The direction and thrust of the policies of the PDA are based on very significant levels of member interaction. These interactive exercises are vital as they provide the PDA with insight and understanding of the concerns and aspirations of its members. In matters of policy development, these interactions are extended beyond pharmacy and will also involve relevant third parties where appropriate.
The PDA communicates with members through a number of different channels:
Focus group meetings
When a new initiative arises in pharmacy, the PDA often invites members to meetings to brainstorm ideas, get feedback, help to shape PDA strategy and ultimately to help to continuously improve the service provided to members
Member conferences
Exploring in a plenary format and often with the support of expert speakers the issues that are relevant at the time.
Surveys and petitions
Some of the most important and successful campaigns have been informed and supported by large scale member surveys or signed petitions.
Email, phone, and written communications
The PDA regularly sends email communications to members and regularly receives emails and phone calls from members. A risk management and news magazine called Insight is published and ad-hoc information is posted on the PDA website.
PDA Union committees
Elected member representatives from around the UK explore matters relevant to their regions and feed the issues up through the national executive.
Students and pre-reg pharmacists
Through close links with students and universities and directly with pre-reg members, the PDA comes to understand the issues concerning this important constituency. Special events are run both nationally and also at the local schools of pharmacy. The PDA both sponsors and runs pre-reg conferences and provides bespoke training to students in universities throughout the UK.
MyPDA
A portal on the PDA website where members can keep their membership details (such as name, address, email address and telephone numbers) and policy details up to date.