Trainee Pharmacists EDI Hub

Introduction

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are important because they promote fairness, respect, and equal access to healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or socio-economic status.

As part of your induction into your workplace, you should have completed mandatory training on Equality, Diversity and Human Rights. These resources are not intended to replace this training but will add to what was covered to support you to be a more inclusive, culturally competent practitioner.

EDI helps to ensure quality care, improved outcomes, and increased access to care for patients, reducing health inequalities. As well as supporting patients, it helps to make inclusive workplaces where everyone feels that they belong.

The 2021 revised GPhC Initial Education and Training Standards have ‘a greater emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion to combat discrimination and deal with health inequalities’.

Within the standards there are several outcomes directly linked to EDI which must be demonstrated at a ‘Does’ level within the Foundation Training Year:

• Standard 6: Treat people as equals, with dignity and respect, and meet their own legal responsibilities under equality and human rights legislation, while respecting diversity and cultural differences
• Standard 8: Assess and respond to the person’s particular health risks, taking account of individuals’ protected characteristics and background
• Standard 9: Take responsibility for ensuring that personal values and beliefs do not compromise person-centred care
• Standard 42: Proactively participate in the promotion and protection of public health in their practice

This hub serves as an introduction to some of the key topics within EDI. It is not an exhaustive guide. These resources will support you to meet the GPhC Standards as well as start your journey to becoming a more inclusive pharmacy professional.