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Pharmacists from BAME backgrounds still face higher levels of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and career obstacles compared to their white counterparts, the Pharmacy Workforce Race Equality Standard (PWRES) report has revealed. Published by NHSE England, this report underscores the persistent presence of inequality, emphasising the crucial need for all stakeholders in the pharmacy sector to prioritise addressing these issues. The PWRES report indicates that pharmacy team members of Black ethnic backgrounds are less likely to perceive equal opportunities for career advancement or promotion within their trust. Additionally, female pharmacy team members from BAME backgrounds report higher incidents of personal discrimination in the workplace. The report also highlights an overrepresentation of pharmacy technicians from BAME backgrounds in lower-paid roles. "It is shocking and unacceptable to see that across all indicators the BME staff experience is worse than their white counterparts," said Tase Oputu, Chair of RPS in England.

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has taken a significant step towards advancing its anti-racism agenda by forming a new working group of "Anti-Racism Champions." Comprising existing GPhC Council and Executive members, the group is committed to providing visible and vocal leadership, internally and externally, to combat racism and promote inclusivity across the pharmacy sector. The formation of this working group follows the GPhC's recent Governing Council discussion in July, which focused on the next steps in its 'Racism in Pharmacy' work. This initiative is an important part of the GPhC's wider Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, aimed at proactively addressing discrimination and reducing health inequalities through the Council's regulatory influence. The Anti-Racism Champions group includes people with lived experience of racism and allies who will help shape future action.