Update on the progress of our consultation on BPS qualifications

At their board meeting on 4 October, trustees received an update on the progress of our consultation on the future of qualifications offered by the BPS. 

Earlier this year, trustees paused their decision to phase out three BPS qualifications and set out a timeline for gathering views from members and stakeholders.  

Trustees heard that substantial progress had already been made on moving forwards with the consultation including finalising the recruitment of the steering group and expert reference group to work alongside the BPS to deliver the consultation.

An external review of the efficiency and effectiveness of assessment arrangements for current BPS Qualifications operations has also begun.  

During the co-production phase of the consultation process, members of the BPS Qualifications Committee asked for several modifications to the previously agreed process, including asking for the membership of the Steering and Expert Reference Groups to be increased. They were also unsure whether the current timeline would give enough time for the consultation to fully consider all relevant views.  

Trustees are committed to full transparency throughout the consultation process. As a result, they have agreed to a recommendation to bring in an independent external supplier to collaborate directly with members on the information gathering and analysis elements of the consultation. Following the Chair of the Steering Group deciding to step down, trustees also want to show their practical commitment to the consultation process and have decided that a member of the Board of Trustees without a conflict of interest will assume the position of Chair.

Acknowledging concerns that there needs to be sufficient time to allow all views to be captured, trustees have also agreed to extend the period of the consultation by four months. They will consider the consultation findings at the Board of Trustees meeting in Summer 2025.  

We hope to be able to confirm the new Chair of the Steering Group shortly. They will then work with the Qualifications Committee to address their feedback on the final composition of the Steering and Expert Reference Groups.