Special Group for Independent Practitioners

We aim to concentrate goals and activities around the following themes:

• Integrating the various areas of applied psychology: The group aims to span the various areas of applied psychology and a diverse mix of business models. The main goal is to draw together all areas of psychological practice and expertise in the independent field as a resource for members. One of our first exercises will be to survey our members to understand their particular needs and wishes.
• Maintaining best practice with respect to the legal position of independent practitioners: Not only do independent practitioners have to address the legal issues connected with their business arrangements, but many other legal aspects of the applied psychologist’s professional position also change when practising independently. The Special Group will advise and inform regarding a range of obligations and considerations for independent practitioners. Specific issues such as those currently impacting on court work will be highlighted and publicised.
• Promoting best practice: We envisage establishing a working group to review the existing BPS Guidelines for Independent Practice (2010) and providing a representative for the PPB (Professional Practice Board)
• Providing guidance and discussion around ethics and professional boundaries: Since independent practitioners often have to balance their own need of maintaining their business against the needs of their clients, their position is essentially different from that of employed psychologists. The special group aims to pay specific attention to the ethics of this balance.
• Provision of a forum for networking, discussion and research: the group shall undertake to establish a discussion forum within the BPS members hub area and in addition organise at least one CPD event per year with a specific independent practice theme. Events will be tailored to the needs of the membership and to appropriate experience levels (from absolute beginner – or even just interested – to long-term expert).

Bring together and liaise with Networks 

• AGM
• CPD Events
• Email list

Developing and maintaining a business

• Members + SGIP + Public 

Focus on 

• Ethical practice
• Members + SGIP = clients made more explicit

Future – Workforce Developments

• Client involvement
• Cottage industry
• Group practices (Variety of psychologists)
• More international in reach
• Multidisciplinary contracted organisations

Networks

• CPD/Networking event 

Providing a service 

• Networks of collaborations
• NHS / Public Sector IP’s /
• Not IP’s now? 
• Single practitioners /small GP’s / Large GP’s

Supporting needs of Independent Practitioners

• Serve our members keeping them up to date

The term Psychologist in Independent Practice encompasses all Chartered and, where appropriate, HCPC registered members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) who:

• provide psychological services across the full range of applied psychology;
   
• work in any context of practice (individual, family, small group, or organisational); 
   
• operate under one of the following legal business entities: i) Self employed, ii) employed as a Director of their own limited company, iii) a Business Partner, or iv) a member of a Cooperative through which they provide their psychological services as their main form of employment or part of a portfolio career.
   
• and who follow the BPS Code of Conduct and Practice Guidelines (note. where registered with the HCPC, additionally follow the HCPC Code of Conduct).