Widening Participation in Pharmacy with the Black Pharmacists Collective

The Black Pharmacists Collective (BPC) is a group of black MPharm students from the University of Manchester, working together to close the enrolment and attainment gaps between white and black students. The BPC is working on improving access to studying, enhancing soft skills and widening career prospects of black students through events and workshops.

In Semester 1, the BPC primarily focussed on “InFocus” events and a linked mentorship programme. InFocus events provide insight into different career opportunities for pharmacy students as well as providing them with the opportunity to speak with black professionals working in those areas. InFocus events so far have covered working in hospitals, community, industry and GP pharmacy.

This Semester after examinations have finished, the BPC will be running workshops giving practical advice to students to support their development, the first one focussed on networking and procrastination! These workshops will be run alongside more InFocus events exploring non-traditional careers and careers in academia.

The BPC is a brilliant student-led initiative which has full support from staff in the School of Pharmacy and Optometry including Dr David Allison, Acting Academic Lead for Widening Participation in FBMH, he said: “This is a fantastic, student-led initiative, working towards understanding some of the factors that affect BAME equality not only in higher education but in the workplace. To achieve national recognition so early on in their campaign is testimony to their efforts. It is a privilege to work with these highly motivated students who are a credit to our University.”