There has been significant debate around the future representation of clinical psychology as a profession. In 2017 there was a Special General Meeting of the Division of Clinical Psychology where issues around professional representation were highlighted.
An additional meeting took place led by the DCP alumni group where an overview on the establishment of a new professional body.
The PPN hosted an online debate in October 2017 where a range of stakeholders provided their views on the future representation of clinical psychologists. This was well-attended and the video has been viewed many times since. It can be seen on the PPN YouTube Channel.
The Association of Clinical Psychologists have formed into a Community Interest Company and further information on the ACPUK website.
There has been debate going on around the future representation of clinical psychology and what is required to ensure an effective and sustainable workforce that can contribute to health and social care developments. There are significant differences in opinion around what is needed for the profession and how this can be achieved. There are constraints on how this could be achieved within existing professional body structures. There have been emerging voices and groups proposing alternative models. However, there has not been a forum where representatives of the different points of view can come together and engage in constructive debate.
North West Psychological Professions Network is delighted to be able to offer the opportunity for this debate. Representatives from a range of perspectives engaged in a panel discussion. There were representatives from the following areas:
- The British Psychological Society (BPS)
- The BPS Division of Clinical Psychology Executive Committee
- The newly formed Association for Clinical Psychology
- North West Psychological Professions Network
- Minorities in Clinical Training Group
- Psychologists for Social Change (formerly Psychologists Against Austerity)
- People who have accessed clinical psychology services
- Clinical Psychologists in independent practice
- Clinical psychologists who are not members of the BPS
The discussion was chaired and facilitated by Neil McLauchlan (Local Director, Health Education England) who acts as an experienced commissioner of clinical psychology training. This is a pivotal time for clinical psychology as a profession, watch the panel present their perspectives.
The event was live-streamed and there was a very active Twitter feed that also contributed to the discussion. Over 100 people watched it live. The recording is available via the PPN YouTube channel (the link works best with newer browsers) for anyone who wants to hear and see more and contribute to the debate.