Campaign letter for RPS elections 2021: Malik Latif on representing locums and ethnic minorities

Being a locum community pharmacist has allowed me to experience a range of different working environments within the sector. I have come to understand the needs of locums and community pharmacists as a whole and the pressures that they may endure. By not limiting myself in my regions of work, I am able to see the differing needs of pharmacists across the different areas. 

I was also a local coordinator for the RPS for the Aneurin Bevan health board area. Within this role, I was able to create events which provided a voice and platform for pharmacists in the region and beyond. This role gave me a strong understanding of the society and its principles.

I intend to give opportunities to locum and community pharmacists to express themselves and to increase their engagement within the society. This is important to me, as many pharmacists do not feel as if they can express themselves about certain aspect of their work. It is also important that the society can gain this information and act as a support network if necessary.  

I am also passionate about making sure all pharmacists, regardless of ethnic background, feel valued. This is an area which has come to light recently and should remain a priority. Pharmacists should be able to discuss experiences and not feel that their careers are limited owing to their ethnicity. I have helped champion inclusion previously by creating a joint venture between the RPS and the UK Black Pharmacist Association, whereby I helped create an event allowing the expression of black pharmacists and their experiences to be shared. This gave many the opportunity to not only share, but also hear about differential experiences of others.  

By being a board member, I intend to be a representative of not only locum pharmacists but pharmacists as a whole. I hope to address issues that matter to pharmacists and to be an advocate for change where change is needed. The past year has been challenging for most, if not all, pharmacists, and the changes that it brought with it have shown the adaptability of the sector, which is something the profession should be proud of. 

Let’s bring the issues forward. Let’s talk. Start your conversation with a vote.

Malik Latif, election candidate, Welsh Pharmacy Board, Royal Pharmaceutical Society