In brief from the BPS, September 2024

Research proposals

The BPS is seeking proposals for Foundations and Futures of Psychology: Global Perspectives, a new research-based book series published by Routledge. The volumes will be edited by a senior researcher and a junior editor, offering a mentoring platform for early career researchers. 

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Qualifications consultations

The BPS is holding a consultation on the future of its qualifications following a decision by the Board of Trustees. The board recently discussed its previous decision to phase out three Society qualifications and has decided to pause this to consult more widely with members on the future of the BPS qualifications route. 

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BPS response to King's Speech

The BPS has responded to the King's Speech, welcoming the move to create parity of esteem between mental and physical health, the commitment to ban conversion therapy and to reform the Mental Health Act.

On the Mental Health Bill, Dr Roman Raczka, President-Elect of the British Psychological Society said: 'We are encouraged that the government has taken a positive first step to make the Mental Health Act fit for purpose by bringing forward a Bill to reform the Act. We know that the Mental Health Act has not worked for many patients for a long time, with huge inequalities regarding the disproportionate, and often inappropriate use of detention and restraint. Reforming the Act is an ideal opportunity to strengthen the protections and safeguards for those admitted to mental health units where and when appropriate, and make sure people can access the right support, from the right professionals when in a time of crisis.'

The BPS has welcomed an announcement by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, of an independent review of NHS performance. Dr Roman Raczka, President-Elect of the British Psychological Society, said 'We know that staff need support now, with NHS data revealing that more than six million days have been taken off sick by staff for mental health reasons in the past eleven months alone. The NHS staff survey paints an equally grim picture of a stressed, burnt out and demoralised workforce. Therefore, the government must not wait until the findings of this review are published to act.

'With the closure or pending closure, of many NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, high-quality psychological support for staff is now sadly a postcode lottery. We must also not forget the plight of social care staff, many of whom have been left with no access to support as demand and pressures grow. It is imperative that the NHS England review of staff mental health services, promised before the general election, continues alongside this wider review, as a matter of priority.

'Mental health support for staff in health and social care settings is needed now more than ever and an NHS that is "fit for the future" requires staff wellbeing at its core. We look forward to working with the government and the NHS to help make this a reality.'

Call to introduce Child Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The BPS has called for the urgent introduction of a Child Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This comes after the publication of findings from NHS providers which revealed the health service is struggling to meet rapidly rising demand and increasingly complex and acute care needs among children and young people.

Guidelines for Psychologists Working with Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity

After an interim review, the BPS has published updated guidelines for psychologists working with gender, sexuality and relationship diversity. BPS members with extensive and relevant experience were consulted during the review process, as well as external independent experts, organisations, and the BPS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board.

Debra Malpass, Director of Research, Education and Practice, said that the Society hoped the guidelines were useful to all psychologists working with gender, sexuality, and relationship-diverse adults. 'We appreciate this is a sensitive, complex and sometimes controversial area. The BPS has worked to produce guidelines that are balanced, accurate and based on principles that derived from both the literature and best practice agreement of experts in the field.'

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