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Home  »   Insight   »   Insight Online – April 2026

Insight Online – April 2026

This month, we introduce a new constitutional commitment; the PDA’s principal statutory objective now becomes ‘To safeguard, maintain the honour, and promote the interests of pharmacists in the exercise of their profession.’ Also, find out about the latest NHS pay announcement, we release new professional guidance, plus, don’t miss out on FREE PDA Education training and events, and exclusive PDA Plus savings.

Wed 29th April 2026 The PDA

In this issue:
  • PDA introduces new constitutional commitment to champion pharmacists’ interests
  • PDA warns new GPhC supervision standards risk undermining patient safety
  • Please sign the open letter about NHS pay
  • Join the Fair Funding campaign and write to your MP today
  • PDA publishes new guidance on safer consultations and chaperone use for pharmacists
  • Mark DasGupta appointed as Director of Professional Development at the PDA
  • Latest news
  • Take advantage of FREE training and support through PDA Education
  • What can you save with PDA Plus?

PDA introduces new constitutional commitment to champion pharmacists’ interests

The PDA has introduced a new commitment to its statutes following the establishment of the Royal College of Pharmacy.

The PDA’s principal statutory objective now becomes:

‘To safeguard, maintain the honour, and promote the interests of pharmacists in the exercise of their profession.’

This statutory objective used to be the principal chartered objective of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, but it is one that the Royal College, because it has become a charity, can no longer use.

The PDA believes that ‘to safeguard, maintain the honour, and promote the interests of pharmacists in the exercise of their profession’ is an objective that must always remain as a principal focus of a major pharmacy organisation that can serve the interests of pharmacists long into the future. By adopting this historic chartered objective, the PDA makes clear what the complementary roles of the two organisations will be.
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PDA warns new GPhC supervision standards risk undermining patient safety

The PDA has warned that proposed new supervision standards for Responsible Pharmacists and Superintendent Pharmacists from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) could undermine patient safety by blurring statutory roles, weakening accountability, and enabling unsafe models of practice unless they are significantly revised.

While the PDA supports reform that genuinely improves patient care and professional practice, its response to the GPhC consultation is clear: patient safety depends on clear accountability, robust governance, and the physical presence of pharmacists in pharmacies. Any standards that dilute these first principles will put patients at risk.

Commercial pressures, workforce shortages, or funding constraints cannot justify lowering safety standards or reducing patient access to pharmacists. As the clinical role of community pharmacy continues to expand, the need for pharmacists to be present, supported, and properly governed has never been greater.
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Please sign the open letter about NHS pay

It has been more than 20 years since Agenda for Change (AfC), the pay structure covering over a million NHS staff, was introduced to simplify NHS pay scales and ensuring equal pay for work of equal value.During that time there have been significant changes to the pay landscape, including the introduction of the National Minimum Wage and important developments in both services and career pathways across the NHS.

Pay reviews for those on Agenda for Change terms and conditions are usually based on recommendations from the NHS Pay Review body (NHS PRB). However, the PDA can report that a mandate has been provided to the NHS Staff Council for Agenda for Change (AfC) pay negotiations for England, Northern Ireland and Wales to proceed following a recommendation from the NHS Pay Review Body.
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Join the Fair Funding campaign and write to your MP today

The PDA’s Fair Funding campaign has taken an important step forward with the re-launch of the ‘Write to Your MP’ tool. This makes it easier than ever for pharmacy students, trainees and qualified pharmacists to make their voices heard on the unfair funding provision for MPharm students in England.

Learn more

PDA publishes new guidance on safer consultations and chaperone use for pharmacists

The PDA has published new practice guidance reinforcing the importance of safer consultations for pharmacists, including the appropriate and routine use of chaperones.

Learn more

Mark DasGupta appointed as Director of Professional Development at the PDA

A highly respected senior pharmacist, Mark brings extensive experience across clinical professional practice, leadership, and education. His appointment reflects the PDA’s ongoing commitment to supporting pharmacists throughout their careers, from early practice through to senior leadership roles.

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:

25/4/26 – New ‘Agenda for Change’ mileage rate agreed for those using own vehicles

22/4/26 – Pharmacists’ frontline experiences shape PDA Regional Committee agendas

21/4/26 – PDA’s evidence on ‘Delivering the Neighbourhood Health Service: Estates’

19/4/26 – PDA secures protected learning time for Crucible members

18/4/26 – NHS Pharmacists’ Newsletter – April 2026

13/4/26 – PDA and Pharmacist Support celebrate an important milestone

10/4/26 – Standing up for pharmacists: our meeting with Ian Roome MP

9/4/26 – ERA update: improvements to employment rights for pharmacists – part two

8/4/26 – ERA update: improvements to employment rights for pharmacists – part one

7/4/26 – PDA NAWP Network event unites women; building equality through connection and support

1/4/26 – Boots newsletter – April 2026
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Take advantage of FREE training and support through PDA Education

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.

Locum Matters

7 pm to 8.30 pm, Thursday 14 May 2026

This webinar will support members working as or considering working as a locum.  The session will explore the key positives and potential pitfalls of working as a locum, including managing your income, registering for work, practical tips for booking shifts, and understanding your rights as a locum pharmacist. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions directly to Ruth Williams, PDA Legal Operations Manager, who provides specialist support to many locums at the PDA.

Register today

Teamworking and Leadership in Pharmacy Supervision

6.30 pm to 8 pm, Wednesday 20 May 2026

Leadership and teamworking skills directly shape the efficiency, safety and culture of the supervised pharmacy environment. Through guided scenario based activities, this workshop will explore how communication, delegation and shared learning can positively influence team performance.

Register today

Getting mentally prepared 

7 pm to 8.30 pm, Thursday 28 May 2026

This interactive online workshop is designed to support trainees and students in managing their wellbeing while preparing for exams and the assessment. Delivered by Riven Seamarks, Senior Service Delivery Officer at Pharmacist Support, the session explores practical strategies to reduce stress, including relaxation and meditation techniques, visualisation, understanding how thoughts affect feelings, the importance of sleep, and other wellbeing considerations linked to exam preparation.

Register today

The Science Behind Wellbeing 

7 pm – 8.30 pm, Monday 15 June 2026

This online workshop, delivered in partnership with Pharmacist Support, is designed to help PDA members manage stress and support their mental health and wellbeing. The session explores how stress affects the mind and body and introduces practical, evidence‑based approaches to coping, including relaxation and meditation, self‑care, sleep, relationships, and the neuroscience behind effective stress‑management techniques. This session will be delivered by Melissa Cochrane, Wellbeing Development Manager at Pharmacist Support.

Register today

Building Your Professional Identity Through Action Planning and Coaching

6.30 pm to 8 pm, Wednesday 15 July 2026

Professional identity is shaped continually throughout a pharmacist’s career, influenced by values, experiences, workplace culture and evolving expectations of the profession. This workshop introduces a coaching‑based approach to help pharmacists develop their professional identity. Through reflective practice, action planning and portfolio‑building techniques, participants will explore how who they are as professionals informs what they do.

Register today
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What can you save with PDA Plus?

As a PDA member, you can take advantage of exclusive PDA Plus offers and discounts. Your membership gives you access to a wide range of offers and benefits designed to support your goals, simplify your life, and help you feel your best.

Did you know you could save up to 30% on airport parking compared to gate rates? You can choose from more than 300 parking options at 28 UK airports, including on-airport, park & ride, and meet-and-greet services, to find the perfect fit for your journey.

To take advantage of this offer and other fantastic deals, log in to your PDA Plus account and visit the special offers page. 
LOG IN TO YOUR PDA PLUS ACCOUNT TODAY

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