It is clear to the PDA that pharmacists need more than the legal support that they provide when something has already gone wrong. This is why, since 2017, each year, the PDA donates £1 per member to Pharmacist Support, the profession’s charity. These donations now exceed £300k.
Earlier this year, the PDA committed to do even more with the introduction of a 5-year Workforce Wellbeing Strategy. The initiative will provide pharmacists with access to wellbeing resources, peer support networks, mental health training, financial resilience guidance, and engagement activities aimed at strengthening the workforce.
Since the initiative was launched earlier this year, the PDA has focused on rolling out an internal wellbeing programme, promoting a culture of wellbeing, support and leadership. This has so far included surveying staff and launching a series of online and in-person staff training events. Following the initial success of the programme, the PDA is now launching this external survey to see how best to support the wider profession.
The PDA’s approach is responsive and aims to address findings as they arise and tackle obstacles with proactive solutions. The PDA is committed to periodic reviews, using data and industry insights to assess its progress and adapt to emerging challenges.
The Workplace Wellbeing & Culture Survey will help the PDA to identify the more immediate obstacles that need to be prioritised.
Pharmacists and trainees can complete the survey here.
The survey will close on 12 October 2025.
Jay Badenhorst, PDA Director of Pharmacy, said “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching our Workplace Wellbeing & Culture Survey. This marks a significant milestone for the PDA. It’s the result of tireless work from our dedicated team at the PDA and the invaluable collaboration with our partners. Together, we’re driving forward a vision that puts pharmacists at the heart of positive change.”
Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive at Pharmacist Support, said: “Our partnership with the PDA is built on the shared values of inclusion, wellbeing, and helping pharmacists to thrive. So, it’s great to see the PDA investing in the wellbeing of its team and members. This survey will offer valuable insight into the wellbeing support needs of PDA members, which in turn will help both organisations shape and enhance the wellbeing support we provide in the future.”
Next steps
The PDA plans to launch a series of online and in-person member-exclusive events. These events will be delivered as part of a structured and coordinated programme, available across the UK and online.
The programme will include:
- Mental health awareness courses – Providing pharmacists with essential knowledge and strategies to support their own and colleagues’ mental health.
- Mental health leadership training – Equipping workplace leaders with the skills to foster a positive and supportive environment.
- Quarterly forums for mental health workplace champions – Facilitating peer support, shared learning, and best practice discussions.
- Financial health resilience courses – Offering guidance on financial stability to promote overall resilience.
The PDA has a number of partners that will help carry out the Workforce Wellbeing Strategy.
The PDA invites other stakeholders to engage in the initiative. Support and collaboration are invaluable in ensuring that pharmacists across the sector can continue to provide exceptional care while maintaining their wellbeing.
Further information about the initiative will be provided in due course. Alternatively, email [email protected].
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Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.