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RPS calls on GPhC to provide action and accountability on inclusion and diversity

RPS has responded to the GPhC’s consultation on its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, calling for clear accountability measures for its delivery.

RPS Head of Professional Belonging Amandeep Doll said: “We strongly support the GPhC’s commitment to publishing diversity datasets and using them to identify and monitor any disproportionate impacts on different groups. The data should be made available for external researchers to use and to report on the GPhC’s effectiveness and performance.

“In January this year we responded to the GPhC’s fitness to practise consultation and included information from members and others on potential barriers for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, along with suggestions for addressing inequalities and bias within decision making.

“We welcome their ambitions to understand why a disproportionately higher number of concerns are raised about professionals who have a protected characteristic. However, these statistics have been known for several years and we now need to see the GPhC provide action plans and implement solutions.

“A timeline of activity across the strategy would help with accountability and drive actions. Greater clarity is also needed on how progress will be measured.

“We very much support using GPhC standards to proactively help tackle discrimination and support the reduction of health inequalities.

“It would be helpful to understand how the regulator will ensure preventative measures are taken and the kind of support which will be provided to organisations and individuals to help them make their working environments accessible and fair for all.”

Read the RPS consultation response here.

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