Helping aspiring psychology professionals

An innovative mentoring programme run by the Social Mobility Foundation is giving BPS members the opportunity to lead by example in improving social mobility and increasing diversity in the profession.

The 'Aspiring Professionals Programme' gives students from disadvantaged backgrounds help to access traditionally competitive careers. Students apply in year 12, and if successful, are supported by the scheme from University application up until graduation. The scheme matches mentors with mentees on a 1-1 basis, and the partnership lasts from April to December. For younger mentees, assistance would be based around help with University applications, whilst for older students help would include work experience placements and career advice.

The scheme currently offers mentoring in a range of fields, including law, accountancy, finance and medicine, but does not yet offer a scheme for psychology, despite there being a huge appetite for it. 80% of applications that don't fit into an existing sector are made up of psychology applications.

The scheme is open to all members who have at least six months of experience working within the Psychology Sector. Mentors are subject to DBS checks, which can be funded by the SMF. The scheme is low commitment – mentors are asked to check in by email approximately once per fortnight. Your time and support could change the lives of aspiring Psychologists.  

The internal lead for the British Psychological Society on the Programme, Senior Public Affairs Officer Emily Marr, said: 'This is a really exciting opportunity to bring about change for the next generation of psychologists. Please get in touch with me on [email protected] if you have any questions or if you intend to sign up directly here.'