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Home  »   Latest News • Insight   »   Insight Online – March 2026

Insight Online – March 2026

This month, find out about the results of our recent PDA regional committee elections and the launch of our 2026 Scottish election manifesto. Trainee pharmacists can take advantage of FREE training and support offered through PDA Education, and pharmacy students can learn more about Pharmacist Support's 2026 student bursary scheme.

Wed 25th March 2026 The PDA

In this issue:
  • PDA announces regional committee election results
  • PDA supports the ‘Talk about flex’ campaign
  • PDA launches 2026 Scottish Election Manifesto
  • Student Insight magazine is now available
  • Superdrug and PDA agree 2026 pay settlement
  • Ways to tackle violence: the story so far
  • Latest news
  • Trainee pharmacists, take advantage of PDA Education’s FREE training and support
  • Pharmacist Support launches 2026 Student Bursary Scheme
  • What can you save with PDA Plus?

PDA announces regional committee election results

PDA members around the UK were invited to stand for election, and following a process managed by an independent scrutineer, the results have now been verified.

Regional committees consist of PDA members from different sectors of the profession who collectively and individually have responsibility for recruiting, engaging and representing members in their region. Alongside the networks of PDA workplace representatives, policy research and casework handled by the PDA, the regional committees provide an important source of information about current and emerging practice and conditions.

Congratulations to all members who have been duly elected to their regional committees.
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PDA supports the ‘Talk about flex’ campaign

On Employee Appreciation Day (6 March), we joined other NHS unions in calling on employers to take meaningful action on flexible working through the ‘Get Ahead on Flex’ pledge. As a union representing pharmacists across the NHS, we believe flexible working should be a reality for every member of staff, not an exception granted only to a few.

Why this campaign matters

The ‘Talk About Flex’ campaign, launched in February 2024, aims to promote positive, practical action on flexible working across the NHS. Flexible working helps staff balance work with caring responsibilities, manage their health, and sustain long and fulfilling careers. When staff are supported, the NHS benefits from improved wellbeing, better retention, and ultimately better patient care.

However, too many workers still face barriers. There have been reports of staff being denied flexible working arrangements or having to rely on annual leave to care for elderly relatives or manage other responsibilities. This inconsistency is unfair and unsustainable.
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PDA launches 2026 Scottish Election Manifesto

Health and social care are key features of the Scottish parliamentary election in 2026, with pharmacy and pharmacists being specifically mentioned in televised debates and political party manifesto pledges. We have launched a manifesto with key asks of the next government to improve access to safe and effective NHS care for patients and support the vital pharmacist workforce.

In an era where healthcare is increasingly complex and multifaceted, with rising demands on systems and ongoing developments in professional practice, the role of the pharmacist has never been more critical. Our manifesto is a call to action for the next cohort of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to embrace pharmacists’ unique position within the healthcare system. As trusted healthcare professionals, pharmacists are at the forefront of ensuring medication safety, promoting wellness, and improving patient outcomes.

Please note, the PDA will be launching its manifesto for the Welsh 2026 Senedd elections shortly.
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Student Insight magazine is now available

Learn more about our charity partnership with Pharmacist Support and the work we do to support our members in our latest Student Insight magazine.

Learn more

Superdrug and PDA agree 2026 pay settlement

Superdrug and the PDA have successfully concluded their first annual pay talks.

Learn more

Ways to tackle violence: the story so far

NHS Staff unions, including the PDA, are working with employers and the government to tackle violence in the NHS.

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:

17/3/26 – PDA members are encouraged to sign open letter as part of campaign for better NHS pay in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

12/3/26 – PDA LGBT+ Network reflects on experiences in pharmacy at LGBT+ History Month event

9/3/26 – Joint statement from Northern Ireland GP Federations and the PDA Union

7/3/26 – PDA calls on MLAs to support the Good Jobs Bill

4/3/26 – PDA LGBT+ Network endorse the BMUS guidance for practitioners on transvaginal ultrasound examinations
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Trainee pharmacists, take advantage of PDA Education’s FREE training and support

We have a range of programmes designed to help trainee pharmacists in the lead up to their registration assessment. Below you’ll find a selection of our upcoming FREE training sessions and events, available exclusively to PDA trainee members. We encourage you to also keep an eye on the events section of our website, where we will be adding additional sessions over the coming months

Assessment Revision Programme

This self-directed online revision programme is for all PDA trainee members who are sitting the registration assessment. This programme is running until Tuesday, 16 June 2026. 

Learn more and register today.

Critical reflection in pharmacy (professional skills)

This interactive workshop will explore how to reflect effectively on professional practice and enhance performance through continuous self-assessment, supporting reflective habits that extend beyond the foundation year. This workshop is taking place on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. 

Learn more and register today.

Building and maintaining relationships (professional skills)

This interactive workshop will explore practical strategies for building meaningful rapport with colleagues, patients, and the wider multidisciplinary healthcare team. This PDA member-exclusive session is for trainee pharmacists. This workshop is taking place on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm.

Learn more and register today.

Teamwork in Pharmacy (Professional Skills)

This interactive workshop will cover why working effectively as part of a team is essential for delivering safe, high-quality patient care in fast-paced environments and will include group discussions and activities. This workshop is taking place on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. 

Learn more and register today.

Employment Rights

This interactive workshop will focus on understanding your rights as a trainee pharmacist, which is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. This workshop is taking place on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. 

Learn more and register today.

Making Placements Work (Professional Skills)

This workshop will explore practical strategies to help trainees maximise their learning during placements, including how to set clear learning objectives, how to engage proactively within teams and how to give and receive feedback effectively.  This workshop is taking place on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. 

Learn more and register today.

We encourage you to also keep an eye on the events section of our website, where we will be adding additional sessions over the coming months
VIEW ALL PDA EVENTS

Pharmacist Support launches 2026 Student Bursary Scheme

Our charity partner, Pharmacist Support, is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Student Bursary Scheme, supported by Cencora Alliance Healthcare.

The scheme offers awards of £3,000 or £5,000 to MPharm students entering their final year in September 2026 who have experienced an unexpected challenge that has had both a personal and financial impact since starting their degree.

For more than a decade, the Student Bursary Scheme has quietly but powerfully changed lives. Since the scheme began in 2014 and up to 2025, 103 bursaries have been awarded, totalling £332,000, helping students stay on their courses, complete their degrees, and move forward into the profession.

Demand for support continues to grow. In the most recent scheme year, all 28 fully accredited pharmacy schools in Great Britain agreed to take part, with 88 applications received from students across 24 universities – a clear reflection of both the need for, and trust in, the scheme.

Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, said, “Students are the future of the profession, and some face unexpected hardship that puts their studies, wellbeing, and confidence at risk. The bursary scheme is about more than financial support – it’s about belief, reassurance, and helping students stay the course. We are incredibly grateful to Cencora Alliance Healthcare for standing alongside us for a third year and helping us make this life-changing support possible.”

Applications are now open

The 2026 Student Bursary Scheme will be open to students at fully accredited pharmacy schools until 20 April 2026. Full details, eligibility criteria, and application guidance can be found below.
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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 can save up to 40% off breakdown cover** packages when you purchase a policy with AA? You can also get:

  • Roadside Assistance, which is 24/7 support from a trained patrol if your car, van or motorbike breaks down more than 1/4 mile from your home
  • Vehicle recovery service, if the fault can’t be fixed at the roadside, which will take you to a nearby garage
  • Unlimited call-outs, as long as it’s not for a recurring problem with your vehicle*
  • Add options such as At Home, which gives you cover right up to your doorstep.

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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The Pharmacists' Defence Association is an appointed representative in respect of insurance mediation activities only of
The Pharmacy Insurance Agency Limited which is registered in England and Wales under company number 2591975
and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register No 307063)

The PDA Union is recognised by the Certification Officer as an independent trade union.

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