In November 2021, we published our first equality, diversity and inclusion strategy: Delivering equality, improving diversity and fostering inclusion: Our strategy for change 2021-2026.
We developed the strategy after extensive engagement with stakeholders both within and outside the GPhC.
In April 2021, we launched a twelve-week consultation on our strategy. We received 279 responses to our online consultation survey (including 28 responses from organisations). We also hosted a number of key stakeholder engagement events and meetings. These included a virtual event for patient, pharmacy and equality groups and two virtual patient focus groups.
We also invited the Equality and Human Rights Commission to review our strategy and to tell us what they thought the most important wider issues and challenges were. At our Council meeting in April 2021, the Executive Director of the Equality and Human Rights Commission welcomed the strategy. They also gave us feedback and suggestions for putting it into practice within the wider context of health and social inequalities.
Our strategy sets out our equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) vision. It also gives a framework for how we will build considerations of equality, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of our work as a regulator and as an employer.
In developing the strategy we considered the value of EDI in delivering safe and effective pharmacy care at the heart of healthier communities. Our strategy has three key themes:
In developing the strategy we considered the value of EDI in delivering safe and effective pharmacy care at the heart of healthier communities. Our strategy has three key themes:
To make regulatory decisions that are demonstrably fair, lawful, and free from discrimination and bias.
To use our standards to actively help challenge discrimination and to make sure everyone can access person-centred care – fostering equality of health outcomes.
To lead by example and demonstrate best practice within our organisation, holding ourselves to account for the same high standards we expect of others.
We also finalised the governance structure, terms of reference and membership of our new EDI Strategic Leadership Group. This will oversee how we implement the strategy and develop the supporting action plan.
We also made progress in several areas of EDI work as well as developing and publishing our new strategy.
In 2021/22, we started developing our new equality guidance for pharmacies, linked closely to theme 3 of our new strategy. This included hosting a virtual workshop with patient, pharmacy and equality groups, to help shape the first draft guidance before the consultation.