Take your psychology career to the next level…

Having the right support at the right time can make a huge difference to your career.

If you're just starting out in clinical psychology, you might be finding aspects of your first role daunting. Our research has shown that newly-qualified clinical psychologists can take a bit of time to adjust from training to their first clinical healthcare setting, and many find that they experience burnout and stress in their first role.

The Division of Clinical Psychology recognised that there was more needed to support those who are early on in their career, and is pleased to announce the launch of the DCP Early Career CPD Programme.

This proactive online programme offers support and development through a mixture of workshops, webinars and discussion groups, and helps those early in their psychology careers learn about key aspects of adjusting to a professional clinical role. You're invited to sign-up for this first 12-month pilot, and after you'll have a priority option to register for another 12-months if you wish.

Who can join the DCP Early Career programme?

The course is designed to support those who are just starting out in their clinical psychology careers. You can join if you:

• Qualified in the last three years
• Have DCP membership*
• Can attend the key dates for the programme's workshops.

*Non-DCP members can register an interest in the programme. If a space becomes available, non-DCP members will be contacted about joining the programme.

Join the Programme

What will I learn on the programme?

The DCP Programme is designed to support people in the transition from their training to their first autonomous clinical psychology role. The programme includes four interactive webinars with four accompanying reflective workshops.

The course tutors are three experienced clinical psychologists who will take you through the course material. What's more, all the lessons are delivered online, making the programme accessible and easy-to attend.

Throughout the programme, you will learn:

• The transition into the supervisor role – Learn the core models of clinical supervision practice, develop confidence in the initial contracting of a clinical supervision session and learn respectful questioning about colleagues' practice.
• How to maintain a research identity - Explore the potential routes for research activity, how to build this into your own professional practice, and create a research plan that incorporates tangible steps towards a desired research profile.
• How to become a compassionate leader – Develop compassionate leadership skills and confidence in supporting senior colleagues in their leadership activities. You'll also learn how to have confidence in taking your own position as a leader in a multi-professional context.
• Ways to consider marginalised identities in your role – You'll discover how to develop an inclusive professional practice in clinical psychology and develop confidence in your own, others', and service-level practice as inclusive professionals. You'll also learn how to challenge examples of discriminatory practice in a professional context.

When is the programme taking place?

The first programme module starts at 10am, 4 June 2025, with the webinars and workshops taking place roughly every six weeks until April 2026. There is an overview of the course dates on the programme's website.

How to apply for the programme

The DCP are keen to support clinical psychologists who are just starting out in their careers, so this CPD course has been subsidised for DCP members. All the webinars, workshops and course materials cost just £100.

There are limited spaces, so if you are interested in joining, we advise signing up as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about the programme, you can email [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you onto the Programme!