Reasonable adjustments for trainee pharmacists undertaking GPhC assessments
Trainee pharmacists undertaking assessments and exams are entitled to ask for reasonable adjustments to ensure that they are not disadvantaged.
Ellie Simpson, a PDA trainee pharmacist member, who sat the recent GPhC June 2022 paper exam at the problem-hit Nottingham test centre, was invited by us to share her experience directly with the GPhC at a well-attended listening event. Ellie also spoke for many others who reported to us how there were failings in the administration of hard-won reasonable adjustments which caused significant detriment to them on the day.
Ellie spoke of a situation where all candidates were left with no or little explanation or update. A whole day went by with exams finally starting well into the afternoon and candidates granted the reasonable adjustment of extra time facing finishing after midnight. Simple changes such as reduced brightness on the computer screen were not accommodated due to a lack of staff training, and Ellie was left feeling increasingly restless, agitated, and apprehensive.
Due to all the issues faced, Ellie had to make the heartbreaking decision to withdraw from the exam as she was not able to perform to the best of her ability. Ellie said, “I felt cheated and denied of the opportunity of taking the examination I had fully prepared for because of this blunder. I would have expected better in terms of the chaos being sorted out more efficiently under the circumstances. I continue to feel psychologically traumatised by what has happened. I cannot sleep and have this constant worry and anxiety about my future to be a pharmacist. I am left in a position where I am going to have to revise again and relive this trauma, and it feels unfair that I must wait until November to sit an exam that I had fully prepared for in June.
The GPhC need to review the whole exam process, including how they grant and administer reasonable adjustments, as it is not currently fit for purpose. This is such a high stakes exam, the pressure is immense, so, something needs to change.”
Whilst application for the November 2022 assessment is now closed, we will continue to work with individuals to ensure they are fully supported and have regular discussions with the GPhC to improve processes and hold them to account where appropriate. The PDA Ability Network is committed to promoting the right to reasonable adjustments at all stages of a pharmacist’s career, and is working to highlight access, tools, and funding available to level the employment playing field. |