Professional Practice

MPs Identify Gaps In Implementing Best Practice Guidance In The Treatment Of Schizophrenia - a report published by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health. A note from Ana Padilla of the BPS:

I spoke to Prof. Philippa Garety, Fellow of the BPS and DCP member, who served as psychological interventions lead on the Guideline Development Group of the NICE Schizophrenia Guideline (2003) and the Schizophrenia Guideline Update (2009). Philippa was particularly interested in the possibility of capitalising on the IAPT agenda in order to expand access for more severe MH cases, including schizophrenia; and the possible involvement of the Society in taking this forward. Copies of the actual document have been posted on the APPGs news pages. For further information on the APPG please visit their website

Dr Gary Tanner, DCoP Practice Lead's Report on the Psychological Therapies in the NHS Conference, London, 26th and 27th November 2009: Read this important report to know the latest thinking including that of Minister Andy Burnham. Report on the Psychological Therapies in the NHS conference London, 26th and 27th November 2009.doc

From 1^st July 2009 the Health Professions Council (HPC) will take over as the regulatory body for practitioner psychologists. Their role is to protect the public by setting and regulating standards of training, professional skills and conduct.

Professional Practice Guidelines.pdf

Division Position Statement on Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) can be downloaded here:

Counselling Psychologists and IAPT.doc

A note from Nigel Atter Policy Advisor (Professional Practice):

The Society’s Professional Practice Board has published a MCA Audit Tool. The audit tool is designed primarily for evaluating formal assessments of capacity likely to be carried out by applied psychologists, speech and language therapists and other professional groups, often working in specialist services. It is suggested that this might represent the ‘gold standard’ to support and guide developing expertise as the Mental Capacity Act enters fully into the culture of services for client groups where capacity may be impaired. Please see /the-society/organisation-and-governance/professional-practice-board/ppb-activities/wpresources/mentalcap.cfm

The National Mental Health Development Unit (NMHDU) Promoting Well-being and Public Mental Health Programme : Confident Communities-brighter futures

Go to: www.nmhdu.org.uk/our-work/promoting-wellbeing-and-public-mental-health/