Dual projects

The process of going out to recruit members from our different grades, and based across the UK as well as internationally, was extremely swift, and I'm really grateful to those taking part for their support.

The conversations at these focus groups were positive while still being robust, and each of them threw up fantastic new ideas and suggestions that we've taken on board.

I'm delighted that, when we asked the groups whether they would vote for the proposed changes and over 80 per cent agreed with all or some of the changes. We still have work to do to respond to the focus groups but will be sharing the next steps with the Member Board and Board of Trustees over the next few weeks. In the meantime, we'll soon be revealing more to the wider membership, and I hope that we'll also see such a positive response ahead of the vote at our AGM in July.

This final consultation on member grades with the revised grades framework will come in April and May. keep an eye on the member update for more details.

Alongside the membership grades review, we've been working with Korn Ferry to look at our member networks, and will be following a similar path over the coming weeks with a number of focus groups taking place.

We've seen some really interesting themes around governance, purpose and values emerge during the thematic review that has been taking place, which will now have a significant focus as the project continues.

Work is ongoing, but we can already see that there are four clear implications emerging:

• The 'value proposition' of our member networks
• The role of the networks alongside the central organisation
• Reducing the complexity of our structure and improving governance
• Increasing collaboration

Eventually these will become part of a target operating model for our networks which will give clarity about roles, responsibilities, governance and where the opportunities for increased collaboration lie.

As you'll have seen in member update, we'll once again be holding a virtual annual conference this year, following the success of last year's event. 

Themed around 'Positive Adaptations, Psychological Strengths', we hope to see as many of you joining us as possible for what is sure to be a fantastic two days on 1 and 2 July.

Finally, I just want to highlight how much fantastic work is happening in the background in our membership directorate. We're in the middle of our subscription cycle (please make sure you renew before the deadline if you haven't already!), and hope to continue to grow and expand this year despite the difficult circumstances with Covid.

We're seeing some exciting ideas coming in as part of our member networks' business cases, which we'll be working with them to deliver, and have numerous digital conferences and events coming up.

More than 20,000 people attended a webinar or online event following lockdown last year – a figure that we hope to double during 2021. Thanks again for your ongoing support.

About the author

Karen beamish is the Director of Membership and Professional Development at the British Psychological Society