing of these proposals as the Government has already indicated that major changes to how regulators function, especially their fitness to practice processes are imminent. The PDA also noted that the GPhC had not met the standards required by The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) in regard to its existing fitness to practice processes.
Thus, the PDA made a number of recommendations around interim measures that the GPhC could undertake to meet PSA standards whilst awaiting the major changes planned by the Government. These interim measures included:
(1) The GPhC should consider putting into place enhanced support measures for both registrants and complainants.
(2) It should focus on improving the timeliness to case closure.
(3) It should start the process of recruiting BAME panellists so that when cases go to hearings (for the most serious cases) the diversity of the profession is reflected in the panel.
(4) It should ensure that all cases are fully documented and follow internal guidance.
(5) It should ensure that diversity data is captured and recorded at the point of raising concern and all subsequent stages.
(6) The GPhC should start to identify how it will meaningfully apply the same standards to premises owners as it does to individual registrants.
(7) It should have a full and meaningful Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policy in place so that any reformed FtP fits into the overarching legal requirement of its statutory EDI obligations.
Download the PDA’s full response here
DOWNLOAD THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT HERE
The consultation ran from 27/10/2020 to 22/01/2021.