RPS pledges to make profession 'more inclusive'

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a 'pledge' for pharmacy to help make the profession inclusive, create a culture of belonging, and support pharmacy teams’ wellbeing.

“Individuals and organisations can sign up to show their support for creating change in the workplace through a series of actions that will enable a safe and supportive working culture for all,” the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) said in an update.

The pledge was created through discussions with organisations across the profession, including PSNC, on current workplace culture and what needs to change.

“Its values are aligned with the Joint Plan for Inclusive Pharmacy Practice in England launched in March 2021 and the actions were informed by the results of the annual RPS Workforce Wellbeing Survey,” the RPS said.

PSNC chief executive Simon Dukes said: “PSNC supports the RPS Inclusion and Wellbeing Pledge. It reconfirms our commitment to work closely with our fellow national pharmacy representatives and the NHS to help community pharmacy to remain a sector that is accessible for everyone.”

RPS president Sandra Gidley said: “We want to create a positive culture in pharmacy that is actively inclusive and protects wellbeing. This will require concerted and collective action from across the profession.

“Signing the RPS Inclusion and Wellbeing Pledge is an important step on the journey towards creating a culture at work that values inclusivity and wellbeing. The pledge can be signed by individuals, teams and organisations, and is a commitment to reflect on personal behaviours, or organisational practices and policies, that will improve the workplace environment.”

Dr Keith Ridge CBE, chief pharmaceutical officer for England said: “I would encourage pharmacists across all NHS services to join together and sign the pledge to demonstrate your personal commitment to workforce wellbeing and inclusive pharmacy practice.”