The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has convened the first meeting of its cross-sector Differential Attainment Oversight Group, dedicated to tackling differential attainment among Black student and trainee pharmacists.
The group brings together pharmacy educators, professional bodies, NHS organisations and regulators and was established following the publication of the RPS report ‘Chasing equality in pharmacy training: Closing the awarding and attainment gap for Black trainees in pharmacy’.
At its first meeting, the group agreed a series of actions to address the structural barriers faced by Black or Black British African student pharmacists and foundation trainees including limited access to work experience, financial support and visible role models in education and training.
Four dedicated task and finish groups will now be formed to focus on:
- Improving access to data
- Increasing inspiration, aspiration and visibility of role models
- Enhancing tutor training
- Better support for the transition from university into foundation training
The group is also developing surveys to capture the lived experiences of students and trainees alongside academic outcomes. Work is underway to improve inclusivity in teaching and to review recruitment processes to ensure fairness for Black candidates.
Amandeep Doll, RPS Head of Engagement and Professional Belonging, said:
“The disparities we continue to see in pharmacy education are not only unjust, but they’re holding back talent and limiting the potential for our profession. This work is about dismantling systemic barriers and creating meaningful, lasting change.
“We’re committed to working collaboratively across the sector to support Black pharmacy students and trainees and create more equitable opportunities. Equity in education is essential to building a truly inclusive profession, and that ultimately leads to better care for patients.”
The group will meet again in August to monitor progress.
More information on the RPS’s work on differential attainment.