From the Annual General Meeting 2024

The British Psychological Society's Annual General Meeting, held online on 24 July, approved the formation of a new Environmental Psychology Section.

Professor Maggie Snowling and Professor Emmy van Deurzen [see our 2018 interview] were made Honorary Fellows, and David Carew became an elected trustee.

Dr Laura Dean, a Chartered Psychologist with Sheffield University Management School, was confirmed as President-Elect. 

Dr Dean told us: 'It is an immense honour… I am both thrilled and humbled by this opportunity to take on this role for such a distinguished organisation. I am looking forward to being able to advocate for the field of psychology, support our members, and advance the BPS mission of promoting excellence and ethical practice in psychology. I look forward to working collaboratively with our members, partners, and the wider community to continue fostering innovation, inclusivity, and impact in our field.'

New President Dr Roman Raczka, Consultant Lead Clinical Psychologist, thanked outgoing President Dr Nicky Hayes for all her hard work on behalf of the Society, particularly on the international stage. 

He told us: 'Over the past year, in my role as President-elect, I have been involved in a wide range of activities on behalf of members. Key achievements include leading on the campaign to have continued funding for the NHS wellbeing hubs and the development of the Psychology Matters general election manifesto. 

I have worked closely with both members and BPS staff to comment and provide a psychological perspective on topical issues. I have also supported our outgoing President on the international arena developing working relationships with important international psychology organisations.

Over the next year, I see the priority areas as including further work on the wellbeing of the NHS and social care workforce, lobbying the government to take a psychological perspective on policy development, and supporting the work of the BPS Climate Emergency coordinating group.

I am very much looking forward to taking on the role of President and working with Dr Laura Dean, our new President-elect, as well as with fellow trustees and the Senior Leadership Team to deliver on the BPS strategy on behalf of, and alongside our members.'

See more from the AGM, including written responses to all questions.