RPS calls for more action and urgency on delayed assessment

Responding to the GPhC’s update on the registration assessment, Gail Fleming, RPS Director of Education, said:

“It’s very disappointing that after all this time, the GPhC is still unable to provide trainees with a definite date for the delayed assessment.  We understand how difficult this is for those affected and will continue to support them as best we can.  At least we now know that the assessment will take place in the first quarter of 2021 and will not take place in the first two weeks of January, but we urge the GPhC to act quickly to set an exact date to provide certainty to those who will be sitting the exam. In addition information about the format of the assessment including resources and the arrangements for reasonable adjustments is urgently needed to alleviate the ongoing concerns of many trainees.

“We are aware of the extremely challenging circumstances that trainees find themselves in;  many are unable to secure employment as provisional registrants leading to financial hardship or in the case of overseas trainees, visas may run out before they are able to sit the exam.  We need to look after our future professional workforce and these issues must be addressed.  Regular, transparent and detailed communication is essential and we would ask the GPhC to provide more frequent updates. However, we also need to see more practical support made available.”