BPS publishes new guidance on recruiting and employing assistant psychologists

Research indicates that APs can frequently experience being in roles that either do not allow them to make appropriate use of their psychological skills, or ask them to work beyond their competencies and job description. APs do not always receive adequate psychological supervision, or opportunities for professional development. 

The BPS has published new guidance setting out the expected standards for recruiting and employing assistant psychologists. This guidance is aimed at employers, recruiters, and supervisors of APs, as well as being a resource for APs themselves. 

The guidance has been created by the BPS AP Task and Finish Group, in a collaborative effort between qualified and assistant psychologists, and an expert by experience. 

Key stakeholders, such as Unite, have also been consulted in the writing of this guidance, and responses received during a BPS consultation were also a valuable part of producing this final guidance.

The chair of the AP Task and Finish Group, Dr Sarah Stenlake, said:

"We thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this guidance, which we believe is an essential resource for APs and everyone involved in the employment, recruitment, and supervision of APs. 

"We ask that this guidance is distributed and utilised widely across all areas where APs are employed, to ensure that APs receive the right support, opportunities, and protection in their roles. 

"We also ask that when recruiting APs, employers seek to actively address and remove barriers to accessing the psychology profession, to ensure that psychology roles are accessible to people of all backgrounds and identities."

You can access the new guidance on recruiting and employing APs on BPS Explore.