Collaboration key to promoting progressive social change
The new chair of the South East Branch wants to influence change through working with community organisations and local authorities.
21 January 2025
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Following an election process, Dr Bruno De Oliveira takes up the chair's role for the South East Branch for three years until 2028.
His experience and research have led Dr De Oliveira to believe that psychology as a discipline can promote social change through partnership working.
Dr De Oliveira is also keen to collaborate with colleagues in the South East to deepen the sense of community in the member network and wants to increase the number of members actively involved in the BPS.
A community psychologist, Dr De Oliveira supports the use of more critical pedagogy-based approaches that review hierarchical education and practice models.
He said: "These models view professional experts as sole knowledge holders and neglect the collaboration of experts by experience.
"I would like to see us use theory, research, and practice to promote progressive social change by collaborating with our communities to make psychology more accessible. By that, I mean working with community organisations and local authorities to influence policy."
Dr De Oliveira believes the profession needs to actively engage to help shape psychological practice at critical global and historical times.
"Psychologists must theoretically and practically address what is happening in their communities, regions, and the globe, from climate crises to loneliness. Our communities need us, and we need them. Please get in touch."
Dr De Oliveira is a psychology lecturer at Chichester University. His academic contributions include a highly commended research paper recognised by the Emerald Literati Awards using participatory action research and creative research methods.
His 'Unframed lives project' earned him a certificate of achievement from the Festival of Learning from the minister of education
He is also chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board for Brighton and Hove, providing strategic governance, advice, and oversight to improve the health of the local population.
Dr De Oliveira represents Brighton and Hove City Council at the Sussex Health and Care Assembly, contributing to integrated care for 1.7 million people across the region.