What is the primary function of the British Psychological Society (BPS)?

The British Psychological Society (BPS) serves as a representative body for psychologists and the field of psychology within the United Kingdom. It functions as both a professional organization and a learned society, providing support and advice on research and practice-related matters.

When was the British Psychological Society established, and what was its original name?

The British Psychological Society was founded on October 24, 1901, and its original name was The Psychological Society. It was established at University College London.

Who were the ten founding members of The Psychological Society?

The ten founding members of The Psychological Society were Robert Armstrong-Jones, Sophie Bryant, W. R. Boyce Gibson, Frank Noel Hales, William McDougall, Frederick Walker Mott, W. H. R. Rivers, Alexander Faulkner Shand, William George Smith, and James Sully.

When did the BPS open its membership to medical professionals, and what significant organizational change occurred in 1941?

Under the guidance of Charles Myers, membership was opened to members of the medical profession in 1919. In 1941, the society was incorporated, which is a legal process that establishes an organization as a separate entity from its owners.

What recognition did the BPS receive in 1965?

In 1965, the British Psychological Society was granted a Royal charter, which is a formal document issued by a monarch granting a right or power to an organization.

How does the BPS function as both a learned and professional body?

As a learned society, the BPS supports the advancement of psychological knowledge through research and dissemination. As a professional body, it provides support and advice on issues related to the practice of psychology.

What is the legal status of the BPS, and what constraints does this impose?

The BPS is a Registered Charity, which means it is an organization set up for charitable purposes. This status imposes constraints, such as prohibiting the society from campaigning on issues considered party political.

How does the BPS organize its activities across the United Kingdom?

The Society has numerous specialist and regional branches throughout the United Kingdom. It convenes an Annual Conference, typically in May, hosted in a different location each year, alongside conferences and meetings organized by its sub-sections.

What role does the BPS play in publishing?

The British Psychological Society is an active publisher, producing a variety of specialist journals, books, and reports related to psychology.

How many members did the BPS have in 2019, and how many were Chartered Members?

In 2019, the BPS reported having 60,604 members and subscribers across all fields of psychology. Of these, 20,243 were Chartered Members.

What are the different grades of membership within the BPS?

The BPS has several membership grades, including Student Member, Graduate Member (GMBPsS), Full Member (FMBPsS), and Associate Member (AMBPsS). It also includes Associate Fellow (AFBPsS) and Fellow (FBPsS) grades, as well as Honorary Fellow (HonFBPsS).

What are the criteria for becoming a Graduate Member (GMBPsS)?

To become a Graduate Member (GMBPsS), individuals must have graduated with an undergraduate degree that is accredited by the society or have completed an accredited conversion course. This membership grade signifies foundational academic achievement in psychology.

What conditions must be met to be awarded Associate Fellowship (AFBPsS)?

To achieve Associate Fellowship (AFBPsS), a nominee must have, since becoming eligible for graduate membership, either met the requirements for full membership in a BPS division and worked professionally in a specialized area of psychology for at least two years full-time (or equivalent part-time), or possess a research qualification and applied psychological knowledge for at least four years full-time (or equivalent), or published significant psychological works.

What are the requirements for becoming a Fellow (FBPsS) of the BPS?

Fellowship (FBPsS) is awarded for an outstanding contribution to psychology. Nominees must have worked in a psychological capacity for at least 10 years, possess advanced knowledge in at least one field of psychology, and have made a significant contribution through research, teaching, publications, public service, or organizing the work of others.

What is the significance of the Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) designation?

The Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) designation indicates that a member has achieved chartered status, granting them the right to use these letters after their name. Historically, the BPS maintained a register of Chartered Psychologists to regulate professional practice, including awarding practicing certificates and conducting disciplinary proceedings. However, statutory regulation of psychologists now falls under the Health and Care Professions Council.

What professional qualifications, besides CPsychol, can the BPS award or facilitate?

The BPS is also licensed by the Science Council to register Chartered Scientists (CSci). Furthermore, as a member of the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations (EFPA), the BPS can award the EuroPsy designation, recognizing European Psychologists.

What was the Cass Review, and what was its general finding regarding medical interventions for young people?

The Cass Review, published in April 2024, was an independent review commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement into Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People. It found a "lack of high-quality evidence" regarding medical interventions for this group.

How did the BPS clarify its position regarding the updated guidelines and the Cass Review?

The BPS clarified that its updated guidelines focused on adults, not children and young people, which was the primary scope of the Cass Review. The Society stated it had begun recruitment for a dedicated Task and Finish Group to address the complexities surrounding gender incongruence in under-18s, estimating this work would take approximately 18 months.

Who is the current President of the British Psychological Society, and for what term?

As of the provided text, Nicky Hayes is the President of the British Psychological Society, serving from 2022 to 2024.

Who is listed as the Chief Executive of the British Psychological Society?

The Chief Executive of the British Psychological Society is Sarb Bajwa.

Who holds the position of Honorary General Secretary within the BPS?

Christina Buxton serves as the Honorary General Secretary of the British Psychological Society.

Which notable psychologists were made honorary members in 1926?

In 1926, several prominent figures were made honorary members, including Edward Claparède, Sigmund Freud, Gerardus Heymans, Pierre Janet, Henri Piéron, Edward Lee Thorndike, Edward Bradford Titchener, and Hendrik Zwaardemaker.

Who were some of the early honorary fellows appointed in 1946?

In 1946, Carl Jung and Sir William Mitchell were among those appointed as honorary fellows. All surviving honorary members from earlier years were also made honorary fellows at this time.

Name three influential psychologists who became honorary fellows in 1954.

In 1954, Edgar Adrian, Edward C. Tolman, and Robert S. Woodworth were among the distinguished individuals appointed as honorary fellows of the BPS.

Which prominent cognitive psychologists were appointed honorary fellows in 1995?

In 1995, Alan Baddeley and Patrick Rabbitt, both significant figures in cognitive psychology, were appointed as honorary fellows of the BPS.

Who are some of the recent honorary fellows mentioned, and in what years?

Recent honorary fellows mentioned include Victoria Bruce, John Morton, and Peter B. Warr in 1997; Heinz Rudolph Schaffer in 1998; Antony John Chapman in 1999; Richard Gregory in 2000; Maurice Anthony Gale in 2001; Miles Hewstone in 2003; Andy Young in 2005; Uta Frith, William Yule, and Glynis Breakwell in 2006; Alan D.B. Clarke, Ann M. Clarke, and Hannah Steinberg in 2007; David Canter in 2008; and David M. Clark in 2009.

How many journals does the BPS publish?

The British Psychological Society publishes a total of 11 academic journals.

List five of the academic journals published by the BPS.

Five of the academic journals published by the BPS are: British Journal of Clinical Psychology, British Journal of Developmental Psychology, British Journal of Educational Psychology, British Journal of Health Psychology, and British Journal of Psychology.

What is The Psychologist magazine?

The Psychologist is a monthly magazine for members of the BPS, published since 1988. It replaced the previous BPS Bulletin and serves as a key communication channel for the society's members.

What is the BPS Research Digest, and what is its reach?

The BPS Research Digest is a publication that reports on new psychology research, distributed via a free fortnightly email and an online blog since 2003/2005. As of 2014, the email had over 32,000 subscribers, and the blog attracted hundreds of thousands of page views monthly, having won an award for best psychology blog.

In what way does the BPS collaborate on book publications?

The Society collaborates with Wiley-Blackwell to publish a series of textbooks that cover most of the core areas within psychology.

What is the distinction between BPS Divisions and Sections?

Divisions of the BPS are generally open only to practitioners in a specific field of psychology, requiring professional qualifications for full membership. Sections, on the other hand, are interest groups that comprise BPS members interested in a particular academic aspect of psychology, regardless of their practitioner status.

Name three of the ten BPS Divisions.

Three of the ten Divisions of the British Psychological Society are the Division of Clinical Psychology, the Division of Occupational Psychology, and the Division of Health Psychology.

Which BPS Division is the largest, and how is it further organized?

The Division of Clinical Psychology is the largest division within the BPS. It is further subdivided into thirteen specialized faculties, such as Addiction, Children Young People and their Families, and Clinical Health Psychology.

What is the purpose of the BPS Sections?

BPS Sections are interest groups that bring together members interested in specific academic aspects of psychology. They provide a forum for discussion, networking, and the advancement of knowledge within their particular sub-fields.

Which BPS Section was established in 1972 and publishes the British Journal of Developmental Psychology?

The Developmental Psychology Section, founded in 1972, is one of the largest sections of the BPS. It aims to promote high-quality research in developmental psychology and publishes the British Journal of Developmental Psychology.

What is the focus of the BPS Section on Consciousness and Experiential Psychology?

The Consciousness and Experiential Psychology Section aims to advance the understanding of consciousness through scientific research, connect this research with other traditions of inquiry into the mind, and explore how this understanding can improve quality of life. It holds an annual conference and other events.

When was the Psychology of Sexualities Section established, and what was its original name?

The Psychology of Sexualities Section was established in 1998 under the name Lesbian & Gay Psychology section, after considerable campaigning. It was later renamed in 2009 to encompass broader issues related to bisexuality, queer identities, and heterosexuality.

What role did the Psychology of Sexualities Section play in developing BPS guidelines?

Members of the Psychology of Sexualities Section were instrumental in drafting the BPS Guidelines and literature review for psychologists working therapeutically with sexual and gender minority clients. They also contributed to the Society's Position Statement on Therapies attempting to Change Sexual Orientation and a UK Consensus Statement on Conversion Therapy.

What are Regional Branches of the BPS, and what is their purpose?

Regional Branches of the BPS are geographical groupings of members across the United Kingdom. They serve to connect members within specific regions, facilitating local networking, events, and discussions relevant to psychology.

What is the difference between BPS Divisions and the American Psychological Association's (APA) use of the term 'division'?

The term 'division' in the context of the British Psychological Society typically refers to groups for qualified practitioners, whereas in the American Psychological Association, 'division' often refers to specialized interest groups, which is closer to what the BPS calls 'sections'.

What is the BPS's stance on statutory regulation of psychologists?

The BPS has been involved with the concept of statutory registration for psychologists since the 1930s. While in favor of statutory regulation, they initially opposed the proposed regulator, the Health Professions Council (HPC), preferring a body more aligned with their own responsibilities. Regulation of most psychology professions ultimately transferred to the HCPC (now Health and Care Professions Council) in 2009.

Where is the main office of the British Psychological Society located?

The main office of the British Psychological Society is located in Leicester, United Kingdom.

Besides Leicester, where else does the BPS maintain offices?

In addition to its main office in Leicester, the BPS has smaller regional offices in Belfast, Cardiff, and Glasgow. As of April 2019, there were 113 staff members in Leicester and 9 in London.

Where are the archives of the British Psychological Society deposited?

The archives of the British Psychological Society are deposited at the Wellcome Library, located on Euston Road in London.

What does the British Psychological Society's logo depict, and what does it symbolize?

The logo of the British Psychological Society features Psyche, the Greek mythical personification of the soul, holding an oil lamp. This imagery references the origins of the word psychology and symbolizes learning, drawing from the myth of Psyche and Eros.

What is the significance of the oil lamp in the BPS logo's symbolism?

The oil lamp in the BPS logo symbolizes learning. It also alludes to the myth of Psyche, who accidentally burned Eros with oil from a lamp while trying to discover his identity.

Does the BPS have a presence on YouTube?

Yes, the British Psychological Society maintains its own YouTube channel.

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About the BPS

A Leading Professional Body

The British Psychological Society (BPS) serves as the principal representative body for psychologists and the discipline of psychology within the United Kingdom. Established in 1901, it functions as both a professional organization and a learned society, dedicated to advancing psychological knowledge and its application.

Legal and Charitable Status

The BPS operates as a non-profit, registered charity. This status imposes certain constraints, such as prohibiting engagement in partisan political campaigning. It is important to note that the BPS is not the statutory regulatory body for practitioner psychologists in the UK; that role is fulfilled by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Membership and Reach

As of 2019, the BPS boasted a membership of over 60,000 individuals across all fields of psychology. This extensive network underscores its significant presence and influence within the psychological community in the UK and beyond.

A Century of Psychological Advancement

Genesis and Evolution

The Society was founded on October 24, 1901, at University College London, initially as "The Psychological Society." Its early membership was restricted to recognized teachers in psychology. The name was changed to "The British Psychological Society" in 1906 to avoid confusion with another entity. Membership expanded to include medical professionals in 1919, and the organization was formally incorporated in 1941, later receiving a Royal Charter in 1965.

Key Milestones

Throughout its history, the BPS has been instrumental in shaping the professional landscape of psychology in the UK. Key developments include the establishment of membership grades, the introduction of professional qualifications like Chartered Psychologist status, and its role in advocating for the statutory regulation of the profession.

Organizational Framework

Dual Role: Learned and Professional

The BPS operates with a dual mandate: as a learned society, it fosters research and scholarly inquiry; as a professional body, it supports practitioners and upholds professional standards. This structure allows it to address both the theoretical and applied aspects of psychology.

National Presence and Events

The Society maintains a network of specialist and regional branches across the United Kingdom. It convenes an Annual Conference, typically in May, rotating locations each year. Additionally, its various sub-sections and divisions host their own specialized conferences and meetings, facilitating focused discussion and networking.

Membership Grades

Professional Designations

The BPS offers several grades of membership, reflecting different levels of engagement and qualification within the field of psychology. These designations signify professional standing and adherence to the Society's standards.

Student Member: For individuals pursuing studies in psychology.
Graduate Member (GMBPsS): Awarded to graduates holding a BPS-accredited psychology degree or conversion course.
Full Member (FMBPsS): For those with recognized psychology qualifications working professionally in the field.
Associate Member (AMBPsS): Typically for wellbeing practitioners.
Associate Fellow (AFBPsS): Granted to members who have demonstrated significant professional application of specialized psychological knowledge or research for several years.
Fellow (FBPsS): Awarded for outstanding contributions to psychology through research, teaching, publications, or leadership.
Honorary Fellow (HonFBPsS): Bestowed for distinguished service to the field of psychology.

Professional Qualifications

Recognized Standards

The BPS plays a crucial role in defining and upholding professional standards through various qualifications and registrations, ensuring practitioners meet rigorous criteria.

Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol): This designation, historically managed by the BPS, signifies a high level of professional competence. While statutory regulation is now handled by the HCPC, CPsychol remains a mark of advanced professional standing.
Chartered Scientist (CSci): The Society is licensed by the Science Council to register individuals as Chartered Scientists, recognizing excellence in scientific practice.
EuroPsy: The BPS is a member of the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations (EFPA) and can award the EuroPsy designation, signifying adherence to European standards for psychologists.

Disseminating Knowledge

Academic Journals

The BPS publishes a comprehensive portfolio of 11 peer-reviewed academic journals covering diverse areas of psychology, including clinical, developmental, educational, health, social, and occupational psychology, among others. These journals are vital conduits for research dissemination.

Member Publications

Beyond academic journals, the BPS publishes The Psychologist, a monthly magazine for members, and the BPS Research Digest, which provides accessible summaries of new psychological research through email and a blog, reaching a wide audience.

Books and Resources

In collaboration with publishers like Wiley-Blackwell, the Society also produces textbooks and other resources that cover core areas of psychology, supporting both academic study and professional development.

Member Networks

Divisions and Sections

The BPS is structured into various member networks, including Divisions (primarily for practitioners) and Sections (interest groups). These bodies focus on specific areas of psychology, fostering specialized communities and professional development.

Division of Academics, Researchers and Teachers
Division of Clinical Psychology
Division of Coaching Psychology
Division of Counselling Psychology
Division of Educational and Child Psychology
Division of Forensic Psychology
Division of Health Psychology
Division of Neuropsychology
Division of Occupational Psychology
Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Scottish Division of Educational Psychology

Regional Branches

To serve its members geographically, the BPS organizes regional branches throughout the United Kingdom, facilitating local engagement, networking, and the dissemination of psychological knowledge at a regional level.

East Midlands Branch
East of England Branch
London and Home Counties Branch
North East of England Branch
North West of England Branch
Northern Ireland Branch
Scottish Branch
South West of England Branch
Welsh Branch
Wessex Branch
West Midlands Branch

Specialized Groups

In addition to Divisions and Sections, the BPS supports Special Groups focused on particular specialist fields, emphasizing training, practice, and professional development within those niche areas.

Statutory Regulation

Historical Engagement

The BPS has been involved in discussions regarding the statutory registration of psychologists since the 1930s. Following government initiatives in the 1990s to regulate psychotherapy professions, the BPS advocated for a dedicated Psychological Professions Council. However, regulation for most psychology professions transitioned to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in June 2009.

Leadership and Presidents

Guiding the Society

The British Psychological Society has been led by numerous distinguished figures throughout its history. The role of President is a significant one, guiding the Society's strategic direction and representing its interests.

The Society has had a succession of Presidents since its early days. Notable figures include:

Early Presidents (1920s-1940s): Charles Samuel Myers, Charles Edward Spearman, Beatrice Edgell, William McDougall, Cyril Burt.
Mid-Century Leaders (1950s-1970s): Frederic Charles Bartlett, B. F. Skinner, Donald Eric Broadbent, Michael Rutter.
Recent Presidents (Late 20th Century - Present): Elizabeth Loftus, Michael Argyle, Alan Baddeley, Peter Kinderman, Nicky Hayes.

(A comprehensive list of Presidents is available through the Society's historical records.)

The BPS Logo

Psyche and the Lamp

The emblem of the British Psychological Society features Psyche, the Greek mythological personification of the soul, holding an oil lamp. This imagery is deeply symbolic: Psyche represents the mind and spirit, the core subjects of psychology, while the lamp symbolizes enlightenment, knowledge, and the pursuit of understanding, referencing the classical myth where Psyche uses a lamp to discover Eros.

Response to the Cass Review

Engagement with Findings

The BPS has engaged with the findings of the Cass Review, which examined gender identity services for children and young people. The review highlighted a lack of high-quality evidence for medical interventions and proposed numerous recommendations. The BPS has updated its guidelines for psychologists working with gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity, clarifying that its interim updates pertain to adult services, while a dedicated task force is addressing the specific needs and complexities related to under-18s.

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References

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on data extracted from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia, and may not reflect the most current information or nuances of the subject matter.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein should not be considered a substitute for consultation with qualified professionals in the field of psychology or any related discipline. Always seek the advice of a qualified expert for any specific questions or concerns.

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The British Psychological Society

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About the BPS ℹ️

🏛️ A Leading Professional Body

⚖️ Legal and Charitable Status

👥 Membership and Reach

A Century of Psychological Advancement ⏳

📜 Genesis and Evolution

⭐ Key Milestones

Organizational Framework 🏛️

🌐 Dual Role: Learned and Professional

📍 National Presence and Events

Membership Grades 👥

🎓 Professional Designations

Professional Qualifications 🎓

✅ Recognized Standards

Disseminating Knowledge 📚

📰 Academic Journals

📰 Member Publications

📖 Books and Resources

Member Networks 🔗

🧩 Divisions and Sections

🗺️ Regional Branches

🔬 Specialized Groups

Statutory Regulation ⚖️

📜 Historical Engagement

Leadership and Presidents 👑

👨‍💼 Guiding the Society

The BPS Logo 💡

🏺 Psyche and the Lamp

Response to the Cass Review ⚠️

🔍 Engagement with Findings

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About the BPS

A Leading Professional Body

Legal and Charitable Status

Membership and Reach

A Century of Psychological Advancement

Genesis and Evolution

Key Milestones

Organizational Framework

Dual Role: Learned and Professional

National Presence and Events

Membership Grades

Professional Designations

Professional Qualifications

Recognized Standards

Disseminating Knowledge

Academic Journals

Member Publications

Books and Resources

Member Networks

Divisions and Sections

Regional Branches

Specialized Groups

Statutory Regulation

Historical Engagement

Leadership and Presidents

Guiding the Society

The BPS Logo

Psyche and the Lamp

Response to the Cass Review

Engagement with Findings

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice