The very first Pharmacy Workforce Race Equality Standard (PWRES) has been published by NHS England to provide greater transparency about representation in senior leadership in the NHS pharmacy professions and workforce, and to highlight the incidence of harassment, bullying and discrimination.
Chair of RPS in England, Ms Tase Oputu, said:
“This first-ever PWRES report is a welcome and profoundly important call to action for the NHS. Issues around race and racism are deep rooted in the workforce and have historically been pushed aside and ignored, creating disadvantage, discrimination and harm in the workplace.
“The report provides evidence of the inequalities present across the secondary care system and I hope it will create a sea change for colleagues working in NHS as the trauma of racial abuse is finally recognised.
"It is shocking and unacceptable to see that across all indicators the BME staff experience is worse than their white counterparts.
“Now we have the baseline data, in-depth work must begin to tackle the issues and improve the situation. All trusts should prioritise examining their own workforce data against this report and implement an immediate action plan so we start to see real change.
“It’s vital our colleagues working in primary care and community are not forgotten. The Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey will be an opportunity to assess and report on the inequalities they face.
RPS Head of Engagement and Professional Belonging Amandeep Doll said:
“We welcome this first-ever report into the representation, discrimination and experience of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and wider pharmacy team members in the NHS.
“It’s positive to see NHS England’s own delivery plan published alongside the report today to stimulate action and drive organisational change.
“The WRES data clearly shows that Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic pharmacists are underrepresented at senior levels relative to their presence in the profession. It is crucial that equal and fair opportunities for career advancement, as well as equitable treatment throughout recruitment and retention processes, are provided to each and every person in the pharmacy team.
Take a look at our inclusion and diversity work on race