Welcome to the February 2026 issue of Insight Online

20/2/26 – Student Newsletter – February 2026
19/2/26 – PDA members’ voices drive Regional Committee discussions around key pharmacy issues
16/2/26 – PDA contributes evidence to the House of Lords ‘Medicines Security’ inquiry
14/2/26 – PDA Ability Network Newsletter – February 2026
13/2/26 – Don’t miss the deadline for registering for reasonable adjustments for the June 2026 assessment
4/2/26 – Welcome to the NAWP February 2026 Newsletter
3/2/26 – Feeling stuck at work? Seven questions to help you find fulfilment

Take advantage of FREE training and support through PDA Education

We are pleased to introduce a range of brand‑new programmes for 2026, developed in direct response to member feedback. These will run alongside many of our member favourites that are back by popular demand. Below you’ll find a selection of our upcoming FREE training sessions and events, available exclusively to PDA members. We encourage you to also keep an eye on the events section of our website, where we will be adding additional sessions over the coming months

Developing effective teamworking

This programme will help members strengthen their communication and collaboration skills, enabling them to handle challenging situations with greater ease and achieve positive outcomes. This programme is running until 31 March 2026. 

Learn more and register today.

Critical reflection in pharmacy (professional skills)

This interactive workshop will explore how to reflect effectively on professional practice and enhance performance through continuous self-assessment, supporting reflective habits that extend beyond the foundation year. This workshop is taking place on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. 

Learn more and register today.

Building and maintaining relationships (professional skills)

This interactive workshop will explore practical strategies for building meaningful rapport with colleagues, patients, and the wider multidisciplinary healthcare team. This PDA member-exclusive session is for trainee pharmacists. This workshop is taking place on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm.

Learn more and register today.

PDA Student Reps Induction Programme

This online self-directed programme is designed to give student representatives a better understanding of the PDA and the benefits of PDA membership. This programme is running until 31 December 2026. 

Learn more and register today.

PDA Reps Induction Programme

This online self-directed programme is designed to give you a better understanding of the PDA and the benefits of PDA membership. This programme is running until 31 December 2026. 

Learn more and register today.

Introduction to being a PDA Rep

This online interactive workshop is for all PDA Representatives who have completed the online induction and is designed to follow the self-directed reps induction programme, and gives you the opportunity to meet other new reps. This workshop is taking place on Tuesday, 3 March, from 1 pm to 2.30 pm. 

Learn more and register today.

Locum Matters

This webinar will support members working as or considering working as a locum. This webinar is taking place on Tuesday, 24 March, from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. 

Learn more and register today.

Assessment Revision Programme

This self-directed online revision programme is for all PDA trainee members who are sitting the registration assessment. This programme is running until Tuesday, 16 June 2026. 

Learn more and register today.

Building and Maintaining Relationships (trainee event)

This interactive workshop for trainees will explore practical strategies for building meaningful rapport with colleagues, patients, and the wider multidisciplinary healthcare team. This workshop is taking place on Tuesday, 14 April from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. 

Learn more and register today.

Neurodiversity at work

This online interactive workshop is designed to introduce neurodiversity and what it means to be neurodivergent. The workshop is being held on various dates which are, Tuesday 28 April, Tuesday 18 August, and Tuesday 1 December 2026, all from 6.30 pm to 8 pm.

We encourage you to also keep an eye on the events section of our website, where we will be adding additional sessions over the coming months

Pharmacist Support launches 2026 Student Bursary Scheme

Our charity partner, Pharmacist Support, is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Student Bursary Scheme, supported by Cencora Alliance Healthcare.

The scheme offers awards of £3,000 or £5,000 to MPharm students entering their final year in September 2026 who have experienced an unexpected challenge that has had both a personal and financial impact since starting their degree.

For more than a decade, the Student Bursary Scheme has quietly but powerfully changed lives. Since the scheme began in 2014 and up to 2025, 103 bursaries have been awarded, totalling £332,000, helping students stay on their courses, complete their degrees, and move forward into the profession.

Demand for support continues to grow. In the most recent scheme year, all 28 fully accredited pharmacy schools in Great Britain agreed to take part, with 88 applications received from students across 24 universities – a clear reflection of both the need for, and trust in, the scheme.

Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, said, “Students are the future of the profession, and some face unexpected hardship that puts their studies, wellbeing, and confidence at risk. The bursary scheme is about more than financial support – it’s about belief, reassurance, and helping students stay the course. We are incredibly grateful to Cencora Alliance Healthcare for standing alongside us for a third year and helping us make this life-changing support possible.”

Applications are now open

The 2026 Student Bursary Scheme will be open to students at fully accredited pharmacy schools until 20 April 2026. Full details, eligibility criteria, and application guidance can be found below.

Your chance to win with PDA Plus!

As a PDA member, you can take advantage of exclusive PDA Plus offers and discounts. Your membership gives you access to a wide range of offers and benefits designed to support your goals, simplify your life, and help you feel your best.

Did you know that you can save up to 20% off with Virgin Experience Days? There are over 5,000 experiences to take advantage of all over the UK including:

• Spa Days
• Driving Experiences
• Gourmet Meals
• Stadium Tours
• Action-packed Adventures

Each experience comes stylishly packaged in a Virgin gift pack, with only top-rated suppliers ensuring every moment feels like a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

To take advantage of this offer and other fantastic deals, log in to your PDA Plus account and visit the special offers page.