PDA appoint new head of education

The Pharmacist Defence Association (PDA) has announced the appointment of Kate Kensington as their new Head of Education. Kate will lead the PDA’s strategy on professional development for members and the education programmes for student, pre-reg and newly qualified members.

In addition, Kate will further develop the training and support for PDA Reps and the active committee members, helping them to build union strength and capacity.

With 16 years of experience in trade unions and a lifelong commitment to the development of people through access to the education and training they need, Kate is ready to support and empower members to take control of their professional development and to have access to the skills and knowledge they need to get involved in their union and to shape the pharmacy sector.

Kate was previously Head of Professional Development for two education trade unions, ATL (now part of the National Education Union) and the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). Kate has also worked as Head of Operations at a commercial training provider and as a freelance consultant working on a range of projects in the charity sector. As Head of Professional Development Kate was responsible for developing and leading the professional development strategy across the UK. Kate led the education team and managed the union’s national portfolio of professional development and reps training. This meant ensuring that members had access to a high quality, relevant and diverse programme.

Kate Kensington said:

“I am excited to be joining the PDA at a time when Pharmacist Initial Education and Training (IET) is changing and to be able to lead and develop our support for members in the early stages of their career with our programmes for pre-reg and prov-reg members, launched on our new PDA Education Hub earlier the month.

“Moving forward I want to ensure that we listen to the needs of all our members, advocate for them and support them throughout their careers. It is critical that the professional development we provide not only helps our members to develop as pharmacists, it also supports them to be involved with their PDA and empowers them as leaders.”

PDA Director, Paul Day said:

“We welcome Kate to the PDA team. Members know that the PDA has a well-earned reputation for defending the interests of pharmacists if they find themselves in difficulty. However, those who know us also appreciate that most of our work is about supporting pharmacists’ careers by campaigning for improvements that impact their work and helping them become better health practitioners.

“We have provided training and development to thousands of members as they have entered the profession, and through PDA Education we will broaden our learning and training opportunities for members.”

Kate will work within the PDA’s Organising and Engagement Department reporting to Collette Bradford who said:

“I am delighted to welcome Kate to the PDA Organising & Engagement team as our Head of Education. Kate and I have worked together previously linking learning and organising strategy to empower and engage union members, grow membership and build union capacity.”

“The PDA investment in our organising and engagement agenda continues, and we are growing in membership numbers, influence and strength. I am excited to see our education offer, as part of our organising and engagement strategy, develop for our members and reps along with future activities being planned for our committees and network members too.”