SHPA announces draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy

The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) is embracing inclusion this International Women’s Day (IWD) by opening consultation on its first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, as part of the organisation’s Transformation 2024 agenda.

Set to be introduced today by Vice President Dr Kate O’Hara at SHPA’s special 2024 International Women’s Day webinar, the draft strategy defines diversity, equity and inclusion in the context of its people and purpose while outlining six years of action towards inclusive leadership, diverse workforce and workplace culture, community collaboration and partnerships, and advocacy for broader change.

O’Hara said it is fitting to launch the consultation on IWD 2024 with the theme ‘Inspiring Inclusion’ as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy is being developed through a collaborative process informed by voices across the organisation.

“This important initiative embeds equity and inclusion across SHPA’s operational landscape while promoting the cultural shift needed to affect system change that brings us closer to true equity in health outcomes,” she said.

“Collaboration is a key part of making equity real. And we’ll work with our members, organisational partners and communities to share, enhance and improve this work program over the life of the strategy.”

SHPA Chief Executive Kristin Michaels said the organisation is committed to better health care for all through embracing diversity and building a culture of inclusion and respect.

“As detailed in our Transformation 2024 agenda, SHPA is evolving to meet the needs of our entire profession, a truly representative peak body for pharmacy practice in Australia,” Michaels said.

“Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy demonstrates we are committed to prioritising inclusion as we enter a new era of growth and impact, sitting alongside our Reconciliation Action Plan, the addition of a pharmacy technician voice to the board of directors and strong record of female leadership.

“Women comprise two-thirds of both the SHPA board of directors and SHPA executive, while 76% of elected Specialty Practice Leadership Committee positions are held by women.

“Through the recent appointment of Tara Clayson-Fisher as SHPA’s first Pharmacy Technician Observer to the board, we have both another female voice in the boardroom and representation at board level for the thousands of pharmacy technicians and assistants working across Australian pharmacy departments and pharmacies.

“By embracing female leadership and a more inclusive culture, we are able to provide our members and partners with a richness of perspectives and improve our decision-making and professional impact.”

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