The GPhC is to pilot anonymised FtP hearings as part of a drive to ensure it regulates pharmacy professionals in a fair and non-discriminatory way. 

The regulator has today (April 19) launched a 12-week consultation on its five-year strategy for equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

The strategy has three main themes, the first of which centres on ensuring regulatory decisions are “demonstrably fair, lawful, and so free from discrimination and bias”. 

The GPhC says it plans to “minimise and deal with the risk of potential biases in our decision-making” and that to understand why a disproportionate number of concerns are raised about black and minority ethnic registrants. 

As well as improving its data gathering processes and routinely publishing diversity datasets, the GPhC says it will “use our diversity data to identify and monitor any disproportionate impacts on different groups, and to take steps to understand and deal with potentially discriminatory outcomes – for example, through initiatives such as anonymous decision-making pilots”.

Speaking to Pharmacy Network News, a spokesperson confirmed: “We will be piloting ways to carry out FtP hearings on an anonymous basis.” 

They were unable to share any details on how anonymous hearings will be conducted or when the pilots will take place.

This follows a recently concluded pilot in which data on ethnicity and/or race was redacted from documents seen by FtP investigating committees.  

Regulator to 'lead by example'

The consultation, which runs until July 12, also focuses on the regulator’s plans to equip pharmacy teams to provide services in a “culturally sensitive way,” and on how the GPhC as an organisation will “lead by example” and incorporate EDI best practice into its leadership management and governance.

GPhC chief Duncan Rudkin said: “This strategy brings a new focus and energy to our efforts to progress how we deliver equality, improve diversity and foster inclusion. It provides a framework for the delivery of this work across our organisation, in support of our Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan 2020-25. 

“For this strategy to be affective, we will need to work collaboratively with our colleagues and stakeholders across pharmacy to make this happen. We welcome views on our proposals to help us achieve our aims.”