RPS group aims to tackle barriers holding back black pharmacy students

A cross-sector group aimed at tackling barriers that block the progression of black students and trainee pharmacists held its first meeting this week.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has created the Differential Attainment Oversight Group to address issues that black or black British African student pharmacists and foundation trainees face such as limited access to work experience, financial support and visible role models in education and training.

“The disparities we continue to see in pharmacy education are not only unjust, but they’re holding back talent and limiting the potential for our profession. This work is about dismantling systemic barriers and creating meaningful, lasting change,” said Amandeep Doll, RPS head of Engagement and Professional Belonging.

“We’re committed to working collaboratively across the sector to support black pharmacy students and trainees and create more equitable opportunities. Equity in education is essential to building a truly inclusive profession, and that ultimately leads to better care for patients.”

The group brings together pharmacy educators, professional bodies, NHS organisations and regulators and was established following the publication of the RPS report Chasing equality in pharmacy training: Closing the awarding and attainment gap for Black trainees in pharmacy.

The result of the first meeting saw an emphasis to create task groups to look at improving access to data; increasing inspiration, aspiration and visibility of role models; enhancing tutor training; and better support for the transition from university into foundation training.

The group is also developing surveys to capture the lived experiences of students and trainees alongside academic outcomes.

Work is underway to improve inclusivity in teaching and to review recruitment processes to ensure fairness for black candidates.

The group will meet again in August to monitor progress.