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Home  »   Latest News • Insight   »   Insight Online – October 2025

Insight Online – October 2025

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. You can also find out more about our upcoming events and sessions and how you can take advantage of Pharmacist Support's 2025 ACTNow campaign.

Tue 28th October 2025 The PDA

In this issue:

  • PDA reminds members of the importance of appropriate monitoring when prescribing medication for ADHD
  • PDA welcomes change of NHS England policy on subcos
  • Understanding indemnity arrangements for pharmacists
  • Building connection in pharmacy: A conversation on wellbeing and loneliness
  • Three pharmacy employers among those named as paying below minimum wage
  • Withdrawal and Nullification for the November 2025 assessment
  • PDA and Pharmacist Support Walk for Wellbeing
  • Latest news
  • Take advantage of PDA events!
  • Sign up to the 2025 pharmacist ACTNow campaign
  • Save on everyday shopping and more with PDA Plus
  • Are your details up-to-date?

PDA reminds members of the importance of appropriate monitoring when prescribing medication for ADHD

October is ADHD Awareness Month. As a growing number of members are working in ADHD clinics providing monitoring and dose titration, we are taking this opportunity to alert members of the need to monitor patients carefully in accordance with NICE guidance when titrating doses upwards.Over the years, we have warned members about the risks associated with online prescribing of prescription-only medicines. Some of our concerns and feedback to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) may have played a part in the updated guidance published earlier this year. The guidance sets out those medicines that should not be provided based solely on the information in an online questionnaire and which require additional safeguards.
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PDA welcomes change of NHS England policy on subcos

Following requests from the NHS Staff Side, which includes ourselves, there has been a change of policy on the creation and use of NHS wholly-owned subsidiary companies (subcos).Ourselves and other NHS unions have been formally advised that NHS England will change its policy on the creation of subcos. These organisational structures have been used to reduce costs for NHS trusts by avoiding VAT, though this has been queried by the Treasury.

The VAT position aside, the greater concern to pharmacists and other NHS employees is when those organisations are also used to TUPE staff out of Agenda for Change employment contracts and access to the NHS pension. This is done by placing individuals on inferior pay, terms, and conditions.
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Understanding indemnity arrangements for pharmacists

Confused about the different indemnity arrangements for pharmacists? You’re not alone! Here, we break down the key differences in indemnity options available for pharmacists and explain why having your own indemnity policy is essential.Indemnity insurance isn’t just a tick box exercise; it’s a vital layer of protection for pharmacists delivering frontline care.

Whether you’re working in community, hospital, or primary care, understanding your cover is key to protecting your interests, safeguarding your reputation, and giving you peace of mind. From knowing the difference between comprehensive and contingent cover, to checking what’s included and understanding the value of union support, it’s important that you choose cover that protects YOU, not your employer.
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Building connection in pharmacy: A conversation on wellbeing and loneliness

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

Three pharmacy employers among those named as paying below minimum wage

We are using the opportunity of the latest government list publication to reiterate our warning to foundation trainees that they may be at risk of being paid less than the minimum wage if they work longer hours.

Learn more

Withdrawal and Nullification for the November 2025 assessment

For those due to sit the November 2025 assessment on Tuesday 11 November, the impact of family situations or working life may mean that candidates’ ability to prepare for the exam is compromised.

Learn more

PDA and Pharmacist Support Walk for Wellbeing

PDA staff walked 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.

Our charity partner, Pharmacist Support, provides free and confidential mental health and wellbeing services for pharmacists, trainees, and students.

The campaign responds to stark findings from the 2024 Workforce Wellbeing Survey, which revealed that:

  • 70% of pharmacy professionals feel lonely or isolated often or very often
  • 35% reported poor or very poor mental health
  • 87% were at high risk of burnout

By walking together, we want to spark connection, raise awareness, and fund the support services pharmacists rely on when facing tough times.

We have been a long-standing supporter of Pharmacist Support – through funding, advocacy, and collaboration. Walking together demonstrates our shared commitment to protect the wellbeing of the profession.

Find out more about the campaign and register your own walk here or donate here.
Below is a list of the other key news stories that have been published on our website this month:
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Take advantage of PDA events!

PDA members are invited to sign up for a range of free online events and sessions. Below you can find the latest activities, training opportunities and support available. 

Revision programme for those sitting the November 2025 assessment

This free programme is designed to support members revising for the GPhC assessment on 11 November 2025. The revision programme is ‘self-directed’ and the practice questions and mock exams can be completed multiple times.

Please note, this programme is only available to PDA members who are eligible to sit the assessment.

Learn more

CV Writing and Interview Skills

This self-directed online training course aims to help members feel more confident when applying and interviewing for new jobs and positions.

Learn more

Reps Online Induction

This online training course is for new PDA Workplace Reps, regional or equality committee members and NEC members. This course should be completed as soon as possible by all PDA activists.

Learn more

PDA BAME Network Event 

  • Date: Thursday 20 November 2025
  • Time: 7.30 pm – 9.00pm
  • Place: Online via Microsoft Teams
  • Price: FREE

This online event is a fantastic opportunity for members to find out more about the work of the PDA BAME Network and how they can get involved in its many activities.

Learn more

Sign up to the 2025 pharmacist ACTNow campaign

Our charity partner, Pharmacist Support is proud to announce the return of its pharmacist ACTNow wellbeing campaign. Running from Monday 20 October to Friday 7 November 2025, the campaign aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of those working in pharmacy.

This year’s campaign will focus on three key themes:

  • Connection
  • Personal Budgeting & Financial Support
  • Navigating Change & Growth.

The campaign will deliver a series of digital resources, interactive activities, podcasts and social media content to help individuals and employers address these challenges in a practical and supportive way. To benefit from all of this and long-term support, pharmacists will need to sign up to the Pharmacist Support e-newsletter.
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Save on everyday shopping and more with PDA Plus

As a PDA member, you can take advantage of exclusive PDA Plus offers and discounts. This month, be sure to save on your everyday shopping or make a start on preparing for the festive season.  

There are a range of different brands available for you to get discount on including on the high street, out-of-town, and online. This includes, up to 10% off Apple products, up to 55% off Hello Fresh, up to 6% off at Bensons for Bed and more!

Learn more by logging into your PDA Plus account today.
LOG IN TO YOUR PDA PLUS ACCOUNT TODAY

Are your details up-to-date?

We support the needs of individual pharmacists and pharmacy students and, when necessary, defend their reputation.

Therefore, it is crucial that we hold your correct details on file to ensure that you stay supported and do not miss out on important information relating to your membership.

Please take a few minutes to check and, if necessary, update your details on our website. If you have more than one employer, please ensure you list each of them.
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS TODAY

 

 

 

 

 

The Pharmacists' Defence Association is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England; Company No 4746656.

The Pharmacists' Defence Association is an appointed representative in respect of insurance mediation activities only of
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and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register No 307063)

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