British Psychological Society

Overview

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the professional body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. Established as the national representative organisation for the discipline, the BPS serves psychologists, psychology students, researchers and those with interests in psychological practice and science across academia, clinical practice, organisational settings and public service. Based in Leicester, the BPS represents the profession to government, employers, the public and international partners, and establishes standards for psychological practice, education and training throughout the United Kingdom.

If you are a psychologist, psychology graduate, student or someone working in psychology-related fields in the UK, or if your organisation employs psychologists or uses psychological expertise, the BPS is the primary professional association to understand and engage with.

Who Should Join?

The BPS serves a broad range of psychology professionals and students:

• Practising psychologists across all specialisms, including clinical, educational, occupational, forensic, health, counselling, sports and exercise psychology, and others
• Researchers and academics working in psychology departments, universities and research institutions
• Psychology students and trainees studying for qualifications in psychology or pursuing postgraduate training
• Organisations employing psychologists, including NHS trusts, educational institutions, private practice, government agencies, corporate employers and other public and private sector organisations
• Professionals in related fields who work alongside psychologists or use psychological approaches in their practice

The BPS operates multiple membership categories to serve different levels of involvement and qualification. These typically include chartered psychologist status for fully qualified professionals, graduate membership for those with recognised psychology qualifications, student membership for those studying towards recognised qualifications, and affiliate membership for those with an interest in psychology. Eligibility for specific membership categories depends on educational qualifications and professional experience; full details are available through the BPS website.

Why Join?

Membership of the BPS provides professional recognition and credibility. Chartered status, conferred through the BPS, is the formal mark of a fully trained and qualified psychologist in the UK and demonstrates professional competence to employers, clients, regulators and the public. For psychologists, being chartered and maintaining BPS membership is often a requirement for registration with regulatory bodies and for practising in many roles.

Beyond formal status, membership connects you to the professional community and knowledge base of UK psychology. The BPS maintains networks across all major areas of psychological practice and research, providing access to peers, current thinking in your specialism, and collective professional voice. For those early in their careers, this connection to an established professional community can be invaluable for development and opportunity.

The association represents the interests of psychology and psychologists to government, employers, the media and public bodies. Being a member means you contribute to and benefit from this advocacy and can influence how psychology is understood and used within society and policy.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

Professional Development and Training — The BPS provides continuing professional development (CPD) resources, training events, workshops and qualifications to support ongoing learning and competence across all areas of psychological practice. These help members maintain their knowledge and meet professional registration requirements.

Specialist Divisions and Networks — Members access specialist divisions covering areas such as clinical psychology, educational psychology, occupational psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, counselling psychology and many others. These divisions provide forums for peer support, discussion of emerging issues, specialist guidance and networking with others working in your area.

Publications, Research and Knowledge Resources — Membership includes access to the BPS journal publications, research summaries, evidence-based guidance, position statements and specialist resources. These keep members informed of advances in psychological science and practice relevant to their work.

Events, Conferences and Seminars — The BPS organises conferences, workshops, webinars and networking events throughout the year. These provide opportunities to engage with current debates, learn from leading researchers and practitioners, and build professional relationships across the sector.

Career Support and Opportunities — The BPS job board, career guidance and networking events support members in finding roles, progression and professional advancement. Directories and member profiles can raise an individual's visibility within the profession.

Professional Standards and Guidance — Members benefit from access to ethical guidelines, professional standards, codes of conduct and practical guidance produced by the BPS to support responsible and effective practice. These help members navigate professional and ethical issues in their work.

Discounts and Other Practical Benefits — Members often receive discounts on insurance, training resources, publications and attendance at BPS events.

Industry Role & Professional Standing

The BPS is the recognised authority on psychology and psychological practice in the United Kingdom. As the chartered body for the profession, it sets and maintains standards for psychological education, training and practice. Chartered status awarded through the BPS is the formal qualification recognised by employers, regulators, clients and the public as proof of professional competence and commitment to ethical practice.

The association plays a major role in representing psychology to government and policy makers, including engagement on mental health policy, research funding, education, employment law and other areas where psychology has relevance. It works with other professional bodies, research organisations and international psychology associations to advance the discipline and ensure psychological science and practice contribute effectively to society.

The BPS maintains professional codes of conduct and ethical guidelines that underpin responsible practice across the profession. Members are bound by these standards, which provide protection to the public and establish psychology as a regulated profession.

Through research, publication and public engagement, the BPS contributes to understanding of psychology and its applications, and works to raise public understanding of psychological wellbeing and the value of psychological expertise. For members, this positions them within a profession that is actively shaping understanding and policy related to human behaviour, wellbeing and mental health.

For psychologists seeking professional standing, career advancement and connection to their discipline, and for organisations requiring qualified, regulated psychological expertise, the BPS is the primary professional body through which to understand, engage with and contribute to the psychology profession in the UK.