A recent Group Secretary’s Day focused on the rejuvenation of local groups of GHP members. This has been a focus for the Guild this year, and it is hoped that this will help to maintain and improve the recruitment figures.

Along with the development of the PCT pharmacist role, the GHP has been beginning the process of evolution which goes along with the increasing numbers of pharmacy technicians and assistants joining Amicus. As is now acknowledged by all sides, pharmacists will be considered as healthcare scientists in future NHS plans and strategies. This brings the pharmacists into line with pharmacy technicians and assistants. The challenge now is to develop democratic, representative and professional structures which take account of this.

This year’s Whitley Council deliberations produced a settlement in line with other groups. In addition, agreement was reached on enhancements to the pay scales for pharmacists which will result in greater headroom being available for key groups.

A settlement was also reached on the subject of Emergency Duty Commitments, which was outstanding from two years ago. The settlement restored the position which would have applied had annual increases been made. The negotiators were able to show from a survey of members that this was a major issue for large numbers of pharmacists in the NHS. This was a very satisfactory result.

Work on the grading definitions for pharmacy continues. Agenda for Change will have an impact upon this work, and the subject has been raised, and will continue to be discussed with the Chief Pharmacist’s team at the DoH.

This year’s conference was held in Manchester, and was once again a very successful event.

A recognition agreement has been signed for pharmacists (and any other members) who work for the NCSC. In reality, many people work under contract while retaining NHS employment, but there are a number of people employed directly by the NCSC. Recognition is shared with UNISON and the RCN.

A very useful and positive meeting has been held with David Lammy MP. As always, it is important to the GHP that this contact is maintained and that the Guild’s views are understood by the appropriate government ministers.

This developing piece of work is becoming a key strand of communication for the GHP. Documents relating to the professional activity of the Guild, as well as the contents of the Journal, are now available on-line. More confidential material, such as minutes of meetings, are available password-protected.