Directory of Media Production Psychologists (DMPP)
A BPS directory designed to meet the requirements of Ofcom and the needs of the industry.
What is the Directory of Media Production Psychologists?
Created with the input of a group of expert members who have extensive experience of working with production companies and the media ethics space, the Directory of Media Production Psychologists (DMPP) will connect Chartered Members, with expertise and experience of working in the media industry and media productions to companies who are looking for the most suitably qualified, and, where appropriate, regulated psychologists for their needs.
Recent updates to the Ofcom broadcast code reference the need for psychologists to assist productions, and to ensure that participants are:
"…informed about potential risks arising from their participation in the programme which may affect their welfare (insofar as these can be reasonably anticipated at the time) and any steps the broadcaster and/or programme maker intends to take to mitigate these."
As a result, our directory will make it easier for producers and broadcasters to:
- ensure productions comply with Ofcom regulations
- quickly and easily identify and contact suitable psychologists
- ensure participants receive the expert psychological support they need
- gain valuable input into the design and creation of shows where required
By using the Directory of Media Production Psychologists, media producers and broadcasters can work together with psychologists to minimise the harm and maximise the benefits to all involved.
Why should I join the Directory of Media Production Psychologists?
The industry regulator Ofcom advises media productions to use registered psychologists on their programmes.
Because of this, and the success of participant-led TV shows, demand has been increasing in this area.
By joining the Directory of Media Production Psychologists, you are increasing your chances to stand out from the crowd and, by illustrating your competence, providing a level of security to producers.
This, in turn, may lead to a lucrative stream of work.
By joining the DMPP you will also enjoy a range of benefits beyond your Chartered membership. These may include:
- opening the door to a new world of work and a diversified income steam
- increased visibility for your services, which allows media production companies to find you quickly and easily
- building trust and credibility for your expertise in the specific field of media production
- being part of a directory that is actively promoted by the UK's oldest psychological body, ensuring that the right people are seeing your listing
- highlighting your specialist skills and experience
How do I join the Directory of Media Production Psychologists?
Get noticed by the industry in as little as two weeks with our swift application processing.
You can join the Directory in a few simple steps:
- Log in to our online portal
- Complete the application form
- Confirm registration with the HCPC or a PSA-accredited register
- Confirm if you wish to offer psychometric testing as a service
- Pay your application fee
Please note: if you wish to offer psychological services to individuals, we will ask you to indicate whether you are registered with the HCPC or a PSA-accredited register. If you wish to offer psychometric testing as a service, we will ask whether you hold RQTU registration.
How much does it cost to join the Directory of Media Production Psychologists?
For a limited time, we are offering you 50% off your application fee. This means that you will only pay £42 instead of the standard charge of £84.
Please hurry as this offer is only valid until Thursday 31 October 2024.
Once your application has been accepted, you will then need to pay the annual subscription of £180 to confirm your entry into the directory.
This Directory has been designed to promote the competence and expertise of its members, and to help them secure additional work in the sector.
Your subscription fee allows the BPS to further promote the Directory to the relevant broadcasters and production companies.
How do I maintain my listing on the directory?
If you have set up a direct debit, then your listing will automatically renew.
If you do not pay by direct debit, then you can sign into the portal and pay your renewal fee online.
How do I use the Directory of Media Production Psychologists?
If you are seeking qualified and experienced psychologists to help participants or to support contributors and crew, both during and after production, this directory can streamline your recruitment process and provide quick access to a range of chartered psychologists offering services such as:
- assessment and screening
- risk analysis and safeguarding planning
- support for contributors and crew during and after production
- advising on the handling of complex psychological topics within narratives
By engaging with a psychologist on your production you ensure that the relevant cast and crew, and story narrative, receive the expert psychological support they need.
This means that you can be safe knowing that you are following the best practice as laid out by Ofcom.
By selecting a psychologist from our directory you ensure that, as a Chartered member of the BPS, they have evidenced their expertise and knowledge in their field.
How to use the directory
- Enter your criteria and hit the search button
- A list of suitable Chartered Psychologists will be displayed, and you can click the 'View more' button for further information, including a profile and contact details
Who is on the Directory of Media Production Psychologists?
Open only to Chartered members of the British Psychological Society, the directory features a description of members' relevant expertise and experience of working in the media industry.
Why should I use the Directory of Media Production Psychologists?
Using the directory is simple, and it allows you to filter by location, expertise, and whether you are looking for psychological services or psychometric testing services (or both).
By using the directory, you can:
- ensure you are following Ofcom regulatory advice
- gain access to a range of qualified psychologists, saving you time and money in the recruitment and screening process
- match your requirements to suitable candidates at the click of a button
- help to minimise the harm and maximise the benefits for contributors
- guarantee a specific level of education and experience as all listed psychologists are Chartered Members of the BPS, the leading professional body for psychological professionals in the UK
In addition, where those who are on the directory are registered with HCPC, you have the assurance of working with a regulated practitioner when supporting participants' welfare.
Which service is right for me?
If you are looking for advice on programme design or the portrayal of psychology or psychological phenomena, then all our listed members will be able to help.
Check their directory entry for their specific areas of expertise.
For safeguarding, consent and support of participants, choose a member who is also registered with HCPC (the UK regulator of health and care professions) as a practitioner psychologist.
This ensures that you are working with a regulated psychologist with oversight of their fitness to offer the psychological services to potentially vulnerable people.
Where you are selecting participants for specific roles or activities, make sure you choose someone who is also listed on our RQTU (Register of Qualified Tet Users) so you can be sure of their competence in using psychometric testing.
Have you done our CPD course?
If you are a chartered psychologist with the BPS and are looking to enter the world of media production world, we recommend you take our short course 'Media production psychology: An introduction to working in broadcasting, film and drama'.
This two-hour course provides you with the key knowledge and skills required to support you in acting safely and competently in such settings, in line with relevant guidance developed by the BPS and Ofcom.
You will hear some of the leading psychologists in the field discussing the key issues in media production psychology and, by drawing on the breadth and depth of their experience, you will be able to get ahead of the curve.
Is this course right for me?
This course is suitable if you are a practitioner psychologist who is interested in working with media productions (broadcasting, film and/or drama), or you are already working in these settings and wish to revisit and refresh your knowledge and skills.
If you are a Chartered Member of the BPS, successful completion of the course will also contribute to your application to join the Directory of Media Production Psychologists.
Search the Directory of Media Production Psychologists
Employing a psychologist on your production helps ensure that both cast and crew, and the story, receive the support they need.