Race

Race is one area in our inclusion and diversity survey where people thought more support was needed for the profession.

So, we’ve committed to changing attitudes around Race in pharmacy, and removing any Race-related barriers to career progression.

What we're doing

We recognise that there’s a significant lack of racial diversity at senior levels in pharmacy. This isn’t fair, and it’s a waste of talent.

We want to understand and challenge this situation. We want to foster positive change to create a culture of belonging in the profession, and ensure how we work is fair.

Identifying the problems

Martin Eguridu, primary care network pharmacist, explains some of the barriers for black pharmacists, and Chief Pharmacist Raliat Onatade considers how to engage the next generation of black pharmacists.

Tackling the problems

We have:

Reviewed our processes for recruitment, national Board elections, awarding Fellowships and are committed to Equality Impact Assessments on all areas of our work
Collected Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) data for of our membership on a yearly basis to understand more about our members and ensure our services are inclusive
Worked to achieve real and lasting change for pharmacy through challenge, advocacy with our profession, partners and contributors within and outside of pharmacy
Committed to taking an anti-racist approach in every aspect of our work.

We're trying to address our own shortcomings, and have published our ethnicity pay gap and action plan to improve it.

FIND OUT MORE

What you can do

Together, we can tackle racial inequality in our pharmacy workplaces.

As a pharmacist, here are some actions you can take, and some resources to help you understand racial inequality.

Zero tolerance for Microaggressions

JoanMayers

Race microaggressions are the everyday, subtle, intentional — but often unintentional — interactions or behaviours that communicate bias based on race.

We've put together a page about microaggressions - including how to challenge them if you encounter them, and how positive micro-affirmations can make all the difference to workplace culture.

Visit our Microaggressions page
Watch our race microaggressions workshop with the amazing Dr Joan Myers OBE
Download our race microaggressions posters for your workplace.

Building Allyship

Allyship is where individuals come together to build a relationship of trust to gain a better understanding of a marginalised individual or group and their experiences.

Mike and Farzana edit

Listen to our recent Pharma Scene podcast - Mike and Farzana talked about their experiences during their journey as allies, sharing stories, experiences and insights, and explaining why and how you should start an allyship
Watch our webinar Recognise your Privilege and become an influencer through Allyship with Usha Kaushal - Usha explains what privilege is, so you can become an ally in the fight against racism
Read our blog from RPS CEO Paul Bennett Why is Allyship important? - Paul explains why Allyship matters to him.

Breaking barriers

Fire your imagination with the achievements and experiences of others!

Get inspired by the amazing South Asian leaders who shared their journey during South Asian Heritage Month and see the successes of many more through their profiles on Twitter and Instagram #SAHMPharm

Listen to our playlist on the challenges facing women and men in pharmacy within South Asian communities

Look at these useful resources on race.

Black History Month

Discover what remarkable Black leaders shared with us during Black History Month
Read blogs on topics such as The importance of recognising Black excellence in Pharmacy, Making museums more inclusive and much more
Watch recorded discussions on our YouTube channel, including Time for Change: Actions not Words, and The importance of Visibility, Representation and Role Models
Learn about Black history via #MuseumMondays on Twitter

Read our blogs

You're not alone! Many RPS members have written about their experiences in promoting and fighting for Inclusion and Diversity in pharmacy.

Discover their stories and learn about how their experiences, background and culture have shaped who they are today.

5 January 2023

Islamophobia in healthcare – creating change

1 November 2022

Smashing the stereotypes associated with being a Muslim working mum in a leadership role

31 October 2022

Celebrating Black History Month

Pledge for Inclusion and Wellbeing

Sign our Pledge to demonstrate your support for a profession that's inclusive, celebrates diversity, creates a culture of belonging, and supports pharmacy teams’ health and wellbeing.

SIGN OUR PLEDGE

Already signed our pledge, but don’t know how to put it into action? We can help!

Testimonials

"As a student pharmacist, it has been liberating to see race advocacy work at the forefront of our profession. I hope that the changes and work I see early on in my career continues to develop.”
- Vivien Yu

“There is a lack of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic and female pharmacist representation at senior levels across pharmacy organisations, NHS senior leadership teams and national board level within pharmacy organisations..”
- RPS ABCD Group

Join our Action in Belonging, Culture and Diversity (ABCD) Group

Our ABCD group is a place to talk through ideas, create change, and build networks across the profession.

At our meetings we hear from people with lived experience and create a culture of belonging, champion inclusive and authentic leadership and challenge barriers to inclusion and diversity:

If you share our passion for inclusion and diversity, get involved!

JOIN THE GROUP