We've submitted our response to the GPhC’s consultation on its future strategy for managing fitness to practise concerns about pharmacy professionals. The strategy aims to give patients and the public better protection while being fair to pharmacy professionals.
RPS President Sandra Gidley said:
“We very much welcome the consultation, which aims to ensure patients are protected whilst promoting and encouraging a learning culture that allows pharmacy professionals to deal with any concerns and go back to practising in appropriate circumstances.
“Registrants from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are currently disproportionately represented in Fitness to Practise (FtP) cases. By talking to our membership and the wider profession, including our ABCD group, we have identified potential barriers for people with protected characteristics and suggested measures to address any inequalities and bias within decision making. We would like to see further transparency and details from the GPhC as to how they are working to remove potential barriers.”
“RPS members told us the length of time some fitness to practice cases take is a huge burden and needs to be reduced. When registrants are investigated, whether formally or informally, there are adverse implications for their careers, reputation and wellbeing. We are pleased to see an emphasis on improving this. We’d also like to see greater prominence placed on this and on the mental health and wellbeing of those involved.”
“We are pleased with the person-centred approach which, when applied, will offer greater support for everyone involved in FtP cases. We also support the aim of promoting reflection and learning through the use of several, more flexible, outcomes such as reflective pieces and mediation. However, more detail is needed on these proposals.”
Read the consultation response in full here.