Qualifications consultation Steering Group agree terms of reference

The Steering Group overseeing the consultation on the future of our stage two qualifications has met for the first time and agreed how they will work together and with members and stakeholders in an open and collaborative way. 

In addition to the Steering Group there is also an Expert Reference Group. This group includes members of the BPS Qualifications Committee, Division Chairs, trainees, and employers across the four nations.   Their role is to represent the interests of BPS members and wider stakeholders and act as independent peer-reviewers of the outputs of the Steering Group.

The Steering Group is also pleased to announce the appointment of Seymour Research, the independent external supplier that will collaborate directly with members on the information-gathering and analysis elements of the consultation. 

Seymour Research has set out a comprehensive programme of in-depth activities including stakeholder focus groups, one-to-one interviews, qualitative surveys, market analysis, financial modelling, and equality impact assessment. See below for more information on the programme.

We hope to the able to launch the written consultation during March, with the final report sent to the Board of Trustees for decision in July.

Seymour Research programme of activities

Stakeholder engagement activities

• Stakeholder focus groups 
• One-to-one interviews
• Qualitative surveys 

Market analysis

The market analysis will attempt to assess the supply and demand for practitioner psychologists currently, and over the next 5 – 10 years. Three core activities:

• Secondary data analysis: Desk research to establish available data sources. Analysis of publicly available data (e.g., Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registrant data.
• Employer survey: Online survey for employers of psychologists across sectors to explore views on supply and demand. 
• Competitor analysis: Desk research on other providers and the qualifications / courses offered – identify gaps / saturation in the market. 

Financial modelling

• Financial modelling will assess the viability, cost- effectiveness and market implications of the different options for the future of the qualifications.
• Options costing: modelling to assess for each option:

1. Cost of delivery
2. Cost of the qualification / cost to trainees
3. Resources / infrastructure costs
4. Profit margin
5. Sensitivity analysis to test the impact of variables (e.g., enrolment changes, fee increases, etc.)

• Desk research will explore competitor qualification costs.
• Stakeholder engagement will assess perceived value, employer willingness to co-fund, trainees' price sensitivity, etc.

Equalities impact assessment

EDI-based questions will be asked at all stages and data will be explored through the EDI and intersectionality lens.

The Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) specifically will explore three main areas:

1. Barriers and enablers to training and profession overall (and how these affect different groups / characteristics).
2. Challenges and opportunities (including identifying good practice / what works).
3. Recommendations to shape the future of the qualifications from an EDI perspective.