Pharmacist Support, RPS and APTUK launch annual Workforce Wellbeing survey

Our sixth annual RPS Workforce Wellbeing Survey, in partnership with the RPS and in collaboration with the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK), is now live as part of our long-running initiative to support mental health and wellbeing in the pharmacy workplace.

This year marks a significant expansion of the survey as the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) will distribute it to registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, allowing them to share their experiences and highlight the unique pressures they face in the workplace.

The Workforce Wellbeing Survey is a key part of RPS and Pharmacist Support’s partnership to support the mental health and wellbeing of those in pharmacy. In response to the evolving challenges in pharmacy, this year’s survey will include new questions on topics such as medicines shortages and loneliness. Creating a supportive environment for mental health and wellbeing is essential to help mitigate the impact of working under high-pressure conditions.

The results of last year’s survey led to roundtable discussions hosted by RPS and Pharmacist Support, involving various stakeholders, including professional bodies, employers, trade unions, regulators, students, and academics.

The discussions focused on identifying actions to tackle the wellbeing challenges faced by pharmacy teams, with a subsequent report outlining the commitments to review regulatory standards and promote those supportive of individual and team wellbeing. This work is ongoing – read a progress update.

The Care Quality Commission has created a single assessment framework for inspections. Their “Well Led” domain provides quality statements that promote staff wellbeing.

Ongoing advocacy

The Workforce Wellbeing Survey is anonymous, open to all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians across Great Britain, including students and those who are not RPS members.

The results will provide a platform for the ongoing advocacy work of RPS, APTUK and Pharmacist Support and inform a further roundtable discussion in March 2025. The survey findings will also be presented to governments across Great Britain, the NHS and other stakeholders.

As in previous years, the survey will be launched alongside Pharmacist Support’s ACTNow campaign, which encourages individuals to prioritise their wellbeing.

Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, said:

Our annual Workforce Wellbeing survey is a vital tool in shaping the support we provide. By listening to the experiences shared through the survey, we can better understand the evolving challenges faced by our pharmacy family and ensure our charitable activities are as impactful as possible. Over the past year, loneliness has been frequently raised as a growing concern, which is why it will be a key focus of this year’s ACTNow wellbeing campaign.

Danielle Hunt, CE Pharmacist Support

“This year, we’ve included new questions in the survey to help us better understand the extent of loneliness within the profession and its underlying causes. By gaining these insights, we can develop more targeted support and resources to help combat this issue, which is so closely tied to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

“We encourage everyone in the profession to take part in the survey, as the insights gathered not only guide the development of our free wellbeing resources, but also inform our wider discussions with key organisations and stakeholders across the sector. These conversations help us advocate for meaningful change, ensuring that together we can create a healthier, more supportive environment for all those working in pharmacy.”

Professor Claire Anderson, RPS President, said:

“Pharmacists and their teams continue to face intense workforce pressures, from heavy workloads to handling medicines shortages day after day. The ongoing impact this has on mental health cannot be overlooked.

“This year, we’re delighted to once again partner with Pharmacist Support, have wider distribution of our Workforce Wellbeing Survey through the GPhC, and to be collaborating with APTUK to get the fullest understanding of mental health and wellbeing across the professions.

“I urge everyone to take part in the survey. By sharing your experiences, you provide us with the insight we need to advocate for change and work with employers and organisations to build a healthier working environment for everyone in pharmacy.

“Help shape the future of mental health and wellbeing support in the profession by ensuring your voice is heard.”

Nicola Stockmann, President of APTUK, said:

“APTUK are pleased to be collaborating with the RPS and Pharmacist Support on the 2024 Workforce Wellbeing survey, which is open to pharmacy technicians for the first time. Pharmacy technicians, you are an integral part of the pharmacy workforce and your voice matters.

“We look forward to supporting with the review of survey responses this year for the wellbeing report and in future surveys – enabling our organisations to collaboratively target priorities with employers and organisations, to shape the future for the whole pharmacy team.”

Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the GPhC, said:

“We really welcome that this year’s Workforce Wellbeing survey will go to both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, as this will help build a comprehensive picture of the wellbeing of both pharmacy professions, and the impact of the significant pressures they are currently facing in their roles. We’re pleased to be playing our part by sending out the survey on behalf of the RPS, Pharmacist Support and APTUK, to help get as many responses as possible.

“We would urge everyone to respond, as what we hear through the survey will help to identify areas where change would support pharmacists’ and pharmacy technician’s mental health and wellbeing. The GPhC’s regulatory standards, and our guidance, support professional wellbeing; the results of this survey will really help to inform how we continue to develop this aspect of our work.”

The closes at 5pm on Tuesday 12^th November.

Complete the Workforce Wellbeing Survey