The network was launched by the PDA in April 2020 as part of their work to meet the demands of their growing membership and advance their work on equality.
The PDA already helped individuals to stand up to any form of discrimination through casework support, which is already a core part of what the PDA does to help pharmacists at work. However, the PDA would typically only get asked to be involved after the discrimination had already occurred.
The BAME network provides a structure through which members can work together to proactively address and campaign around race discrimination and its causes and consequences.
Our mission
To enable all Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic pharmacists to realise their full potential and raise their profile by being educationally, socially and politically active.
What is BAME?
BAME is an acronym used in the UK to refer to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people. During the 1970s, various ethnic groups united behind the concept of ‘political blackness’ to fight against discrimination. However, this term was criticised for grouping everyone together under a single label, and over time, ‘political blackness’ was replaced by BAME as it was seen to be more inclusive.
Sometimes the acronym BME – Black and Minority Ethnic – is used. BAME and BME are widely used by government departments, public bodies, the media and others when referring to ethnic minority groups. However, we recognise that BAME and BME are terms that are not recognised or accepted by everyone. For the purposes of the network, we have used BAME as a starting point, but it is not intended to exclude anyone, so please read it as whatever acronym or other identity expressions you feel most comfortable with.
The 2011 census revealed that 7.9 million people, or 14% of the population, in England and Wales identify as BAME. Of these, 1.9 million people (3.3%) were from Black ethnic groups, 2 million people (7.5%) were from Asian ethnic groups, 1.2 million people (2.2%) had Mixed ethnicity and 0.6 million people (1.0%) belonged to other ethnic groups. 43% of pharmacists come from a BAME background.
The Equality Act 2010 provides protections from discrimination at work that relates to race. Under the law, race can mean your colour, your nationality (including your citizenship), and your ethnic or national origins, which may not be the same as your current nationality. Race also covers ethnic and racial groups.
What we do together
The BAME network is made up of members like you, supported by PDA staff. We can share our advice and experience, along with information from other organisations, and it is the actions of members that will contribute towards an equal world. We will:
- Examine healthcare issues for BAME pharmacists
- Contribute to debate within the profession and healthcare sector
- Raise awareness of issues impacting on BAME pharmacists
- Provide networking opportunities
- Represent pharmacy amongst BAME organisations
- Help BAME pharmacists to achieve equality in their workplace
- Campaign together on issues which are important to the network
- Create opportunities for CPD and skills sharing
- Celebrate the success of BAME pharmacists and pharmacy students
- Grow the network and our influence
Benefits of membership
As well as the ability to support and engage in the work of the network, BAME network members will also have access to a number of other benefits, including:
- PDA and BAME network Publications
- PDA and BAME network Training & Education (at member rates)
- PDA and BAME network Conferences (at member rates)
- PDA Plus benefits (discounts and special offers)
Membership eligibility
Membership is open to all UK pharmacists and former pharmacists (e.g. retired or taking a career break) and all UK pharmacy graduates, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual identity, disability, nationality, hours worked or employment status. Pharmacists do not need to identify as BAME in order to join the network: we welcome allies – people who will support equality and fairness for BAME pharmacists.
How to join
You do not need to be a member of the PDA to join, though PDA members do benefit from a discounted membership fee.
PDA members can join the BAME Network for £10 per year, Retired members for £20 per year and non-PDA members for £30 per year. In accordance with PDA’s support for future pharmacists, the BAME Network membership is FREE for PDA student members and trainees (PDA student and trainee membership is also FREE).
Contact
Contact the BAME network: bame@the-pda.org
All contact with the network will be treated in confidence and with sensitivity.
Pharmacists, pharmacy students and trainees can join the PDA now.