The British Psychological Society is the representative body for
psychology and psychologists in the UK, and the only body in the UK
which covers all areas of psychology. It is not a trade union but a
registered charity in the UK (Charity Registration Number : 229642).
Can you tell me what the Society does?
Broadly, the Society aims to raise standards of training and practice
in psychology, raise public awareness of psychology and increase the
influence of psychology practice in society. Through its Royal Charter,
the Society is also charged with overseeing psychology and
psychologists. You can find out more on the About the Society page.
Approximately how many members does the Society have?
When the Society’s Annual Report was published in 2006 we had around
45,000 members and this number is growing all the time. These
figures comprise of different types of members, including more than
12,000 Chartered Psychologists who are fully qualified to work with
clients.
How is the Society run?
The British Psychological Society is a democratic body run by its
members, using a tiered boards and committees system for organisation
and governance. The Society offices are in Leicester (the main administrative centre), Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow and London. The British
Psychological Society is a registered charity in the UK (Charity
Registration Number : 229642) and is regulated by the Charity
Commission.
Can I join the British Psychological Society?
The Society offers different grades of membership catering for those
who just have an interest in psychology through to those with formal
qualifications in the field. Details can be found on our membership
pages.
What does membership of the Society entitle me to?
There are many membership benefits that accompany being part of the
Society, including support from professional groups and networks, a
monthly copy of The Psychologist (the Society’s in-house publication),
access to job vacancies (via the Society’s Psychologist Appointments),
and discounts on Society journals, conference attendance, books and
much more.
I want to become a psychologist. Can the Society help me?
The Society’s career pages contain information on what qualifications
and training you need, the different specialisations in psychology and
where to study.
Can the Society help me find a job as a psychologist?
The Psychologist Appointments is available exclusively to
members as part of our monthly publication, The Psychologist, and allows you to find jobs that suit you and your
qualifications as a psychologist, as well as read editorial features on
psychology roles. The online version also allows you to search for jobs
in your area, see full advertiser details and apply online.
What does the Society think about topics such as personality disorder, torture and hypnosis?
The Society’s Professional Practice Board issues statements (position
papers and working party reports) on a range of topics that affect
psychologists and those they work with. The Society also publishes
guidelines developed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical
Excellence. Responses to breaking news can often be found via the
'What’s New?' section of our homepage or in our latest press releases.
How can I make a complaint against a psychologist?
Seven areas of psychology (Clinical, Counselling, Educational,
Forensic, Health,
Occupational and Sport and Exercise Psychology) are regulated
by the Health Professional Council (HPC)
and it is necessary for psychologists to be registered with the HPC to practise in the UK
under any of these titles or two recognised generic titles (practitioner psychologist and registered psychologist). The HPC have a formal complaints procedure which you can use if you would like to make a complaint against a practitioner psychologist working in any of these areas.
In addition to this, members of the British Psychological Society have to adhere to a set of Member Conduct Rules and the Society has a procedure for determining whether a member has breached these rules. However, the British Psychological Society is unable to determine fitness to practise allegations.