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Home  »   Latest News   »   Welcome to the February 2023 PDA Education Update

Welcome to the February 2023 PDA Education Update

Welcome to the February PDA Education update. PDA Education provides FREE training and support to PDA members.

Sun 26th February 2023 The PDA

In this update read about:

Spring 2023 PDA Education updates 

Since the last updates we have been busy running programmes. In November we ran a face-to-face negotiating course for PDA Reps and organisers. Una O’Farrell, PDA National Officer for Northern Ireland attended the course and said, “The course was high energy and engaging. Building on existing experience, from what I learned I feel well prepared for what I may be greeted with in any negotiation scenario. It was very useful to identify my natural style of entering discussions, and become aware of how to use this to advantage, as well as how to adapt to other styles for the best outcome.”

We are running the course again in June 2023, so please get in touch if you are a rep and interested in attending.

We have worked with our partners at Pharmacist Support to run two live wellbeing workshops over the past few months. Over 100 PDA members attended these sessions which looked at the science behind wellbeing and offered members the chance to focus on techniques to help manage their stress. More workshops are planned for later this year. Look out for dates and details of how to register soon.

The education team met face to face for the first time in November to discuss the future of PDA Education and plan the programme for 2023.

Kate Kensington, PDA Head of Education said, “2022 was a busy year for us. We ran several in person training courses for PDA Representatives and live online events for reps and members, while our first summer school opened to all PDA members. We also offered specific courses for our student and trainee members. It was great to look to the future, share our ideas and plan for lots of new and exciting events and programmes. We are looking forward to developing new training opportunities this year and being able to support even more PDA members.”

Brand new support for locums

In 2023 we are expanding our programme. In the early part of the year, we are focusing on locums with a brand new webinar called ‘Locum Matters’. This event will be run with Ruth Williams, PDA Legal Advisor. The webinar will run twice once in the day and once in the evening to try to ensure as many members as possible can attend.

We will focus on the pitfalls and positives of being a locum, with information, advice, and guidance on your rights as a locum, top tips for booking shifts, and more. The session is free to all PDA members and you can sign up by visiting the registration survey here.

Face-to-face training

The PDA Education team are pleased to be back on the road again and offering face-to-face training for PDA Reps. PDA Reps can register to attend a range of programmes designed to support them in their development.

Kate Kensington, PDA Head of Education said, ”At the PDA we embrace online platforms and the benefits of using them, such as the ability to offer training at different times, self-directed learning, and online resources. We also know that bringing reps together allows them to spend time networking and learning from each other in a valuable way.”

If you are a PDA Rep interested in furthering your training we have a range of courses including Organising on Mental Health. Please visit the events page to find out more.

If you aren’t a PDA Rep but would like to find out more, please click here to see how you can get involved.

Additional support for trainees 

The PDA will be offering our Assessment Revision Programme for those trainees who are sitting their registration exam on 27 June. The programme, launched in 2020, combines revision tips with a large number of practice questions and timed exams. The PDA believes that trainees should not be disadvantaged due to the cost of programmes and offers this support to PDA members for free. Registration will open in March and all trainee members will receive an email with details on how to register.

PDA member, Sarah Al-Saad who took their exam in 2021 said they, ”would recommend everyone to make the most of the support given by the PDA. The practice questions help highlight new information to revise and keep your knowledge up to date. There is also guidance and support for how to revise, with wellness tips and links to useful resources. The regular communication and availability of the providers makes you feel completely supported and in the loop at all times.”

In addition to the Revision Support Programme we will also be holding two live calculations webinars, which will also be advertised via email. These sessions will focus on the most common areas that trainees find challenging, including dilutions.

Coming up this term

To support PDA Reps we have our online reps inductions available for our student reps, workplace and committee reps. The induction will equip you with the knowledge that you need to be a PDA Rep. Registration for the induction is rolling and you can join at any time. If you are interested in becoming a PDA Rep please complete the form here.

Our face-to-face programme for reps continues in February and March. Organising on Mental Health aims to help reps support members with mental health issues, work with employers to make improvements to support better mental health in the workplace and look after their own mental health. We are also running our part one reps training which will help reps to understand their legal rights, work with workplace policies and procedures and support members with problems at work.

For PDA members, we are offering two online courses this term:

  • Mental Health Awareness, which aims to help you understand more about mental health and explore strategies to develop good mental health.   
  • A ‘Taking the Stress out of Exams’ course that is aimed at students and trainees and is designed to help them manage their mental health throughout the revision and exam process.

Please see the PDA event page for more information and to register for these courses.
 

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