Member networks

Did you know you can join over 100 specialist BPS networks, tailor-made to suit you? Joining a network gives you access to a host of exclusive benefits, including publications, discounts, articles and development opportunities.

Which network is right for you?

Our tool will help you find out

Divisions

After becoming a member of the society you will be able to join one of our divisions.

These exist to help our members to further their professional interest, through training and practice, and to help develop psychology both as a profession and as a body of knowledge.

Our current divisions are:

Membership criteria

To be eligible for Full Membership of the DSEP new applicants must have either:

Completed an accredited MSc in Sport & Exercise Psychology followed by the Qualification in Sport & Exercise Psychology (Stage 2)
OR, completed a society-accredited Doctorate in Sport & Exercise Psychology
OR, completed of a non-accredited research PhD identifiable as being based in Sport & Exercise Psychology post-GBC

To be eligible for Full Membership of the SDEP new applicants must have completed an accredited MSc in Educational Psychology at a Scottish university, followed by the Qualification in Educational Psychology (Scotland).

There are several routes to Full membership of the DARTP, which must be assessed and verified through application and include:

Completion of a non-accredited research PhD identifiable as being based in psychology post-GBC
A minimum of five years’ experience as a teacher of psychology post-GBC
Considerable, identifiable experience as a researcher in psychology post-GBC
Completion of a non-accredited research PhD identifiable as being based in psychology, followed by a minimum of five years’ experience working in a university psychology department (GBC not required)

To be eligible for Full Membership of the DCP new applicants must have completed a society-accredited Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy).

To be eligible for Full Membership of the DCOP new applicants must have either:

Completed a society-accredited Doctorate in Counselling Psychology
OR, completed the Qualification in Counselling Psychology (QCOP)

To be eligible for Full Membership of the DECP new applicants must have completed a society accredited Doctorate in Educational Psychology.

To be eligible for Full Membership of the DFP new applicants must have either:

Completed an accredited MSc in Forensic Psychology followed by the Qualification in Forensic Psychology (Stage 2)
OR, completed a society-accredited Doctorate in Forensic Psychology

To be eligible for Full Membership of the DHP new applicants must have either:

Completed an accredited MSc in Health Psychology followed by the Qualification in Health Psychology (Stage 2)
OR, completed a society-accredited Doctorate in Health Psychology
OR, completed of a non-accredited research PhD identifiable as being based in Health Psychology post-GBC

To be eligible for Full Membership of the DON new applicants must have either:

Gained HCPC Registration as a Clinical or Educational Psychologist & completed the Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology - QiCN (this route allows Members to join the SRCN)
OR, qualified as a Chartered Psychologist and subsequently gained a minimum of two years’ experience working in the field of neuropsychology

To be eligible for Full Membership of the DOP new applicants must have either:

Completed an accredited MSc in Occupational Psychology followed by the Qualification in Occupational Psychology (Stage 2)
OR, completed of a non-accredited research PhD identifiable as being based in Occupational Psychology post-GBC

Any psychologists enrolled on one of the accredited-training routes noted above are eligible for In-training membership of that particular Division (excluding DON & DARTP).

Any psychologist undertaking a research PhD in psychology can apply for in-training membership of the DARTP.

There is no in-training membership grade in the DON.

To be eligible for Full Membership of the DoCP new applicants must have either:

Completed an accredited MSc in Coaching Psychology followed by Stage 2 training to be confirmed (e.g. Society Qualification).
Demonstrated alignment with the Level 8 Standards in Coaching Psychology through the peer review route, the Accelerated Route or the Professional Recognition route (further details on the DoCP web pages) post-GBC.
OR, completed of a non-accredited research PhD identifiable as being based in Coaching Psychology post-GBC.

Faculties

Division of Clinical Psychology

Sections

Once you have become a member you will then be eligible to join one of our sections.

The focus of these sections is on supporting the specialised scientific interests of our members and providing a forum through which they can exchange ideas and promote their research.

Our sections include:

Branches

The branches of the BPS are divided geographically and are designed to help our members to meet up and share/exchange ideas with other psychologists from the same area.

You are automatically allocated membership to your local branch as soon as you become a member of the society.

Our current branches are:

Special Groups

Our special groups provide a forum for members working in particular specialist fields, with a particular focus on training, practice, and professional development.

Our currently active special groups are:

Join a member network

Our networks allow our members to communicate and collaborate with like-minded people in various scientific, professional, regional and special interest groups.

Find a network

Which member network is right for you?

Find your network

Joining a network committee

Joining a member network committee is a great way to get involved with and support the work of the society directly.

Further information on the different committee roles can be found below.

Committee Roles and Responsibilities

Purpose:

To support the Member Network (MN) in contributing to the society’s strategic plan and achieve the objectives set out by the society, and to be the ‘voice’ of the Member Network.

Term:

Varies on Chair Model, see member Network rules for tenure (shortest term: 1 year - longest term: 5 years).

Accountability:

The Chair is accountable to the society, the MN Committee they Chair and members of the MN.

They should ensure that they are familiar with the governing documents, policies and guidelines for the society and Member Networks.

Please note: Member Network Chairs must act within the Objects of the Royal Charter.

Activities & responsibilities in relation to the role

Tasks include:

Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the overall strategy for the Member Network in line with the society Strategic Plan and play a role in society level corporate decision making on an on-going basis.
To provide representation for the profession and the MN.
Monitor and review the ways of working to ensure its mode of operation and structure is fit for purpose and that it is employing resources in the most effective and efficient manner.
To chair Committee meetings, agree draft agendas and approve minutes, follow up with correspondence and contacts/meetings as necessary, liaise with the MN Lead.
Respond to enquiries/communications from members of the MN, other psychologists and, the public concerning the practice, policies and strategic objectives of the MN and BPS.
Provide support to other members of the Committee whilst undertaking their roles.
Ensure appropriate representation of the MN at Senate, and on society Boards, Committees and Working Parties.
To liaise with the Secretary and MN Lead to ensure the AGM takes place in line with required timeframe.
To produce a Chairs report for the AGM documentation within timeframes.
Maintain and develop close and effective working relationships with the society staff, in order to facilitate achievement of the strategic objectives of the society and the Member Network.
Maintain and develop excellent communications with other BPS member networks, and work collaboratively for the benefit of psychologists and the profession of psychology as a whole.
To develop and maintain an effective working relationship with the Member Network Lead.
To ensure that the Chair and all committee members adhere to the Code of Conduct of the BPS.
To flag any concerns to the relevant BPS staff member in a timely manner.
Working with the EDI Lead (where applicable) to ensure all activities are accessible and inclusive
Supportive and championing of BPS products and communication streams

The Vice Chair and Chair-Elect should be available throughout the year to share planning, decision-making and workload with the Chair, according to interests, knowledge and relevant experience.

The Volunteer Hub contains useful information about the society and its processes, as well as supporting documentation. You will need sign in with your username and password to access this.

Desirable knowledge, skills & experience

Leadership skills
An ability to demonstrate initiative and deliver on agreements.
Communication skills
Organisation skills
Supportive of Committee
Complete GDPR training on BPS Learn

Purpose:

To support the MN in contributing to the society’s strategic plan and achieve the objectives set out by the society, and to be the ‘voice’ of the Member Network.

Term:

Varies, see member Network rules for tenure.

Accountability:

A Committee Member is accountable to the society, the MN Chair and members of the MN.

It is a duty to ensure that they are familiar with the governing documents, policies and guidelines for the society and Member Networks.

Activities

Additional responsibilities in relation to role:

Committee Members are expected to actively engage with the workings and business of the Committee. They should be prepared to take on tasks as and when required to support the Committee and fellow volunteers.
Attend committee meetings, whether face to face or online.
To support and publicise the activities of the Member Network across the wider membership.
To promote society membership wherever possible.
To alert the Committee of any issues relevant to the Member Network.
To represent the interests of Psychology within the wider society.
To report back on specific tasks undertaken on behalf of the Committee.
To liaise and work collaboratively with appropriate staff members within the society.
To contribute to the formulation of the overall strategy for the MN and play a role in corporate decision-making on an ongoing basis.
To respond to queries from the membership within their remit.
To review their role descriptions from time to time in conjunction with the Chair and appropriate committee members.

For responsibilities for specific Committee Member roles, please contact the appropriate Committee.

Desirable knowledge, skills & experience

Communication skills
Understanding of the MNs area of Psychology
Complete GDPR training on BPS Learn

Relevant Documentation

Documentation is available from the MN Lead or can be located on the Volunteer Hub.

The Volunteer Hub contains useful information about the society and its processes, as well as supporting documentation. You will need sign in with your username and password to access this.

Purpose:

The Member Network Secretary supports the Chair in managing the Committee, to ensure they are working within the boundaries of the society Objectives and Strategic Plan.

Term:

Varies, see member Network rules for tenure.

Accountability:

The Secretary is accountable to the society, the MN Committee they serve and its members. It is a duty of the Secretary to ensure that they are familiar with the governing documents, policies and guidelines for the society and Member Networks.

Activities

Tasks include:

Ensuring meetings are effectively organised, in collaboration with the MN Team, where appropriate.
Requesting and collating agenda items and any relevant documentation.
Confirming Committee meeting details, location, time of meeting etc. (Providing dial-in details if required) and circulating to the Committee prior to meetings (in collaboration with the MN Team, where appropriate).
Recording apologies prior to meetings and advising the MN Lead of any resignations and/or new members joining the Committee.
To liaise with MN to arrange induction/s for new Committee Member/s.
Noting and responding to communications between meetings and ensuring these are disseminated accordingly.
Communicating with Committee Members and others, to encourage timely completion of tasks.
Providing guidance and support to new Committee Members with regards to society’s policies and procedures, and where to find this information prior to undertaking activities on behalf of the Society.
Liaising with the Chair and MN Team to co-ordinate the AGM and ensure that appropriate reports are submitted on time.

Desirable knowledge, skills & experience

Communication skills
Organisation skills
Ability to record meeting (taking minutes)
Supportive of Committee

Relevant Documentation

Documentation is available from the MN Lead or can be located on the Volunteer Hub.

The Volunteer Hub contains useful information about the Society and its processes, as well as supporting documentation. You will need sign in with your username and password to access this.

Purpose:

The Member Network (MN) Treasurer is responsible for tasks relating to financial matters and supports the MN in adopting a business focused and transparent way of working.

Term:

Varies, see member Network rules for tenure.

Accountability:

The Treasurer is accountable to the society, the MN Committee they serve and its members.

It is a duty of the Treasurer to ensure that they are familiar with the governing documents, policies and guidelines for the society and Member Networks.

Please note: the Treasurer is not responsible for keeping financial records.

Activities

Tasks include:

Working with the Chair, and appropriate members of the committee, to prepare an annual ‘Activity Plan’ of proposed expenditure against projects subject to Committee approval.
Providing the MN Committee with up-to-date financial data relating to the budget, including current and projected spend, as provided by the society's Financial Team.
Assisting with the development of the MN Strategy, particularly in relation to finance.
Being the first point of contact relating to all Committee financial queries and liaising with MN Lead for more complex queries.
Making recommendations on financial priorities and spend in line with the society's Strategic Plan and in consultation with the MN Committee.
Preparing the Treasurers annual report to be shared with the membership at the AGM within the specified timescales provided by the Member Network Services Team.
Liaising with Member Network Team and the Finance Team as required.
Attending committee meetings plus any additional meetings required for the role as well as executing any actions that may arise as appropriate.
To receive monthly statements from the MN Team and disseminate as appropriate with Committee members.
Working with the EDI Lead (where applicable) to ensure all activities are accessible and inclusive
Supportive and championing of BPS products and communication streams

Desirable knowledge, skills & experience

An understanding of managing budgets and/or a financial background.
Respect confidentiality and demonstrate high levels of integrity.
An ability to demonstrate initiative and deliver on agreements.
Well-organised.
Communication skills.
Complete GDPR training on BPS Learn

Relevant Documentation

Documentation is available from the MN Lead or can be located on the Volunteer Hub.

The Volunteer Hub contains useful information about the Society and its processes, as well as supporting documentation. You will need sign in with your username and password to access this.

Purpose:

The communications lead is responsible for all communications activities for the member network. You will be the designated BPS communications officer’s key point of contact for your network.

Term:

According to standardised rules of the MN.

Accountability:

The Communications Lead is accountable to the society, the MN Committee they serve and its members.

It is a duty of the Communications Lead to ensure that they are familiar with the governing documents, policies and guidelines for the society and Member Networks.

Activities

Tasks include:

Work with the designated BPS communications officer to agree an annual communications plan/schedule for the network including:
- Gathering insights from committee members/members
- Facilitating the approval process for communications materials e.g. e-newsletters, press releases, website stories/copy.
- Identifying spokespeople for expert media and BPS campaign enquiries
- Adhering to BPS brand and style guidelines
Support the production of member network newsletters by:
- Agreeing an e-newsletter frequency and publication schedule with the designated BPS communications officer
- Coordinating and drafting e-newsletter content to send to the designated BPS communications officer by the agreed copy deadline.
- Facilitating the e-newsletter approval process.
Keeping the MN microsite information up to date via the MN team
You, or the network’s social media lead, will manage the network’s approved social media channels, ensuring they are regularly updated with the latest news from the network, members, the BPS and relevant stakeholders, in line with the BPS’ social media protocols and house rules.
Proactively share ideas for potential media stories or blogs from within the member network.
Support the online communities, sharing ideas and content to support engagement with other members about your network’s activities on relevant topics and areas of interest.
Working with the EDI Lead (where applicable) to ensure all communications are accessible and inclusive
Supportive and championing of BPS products and communication streams

Desirable knowledge, skills & experience

Communication skills
A strong knowledge of the work of your network and profession
Have an interest in, or experience of, writing newsletters or creating content for publication
Be well connected within your committee and network
Completed GDPR training on BPS Learn

Relevant Documentation

Documentation is available from the MN Lead or can be located on the Volunteer Hub.

The Volunteer Hub contains useful information about the Society and its processes, as well as supporting documentation. You will need sign in with your username and password to access this.

Purpose:

The CPD Lead is responsible for the planning and delivery of professional development of members for the MN in line with the MN activity plan for that year

Term:

Varies, see member Network rules for tenure.

Accountability:

The CPD Lead is accountable to the society, the MN Committee they serve and its members.

It is a duty of the CPD Lead to ensure that they are familiar with the governing documents, policies and guidelines for the society and Member Networks.

Activities:

Attend committee meetings, whether face to face or online
To respond to queries from the membership within their remit
Working with the relevant the committee and relevant BPS teams to create and deliver CPD events that will offer value to your MN
Working closely with Events Lead or similar within committee
Sourcing and liaising with keynote speakers
Providing content to the BPS communications team to promote CPD events and activity
Developing strategies to elevate the role and its desired outcomes
Ensuring that all paid elements of the conference stay within budget, and that invoices are submitted to the Member Network Lead in a timely manner
Generating ideas for themes, streams and speakers with the committee and membership
Working within the BPS brand guidelines and visual style guide to make sure all conference materials are correctly branded, and in line with the BPS branding
Identifying what can be uploaded on to BPS Learn
Developing a strategy on how to promote the event including identifying stakeholders and target audiences

Desirable knowledge, skills & experience:

An understanding of managing budgets
Well-organised
Communication skills
An understanding of CPD
Multi-tasking
Responsive to deadlines
Organisation of events
Connected within your committee and network

Purpose:

The EDI Lead is responsible for championing EDI as a focus for the MN and embedding equality, diversity and inclusion into the MN way of working.

Term:

Varies, see Member Network rules for tenure.

Accountability:

The EDI Lead is accountable to the Society, the MN Committee they serve and its members.

It is a duty of the EDI Lead to ensure that they are familiar with the governing documents, policies and guidelines for the society and Member Networks.

Activities:

Attend committee meetings, whether face to face or online
To respond to queries from the membership within their remit
To keep abreast of EDI initiatives within the BPS via the EDI team and work on what is applicable with the MN by communicating and engaging with the team
To ensure that the BPS’s EDI values are at the core of all activity of the MN
Being involved with the Awards and Bursaries and event submission review process to ensure processes are inclusive and accessible
Ensuring there is inclusive and accessible formats for all MN activity where appropriate

Desirable knowledge, skills & experience:

Communication skills
Approachability
Integrity
Initiative
An understanding of EDI practices

Purpose:

The Events Lead is responsible for the planning and delivery of events for the MN in line with the MN activity plan for that year.

Term:

Varies, see Member Network rules for tenure.

Accountability:

The Events Lead is accountable to the society, the MN Committee they serve and its members.

It is a duty of the Lead to ensure that they are familiar with the governing documents, policies and guidelines for the society and Member Networks.

Activities:

Attend committee meetings, whether face to face or online
To respond to queries from the membership within their remit
Working with the committee on the MN activity plan for the year to be realistic about what is possible and most effective for the committee
Take into consideration feedback, post-event budgets and attendance rates from previous events to shape new ones
Leading on the administration of the events with the process of events forms, budgets and any event related tasks
Having knowledge and understanding of the events guide from the BPS
Working closely with CPD and Conference Lead in Committee if in post
Ensuring that all paid elements of the conference stay within budget, and that invoices are submitted to the Member Network Lead in a timely manner
Generating ideas for themes, streams and speakers with the committee and membership
Working within the BPS brand guidelines and visual style guide to make sure all event materials are correctly branded, and in line with the BPS branding
Developing a strategy on how to promote the event including identifying stakeholders and target audiences
to work with the EDI Lead to ensure all activities are inclusive and accessible

Desirable knowledge, skills & experience:

An understanding of managing budgets
Well-organised
Communication skills
Multi-tasking
Responsive to deadlines

Purpose:

The Conference Lead is responsible for the planning and delivery of the MN conference for the year in line with the MN activity plan

Term:

Varies, see Member Network rules for tenure.

Accountability:

The Lead is accountable to the society, the MN Committee they serve and its members.

It is a duty of the Lead to ensure that they are familiar with the governing documents, policies and guidelines for the society and Member Networks.

Activities:

Attend committee meetings, whether face to face or online
To respond to queries from the membership within their remit
Take into consideration feedback, post-event budgets and attendance rates from previous conference to shape new ones
Working with the committee on the MN activity plan for the year to be realistic about what is possible and most effective for the committee
To direct the planning and implementation of your MN conference, following the strategy of the MN Committee, ensuring the conference attracts presentations and attendance by people from a broad range of professional and academic roles across the MN and the Society, and is supportive of all members
To develop and maintain transparent criteria for the acceptance of papers, symposia, posters and workshops and oversee a fair process that ensures a breadth of interests is represented in the final selection
To liaise with other committee members regarding arrangements for the Annual General Meeting where the AGM is to be held at the conference
To liaise with the Awards and Bursaries Lead (or applicable) regarding the award of any bursaries granted by the Committee for the conference
To ensure the availability of appropriately trained stewards for the conference and to arrange chairs for papers
To write and disseminate information and briefings in the most appropriate form including for the web and e-newsletter to members, keeping the MN team and Communications team informed
Working with the Treasurer to ensure that all paid elements of the conference stay within budget, and that invoices are submitted to the Member Network Lead in a timely manner
Generating ideas for themes, streams and speakers with the committee and membership
Working within the BPS brand guidelines and visual style guide to make sure all conference materials are correctly branded, and in line with the BPS branding
Developing a strategy on how to promote the event including identifying stakeholders and target audiences
To be the lead contact on the event agreement and for all queries relating to the conference
To identify and/or request conference merchandise within budget and in line with timelines (link out)

Desirable knowledge, skills & experience:

Multi-tasking
Responsive to deadlines
An understanding of managing budgets
Well organised
Communication skills
Previous event management experience

Purpose:

The Awards and Bursaries Lead is responsible for tasks relating to awards and bursaries business in the committee and supports the MN in procedure and implementation of awards/bursaries.

Term:

Varies, see Member Network rules for tenure.

Accountability:

The Lead is accountable to the Society, the MN Committee they serve and its members.

It is a duty of the Lead to ensure that they are familiar with the governing documents, policies and guidelines for the society and Member Networks.

Please note: the Lead has no direct contact with awardees or applicants.

Activities:

Attend committee meetings, whether face to face or online
To respond to queries from the membership within their remit
To plan the awards and bursaries for the year in line with the MN activity plan, taking into consideration budgets, any changes and updates
Effectively communicating with the MN team around launch dates and deadlines, ensuring that the website is kept up to date and with correct information. Communicating awardees in a timely manner to core MN team
Planning and delivering the application process with the MN team, creating an application review process which is inclusive and transparent which will include the creation and management of a reviewing sub-group/panel
Working with the Chair to create and promote the awards and bursaries to broader membership to pass to the communications lead (if applicable) on the committee
Creating engaging pieces around awards and bursaries for the website and MN e-newsletter
Identifying opportunities to spotlight awards winners for promotional engagement pieces for the network
To familiarise and adhere to the awards and bursaries BPS process and guide
Awards must be in line with the BPS offering of awards
Working closely with the EDI Lead to ensure applications and reviews processes are inclusive and accessible

Desirable knowledge, skills & experience:

Communication
Teamwork skills
Attention to detail
Working with integrity and confidentially

Purpose:

The Social Media Lead is responsible for orchestrating the network’s presence on social media, engaging new and existing members to promote an active online community.

Your role is to communicate the values and incentives of your network through the delivery of engaging campaigns across a variety of social media platforms.

Term:

1 year if co-opted, or 3 years when elected at the AGM.

Accountability:

The Social Media Lead is accountable to the society, the MN Committee they serve and its members.

It is a duty of the Social Media Lead to ensure that they are familiar with their network's social platforms, and to commit to the ongoing promotion of network activity via these channels.

Activities

Collecting and creating engaging content for social media channels
Working with the BPS Social Media team to make sure all communications are correctly branded, and in line with the BPS brand guidelines and visual style guide.
Creating content plans and event promotion strategies to implement on social media
Responding to social media queries and connecting with engaged followers online
Proactively sharing ideas for potential social media features with the committee
Engaging with members to support new BPS campaigns and initiatives where relevant
Ensuring the access to MN social media channels are stored securely and centrally for futureproofing of accounts
Supportive of BPS products and communication streams
Working with the EDI Lead (where applicable) to ensure all communications are accessible and inclusive

Knowledge, skills & experience

Communication skills
Experience of using social media, eg. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Knowledge of the work of your network and are of psychology
Creative ideas
Be well connected within your committee and network
Completed GDPR training on BPS Learn

Member network futures

The Member Network Review is looking at the role of networks in the society and to explore the big questions around the role of networks for our members, and the role they play in the society.

Where are we with the review?

We’re conscious that this isn’t the first time the society has looked at the member networks and there have been a number of false-starts with very similar projects before. We are determined this time to get this right, and to ensure all members are kept up-to-date with progress and latest developments.

We’ve reached the next phase in this work which involves starting the recruitment of members onto important Task and Finish groups. More information will be shared with members about these groups, and how to apply very soon. We will also be updating these webpages with regular news from the project, including ways for you to get involved.

The journey so far

Following a competitive tendering exercise earlier in 2020, Korn Ferry were appointed as our partners. Korn Ferry is a global consulting firm whose work centres on organisational design and change

The Korn Ferry team has built on the work from previous reviews and the member journey project. Their focus was to help us develop our existing insights and ideas into a practical programme of change that reflects members’ ambitions, aspirations and the society’s strategic direction.

Since the start of this project, members, BPS staff and Korn Ferry have worked together to co-design our future vision. This is a really positive change to our ways of working together and we want to carry through this approach into the next phase of more detailed implementation work.

The Steering Group

We’ve now established a steering group made up of Senate members, trustees and BPS staff to prioritise the recommendations from the Member Network Review. This group has already met and the group will be in existence for as long as the implementation programme is in place, after which the longer-term governance arrangements will fall in to place.

Each member who sits on the steering group will have a vote, with the chair having the casting vote. Any strategic governance decisions, for example, changes to the rules, will always need to the Board trustees for consideration and agreement.

Carol McGuinness - Trustee, Chair
Sarb Bajwa -Chief Executive
Debra Malpass - Director of Knowledge and Insight
Rachel Dufton - Director of Communications and Engagement
Mike Laffan - Director of IT
Dan O’Keefe - Director of Membership, Professional Development and Standards
Vicki Smith - Project Manager
Roman Raczka - Division Senate Member
Elizabeth Bates - Section Senate Member
Linda Kaye - Section Senate Member
Mia Pal - Branch Senate Member
Zenobia Nadirshaw - Special Group Senate Member
Katherine Carpenter - Trustee
Alison Clarke - Trustee
Nicky Hayes - Trustee
Natalie Lancer - Trustee

Task and Finish Groups

The aim is that these groups are made up of members from across the society with a wide range of experiences and knowledge to ensure diversity and that all voices are represented.

If you would like to register your interest in joining one of the Task and Finish groups, please complete the form and we will get in touch when recruitment opens.

Complete and submit the form here

Member Networks Lifecycle Task and Finish Group

The group will look at creating a fair, consistent, and transparent mechanism to either help create new networks or change the form of a network.

Find out more about the Lifecycle Task and Finish Group

Frequently asked questions

We embarked upon a significant transformation programme in 2019 designed to ensure that the organisation is relevant, desirable and sustainable for current and future members as well as agile to meet new market needs such as we have seen recently in the NHS Long-Term Plan and the recent People Plan.

As part of this transformation programme, we have embarked upon a member initiative that enables us to understand the journey members go on from the very thought of psychology as a career, tracking them throughout their career, understanding their needs, wants, motivations, education, CPD and networking requirements to name but a few.

The first part of the Member Journey project has been completed, where the priority for members is for greater integration and interdisciplinary, which they believe will significantly enhance the profession and its impact on society and the services and care provided to clients and patients. To achieve this the purpose of the Networks needs to be defined, which would benefit the members and enable us to have a greater positive impact and influence in a rapidly changing world.

To enable this change, the trustees and member board have commissioned the member network review.

The review is a root-and-branch review of our member networks, giving us the opportunity to ask the big questions about the role that networks could and should play in the life of members and the society, what we can do to support them, and how the networks’ development could be focused.

We are conscious that this isn’t the first time the society has considered this question and we know members will be keen to make sure that any work we do now has real impact.

Following a competitive tendering exercise earlier in 2020, Korn Ferry were appointed as our partners.

Korn Ferry is a global consulting firm whose work centres on organisational design and change. Korn Ferry’s approach focuses on partnering with organisations to enable change, with a belief that collaboration is the best way to making any change sustainable.

Alongside a track record of working with some of the world’s largest and most complex organisations, Korn Ferry also has experience of helping member organisations and learned societies develop capabilities relevant to supporting and serving members.

The review will seek to answer the questions around the role of Networks and how they can develop to enhance the value of membership and ensure through interdisciplinary and partnership working the BPS is stronger in addressing real world problems and creating wider social impact.

The Networks will be able to better support and provide a welcoming, rewarding and positive experience for all members, and also reinforce the status and credibility of members and the society, so BPS membership is perceived as a “gold standard”. That the BPS is seen as the professional home for psychologists and the wider psychological workforce

The review will consider the pricing structure of member networks and link to the work being undertaken on member grades.

Our main concern is to ensure that our membership fees are simple and fair and provide value for money, no matter what Network you are a member of.

The member networks are actively involved in this review. The team engaged with networks and conducted interviews including with trustees and network chairs. There were also focus groups, forums and a reference group, which included both members and staff.

The voice of members and the member networks is critical in implementing the outcomes of the review.

There will be a number of task & finish groups established that will scope out and come up with proposals for various issues. These will report back to the steering group to agree the recommendations and the proposals, and take forward appropriately. The aim is that people from across the membership are involved in these groups to ensure expertise, diversity and spreading the workload. It’s important that people get involved and help us shape the solutions together.

Please watch out for updates in the BPS monthly member update and member newsletters which will include information on progress and opportunities to participate in the various groups. If you would like to get involved please get in touch.

This is a major project and the scope of the recommendations is wide, so change won’t happen overnight. We are currently planning the schedule and it is anticipated that the implementation phase will take 18 months – 2 years.

We appreciate that for some this may seem a long time but there is a balance between members and staff time in continuing with all the existing activity that is being undertaken and undertaking this work. We are looking to address the most urgent issues first but we want to reassure you that progress is happening.

The Trustees agreed to establish a Member Networks futures steering group to oversee the

implementation, shape the programme of work and also have a hand in identifying priorities of work, commissioning and overseeing task and finish groups, along with working groups. This will allow for the mobilisation and implementation to be more agile and avoids waiting for extended periods of time between board meetings.

The steering is made up of a combination of trustees, members and staff and will operate in the spirit of collaboration in that each member who sits on the steering group will have a vote, with the chair having the casting vote. Any strategic governance decisions for example, changes to the rules, will always need to the Board trustees for consideration and agreement.

The steering group operates under a defined terms of reference that indicates their role in driving the programme of work but also decision making, managing and mitigating risk.