Next round of applications open for Black and Asian Psychologists Fund

Members have until 30 November to apply for support towards professional development (including CPD). 

Previously, funding has been used to help pay for training in specific therapies and the costs of supervision, supporting trainees and fully qualified members in their careers.

As well as helping Black and Asian psychologists to develop professionally, it is hoped the fund will help to enhance the UK psychological workforce by making the psychology workforce more representative of the communities it serves and addressing barriers to career progression.

A total of 37 applicants received funding, totalling £47,071, from the last round of the scheme earlier this year. Of those, 13 were qualified HCPC-registered psychologists and 24 were trainees.

On average, recipients were awarded around £1,200 to support them in their career development, with varying amounts between £180 and £2,000. 

Grants were awarded to fund a range of activities including personal therapy (intended among other things to increase awareness of what it feels like to be a client and experience first-hand, therapeutic techniques) attendance at conferences, supervision and CPD.

One of the awards recipients, Jose Fernandez, a trainee counselling psychologist at Glasgow Caledonian University, said he was immensely grateful for the funding.

"Having this money, which went towards the costs of supervision and personal therapy, has been really helpful. I worried less as a result and could focus more on my casework and studies." 

A report published in 2021 by the BPS found that people from Black and Asian backgrounds are less likely to hold senior NHS roles and are less likely to be accepted onto practitioner psychology training courses.

The Black and Asian Psychologists Fund stands on its own under the governance of the Practice Board and applications are considered by a panel.

How to apply 

Find out how to apply for a grant from the Black and Asian Psychologist fund here