The British Psychological Society
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    • Partnership and Accreditation – Associate Psychologist Sub-Committee - Committee Members

    The British Psychological Society is looking to appoint Committee Members for the Associate Psychologist Sub-Committee within the Committee on Training in Clinical Psychology (CTCP)

    The Associate Psychologist Sub-Committee is a sub-group of the CTCP and has delegated responsibility by CTCP for activity related to the standards of training in applied psychology programmes for associate psychologists.

    The accreditation standards currently apply to applied psychology programmes for associate psychologists working with clinical populations in health and social care.

    These standards could be extended in the future to encompass programmes for associate psychologists working in other areas, such as educational or forensic settings.

    The Committee aims to promote excellence in psychology education and training so that students and academics have access to high-quality teaching and learning, now and in the future.

    The purpose of the Associate Psychologist Sub-Committee is:

    • To assure, enhance and develop standards of training in applied psychology programmes for associate psychologists;
    • To identify and promote creativity and innovation within associate psychology training;
    • To uphold, develop and promote principles of inclusion and diversity within the standards of accreditation, reflected in all aspects of programme delivery; and
    • To play a lead role in facilitating discussion between trainers and employers in driving training, and the discipline as a whole, forward.

    The role of Committee members:

    • Committee members are responsible for contributing to the Committee's achievement of its objectives and fulfilment of its function on behalf of the society, within the educational governance framework, and in accordance with the Society's strategic objectives.

    Benefits of involvement

    • Our committee members tell us that their involvement in accreditation through partnership gives them valuable insight into different approaches to training the psychologists of the future, to bring the diversity of training methods back to their own practice and programmes, and offers them the opportunity to network with and learn alongside a diverse range of professional colleagues.
    • Their involvement in our work provides opportunities to explore alternative approaches to common challenges, and to stay up-to-date with current education, training and practice in a range of areas. There is also the opportunity to get involved in project groups in relation to special areas of interest.
    • Further, involvement in the Associate Psychologist sub-committee affords opportunities to contribute to the scope, strategic aims and developments of standards for the training of associate psychologists of the future.

    What sort of work is involved?

    • Our committee members work as part of the Society's Undergraduate Education Committee or postgraduate Training Committees, with responsibility for accrediting programmes and enhancing quality.
    • We ask our committee members to engage in both paper-based programme reviews and in partnership visits to universities across the UK to support the accreditation of applied psychology programmes for associate psychologists.
    • The nature and number of reviews and visits will vary year on year, but we will work closely with you to ensure that you are able to balance any work you undertake on our behalf with your other commitments.
    • The Associate Psychologist Sub-Committee holds a minimum of two face-to-face meetings during the year with CTCP to provide an opportunity for discussion of key policy and practice issues, and to facilitate peer support and training. We reimburse travel and subsistence expenses for any meetings or visits you attend as part of this role.

    How to apply

    To apply please contact [email protected] to request an application pack.

    The BPS embraces diversity and values equal opportunities and we are committed to building a society that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.

    We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.