British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is a representative body for psychologists and psychology in the United Kingdom. The BPS is also a Registered Charity and, along with advantages, this also imposes certain constraints on what the society can and cannot do. For example, it cannot campaign on issues which are seen as political.

Founded on 24 October 1901 at University College, London (UCL) as The Psychological Society, the organisation initially admitted only recognised teachers in the field of psychology. Its current name of The British Psychological Society was taken in 1906 to avoid confusion with another group named The Psychological Society.

Under the guidance of Charles Myers, membership was opened up to members of the medical profession in 1919. In 1941 the society was incorporated and following the receipt of a royal charter in 1965, the society became the keeper of the Register of Chartered Psychologists. This register, which currently includes 17,906 psychologists, may be publicly searched via the Society's website.

A member of the British Psychological Society who has maintained chartered status has the right to the letters "C. Psychol." after his or her name. The BPS is also licensed by the Science Council to award Chartered Scientist status. The highest designation the Society can bestow is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society(FBPsS), showing a significant contribution and understanding of the discipline.

In 2011 the BPS had 48,768 members in all fields of psychology (49,919 including subscribers and affiliates). Its current President, for 2012/13, is Dr Peter Banister. Every year, in April or May, the Society holds its Annual Conference. In 2008 this was in Dublin; in 2009 this was in Brighton; in 2010 the conference was in Stratford-on-Avon; in 2011 the conference was in Glasgow. In 2012 the conference was in London.