The PDA
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) is the largest pharmacist membership organisation and the only independent trade union exclusively for pharmacists in the UK & CDs.
- Read the first edition of #InsightOnline for 2026. This month, we bring you the digital version of Insight magazine and announce two exciting new PDA benefits at no additional charge to members! Learn more: buff.ly/fIaZK40 Not yet a member of the PDA? Join today! buff.ly/2SKVnLo
- PDA Director of Defence Services, Mark Pitt, was interviewed for the latest episode of ‘The PJ Pod’, a #Pharmaceutical Journal podcast 🎙️ . The episode is titled ‘Speaking up: how to raise concerns in the #pharmacy workplace’. Learn more and listen to the podcast here: buff.ly/ZEMnvEg
- As of 16 January 2026, we became an official supporter of Health Equals, which is a coalition of over 100 organisations that want to make a positive difference to UK society’s health and wellbeing. Learn more: buff.ly/B5NQpRm
- Two recent developments pull community #pharmacy in very different directions. One proposes facilitated self-selection of P medicines; the other changes the law so ‘checked and bagged’ prescriptions may be handed out while the pharmacist is absent. Learn more: buff.ly/NewauiF
- We welcome the independent evaluation of NHS England’s Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing (IP) Pathfinder Programme by the Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies (University of Manchester) and ICF Consulting. We also recognise the evaluation’s actionable recommendations: buff.ly/V2U7kQd
- 📣 We have launched the ‘Medicines To Gaza’ Challenge, inviting #PharmacyStudents and trainees to deliver their own campaign to raise awareness and funds. The challenge will contribute to the humanitarian project to provide essential medicines to those affected by the crisis in Gaza: buff.ly/w2Zbec9
- A recent NHS consultation asked for views on proposed changes to the service specification for specialist gender incongruence services for children and young people. The #PDAlgbt Network has responded. Learn more: buff.ly/di3tRDT
- We continue to monitor the situation regarding Jhoots #pharmacies, and are providing another update to members, providing support and continuing to engage with the government and the regulator on the situation. Learn more: buff.ly/mEGm4xt
- With the disturbing rise in violence, theft, and physical assault directed at #pharmacy teams across the UK, we have launched our ninth #SaferPharmacies Survey. We encourage all employed and locum pharmacists to take part and complete the survey here: buff.ly/8UD65Bu
- The #PDAunion is calling for nominations for members to form its four Regional Committees. Where more candidates are nominated than seats available, all full members in each region will be asked to vote to decide who is elected. Learn more: buff.ly/retMfEH Not yet a member of the PDA? Join today!
- Though we have existed for less than 25 years, our story reaches back much further, with some parts established more than a century ago. To learn the story, our history timeline details some of the highlights and significant events that have shaped the PDA. Learn more: buff.ly/5ZcrJSD
- After a period of discussions, Superdrug and the #PDAunion have established a formal recognition agreement. This agreement outlines the framework for how the union will represent #pharmacists and trainee pharmacists employed by Superdrug. Learn more: buff.ly/2UW4pPc
- We welcome the news that the Employment Rights Bill has finally been passed and will become the Employment Rights Act. Royal Assent is expected before the end of 2025, and the act will come into force in stages over 2026 and 2027. Learn more: buff.ly/0aiPQ7U
- Potential assisted dying legislation continues to be developed in the various jurisdictions that make up the UK and Crown Dependencies. We have members areas who could be impacted by such proposals welcomes amendment that provides #pharmacists with a conscientious objection clause: buff.ly/42m3NKD
- From 7 January 2026, the law changes regarding pre-checked and bagged prescriptions. We acknowledge the approval of the Human Medicines (Authorisation by Pharmacists and Supervision by Pharmacy Technicians) Order 2025 by Parliament and the Privy Council and have released a statement: buff.ly/DKYPk7T
- We would like to remind members that our office opening times will differ slightly over the festive season but normal service will resume on Friday 2 January 2026. Not yet a member of the PDA? Join today. PDA membership is FREE to #PharmacyStudents and #TraineePharmacists! buff.ly/2SKVnLo
- Yesterday, trainee #pharmacists and some re-sitters got their results from the November 2025 assessment. We have once again reviewed our membership arrangements to ensure that, whether a trainee or a re-sitter, there is a PDA membership category available for everyone. Learn more: buff.ly/wj9wrs8
- With resident doctors in the BMA taking industrial action from 17-22 December, we are reissuing advice for members faced with an industrial action picket line. Learn more: buff.ly/TSEXgk8 Not yet a member of the PDA? Join today! buff.ly/2SKVnLo
- We are confirming general advice about debts owed by businesses that operated #pharmacies under the Jhoots brand and invite any members who are owed such money, but have not yet contacted us, to do so without further delay. Learn more: buff.ly/WtHim3r
- We would like to remind all candidates who sat the November 2025 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: buff.ly/sIvnDIT Not yet a member of the PDA? Join today! buff.ly/2SKVnLo
- We have issued a final reminder on Boots Pension Scheme complaints. Members are reminded that they should have lodged a case through the Internal Disputes Resolution Procedure (IDRP) if they wish to complain about the 2023 changes to that scheme. Learn more: buff.ly/t0cC4jK
- Love. Unity. Hope. These are the things that will stop the far right in its tracks. ✋ Stand with us. Join the alliance: togetheralliance.org.uk #Together @togetheralliance
- We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of #pharmacists in all sectors of #pharmacy 🫶. As part of this, we were recently in contact with Louisa Daubney, a burnout coach, and here she shares her top tips that pharmacists can use to look after their wellbeing in the workplace: buff.ly/tYxeeHc
- The PDA Regional Committees have held the fourth round of Regional Committee meetings in 2025. Some of the topics discussed have included : 💉 Eligibility for Covid-19 vaccines 📚 Protected learning time ⚖️ Downward pressure on locum rates 🥇 The Pharmacy First Service Learn more : buff.ly/k5j6y92
- We are proud to celebrate the participation of a dedicated #PDA rep, Sade Abiola, at the 29th Annual STUC Black Workers’ Conference. Sade, a NHS Fife #pharmacist, joined Black trade unionists from across Scotland to help shape the future of anti-racist organising in Scotland: buff.ly/UHq9vpY
- We are updating members employed by the NHS in England, Northern Ireland and Wales on the current pay review. The NHS Pay Review Body has now received submissions from both HM Government and NHS Employers as well as those representing NHS staff. Learn more: buff.ly/hrxNOKZ
- We would like to thank everyone who nominated themselves to be on the committee for the #PDAability Network. The Network is pleased to introduce the newly elected PDA Ability Network Officers, who will also be working closely with the other PDA Equality Networks. Learn more: buff.ly/ovyXpFh
- Explore what's new in the October issue of #InsightOnline! This month, read about the importance of appropriate monitoring for ADHD medication and gain a better understanding of indemnity arrangements and how your insurance is a vital layer of protection. Learn more: buff.ly/EQtAW03
- We are supporting members facing potential redundancy at the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE), which is provided by the University of Manchester. The CPPE contract is due for renewal next year, and NHS funding is reducing even if the contract is renewed. Learn more: buff.ly/B22mQ2P
- An urgent parliamentary debate led to the Pharmacy Minister announcing a commitment to address bad business behaviour. We have previously highlighted that while individual registrants face strict regulatory enforcement, it often seems that pharmacy owners face no consequences: buff.ly/ijYAbeP
- We are using the opportunity of the latest government list publication to reiterate its warning to trainee #pharmacists that they may be at risk of being paid less than the minimum wage if they work longer hours. Learn more: buff.ly/bncIkrd Not yet a member of the PDA? Join today: buff.ly/2SKVnLo
- In the latest PDA blog, Director of #Pharmacy, Jay Badenhorst discusses loneliness and how this can be overcome by building a connection with others. Here, Jay also shares an insight into his own story and encourages others to seek support 🫶. Learn more: buff.ly/gO3nq83
- We condemn racist abuse and harassment. As part of this, we are sharing the NHS Social Partnership Forum's statement following reports from NHS organisations highlighting a troubling increase in abuse and harassment aimed at staff from black and minority ethnic backgrounds: buff.ly/WQYIKOX
- For those due to sit the November 2025 assessment, the impact of family situations or working life may mean that candidates' ability to prepare for the exam is compromised. We want to remind candidates of the options that are available, should they have any difficulties: buff.ly/Kx6zpfE #PDAtrainee
- It is day one of the Pharmacy Show 2025! If you are attending, be sure to check out our ‘Workforce Wellbeing’ session, which will cover what has driven the development of our Workforce Wellbeing Strategy and more 🫶! Learn more: buff.ly/Hr6fLaT
- As part of #WorldMentalHealthDay, we are promoting the #WalkForWellbeing campaign 👣. We are working in partnership with Pharmacist Support on their campaign, which aims to tackle loneliness in #pharmacy. Learn more and see how you can get involved: buff.ly/Rz5NrWh
- Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, and to mark the day, we are encouraging #pharmacists to have their say and complete the PDA Workplace Wellbeing & Culture Survey. The results will help us to gauge the overall wellbeing of pharmacists in the UK and identify what support is required: buff.ly/Rz5NrWh
- To mark #BreastCancerAwareness Month 2025, the #PDAnawp Network is encouraging #pharmacists to take part in Wear it Pink by sending a photo of themselves wearing pink to nawp@the-pda.org by 5 October. The photos will be used to create a poster to help raise donations and awareness🩷: buff.ly/jNkKfsh
- Next week, PDA staff will be walking side by side with staff at Pharmacist Support on 7 October to launch the very first Walk for Wellbeing — tackling loneliness one step at a time 👣. 👉 Please support our Walk for Wellbeing by donating here: buff.ly/gJhvIpo
- PDA staff are proud to be walking side by side with staff at Pharmacist Support on 7 October to launch the very first Walk for Wellbeing — tackling loneliness one step at a time 👣. 👉 Please support our Walk for Wellbeing by donating here: buff.ly/gJhvIpo
- To mark #WorldPharmacistsDay, we reflect on our active involvement in the 83rd FIP World Congress of #Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, held in Copenhagen from 31 August to 3 September 2025. Learn more: buff.ly/WuUxqGj Not yet a member of the PDA? Join today! buff.ly/2SKVnLo
- In the latest PDA blog, Director of Pharmacy Jay Badenhorst discusses the many ways the #pharmacy sector is changing. He also outlines how #pharmacists can show up, support others and work together to advocate for change: buff.ly/KS5PNmO Not yet a member of the PDA? Join today! buff.ly/2SKVnLo
- The #PDAnawp Network will be taking part in the annual Wear it Pink campaign, taking place on 24 October 2025. The network is encouraging #pharmacists to get involved and raise money for a worthy cause buff.ly/JlRcPzP 🩷. Learn more: buff.ly/jNkKfsh Join the PDA NAWP Network today: buff.ly/blAUJq3
- PDA staff are proud to be walking side by side with staff at Pharmacist Support on 7 October to launch the very first Walk for Wellbeing — tackling loneliness one step at a time 👣. 👉 Please support our Walk for Wellbeing by donating here: buff.ly/gJhvIpo
- As part of our continuous support for #pharmacists, we have launched a newly improved membership renewal process. This will make it easier for existing members to continue their PDA membership and receive the associated benefits 🤩. Learn more: buff.ly/kCHlZDg
- Today is #EqualPayDay, which marks the day in the year when women, on average, effectively stop earning relative to men because of the gender pay gap. We have previously collaborated with The Equality Trust and others to produce an Equal Pay Toolkit. Access the FREE toolkit here: buff.ly/3M69Hsj
- Today is #WorldPatientSafetyDay, and we are taking the opportunity to promote our #SaferPharmacies Charter. The Charter is designed to improve safety and care for patients through better working conditions in UK #pharmacy practice. Learn more: buff.ly/2FG8Ocr
- 📣 Calling all #pharmacists and trainees 📣 We are inviting you to complete a wellbeing survey that will gauge your experiences in the workplace and identify what support is required 📝 . Learn more and complete the survey by 12 October: buff.ly/cY1rJJo
- The NHS Race and Health Observatory (RHO) commission is due to do a review of the ‘unjust’ NHS ethnic pay gap. The #PDAbame Network has commented on this project and welcomes the review, as it hopes to see change within the NHS. Learn more: buff.ly/pxsNCXy
- It can sometimes be easy to get caught up with issues related to new medicines and treatments. Therefore, we are taking the opportunity to remind all members of the hazards associated with prolonged steroid use. Learn more: buff.ly/c97EEYQ
