Professional bodies typically promote the profession, represent their members and provide curriculum frameworks, training and CPD.
Whilst these organisations are separate from the HCPC, their role may be complementary to ours.
Professional bodies for practitioner psychologists include:
The Association of Clinical Psychologists
The Association of Clinical Psychologists is the representative professional body for clinical psychologists. They seek to promote the profession and its members, explaining the role and competencies of clinical psychologists to healthcare managers, commissioners, policy makers and politicians, the general public and service users.
Their aim is to empower clinical psychologists to provide a psychological influence and perspective in order to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of service users and the general public.
Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP)
The AEP is the only trade union and professional association in the UK organised exclusively for and by Educational Psychologists. In its dual role as a trade union and professional body, the organisation offers support to members in regard to relations with employers, as well as providing professional and training services.
British Psychological Society (BPS)
For more than 120 years, BPS have championed psychology, psychologists and the wider psychological professions, supporting members through every stage of their careers. The BPS gives members the tools and resources to enhance their careers, with the latest psychological research, CPD opportunities and tailored events.
British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)
Established in 1984, BASES, the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, is the professional body for sport and exercise sciences in the UK. BASES’ mission is to deliver excellence in sport and exercise sciences through the promotion of scientific research and evidence-based practice. BASES’ aim is to develop and enhance professional and ethical standards in the sport and exercise sciences.
Membership of BASES gives individuals and organisations access to the largest network of sport and exercise science professionals in the UK, extensive professional development opportunities and exclusive member products and services.
Other organisations
We work closely with both trade unions and professional bodies. Some professional bodies we work with are themselves trade unions or have close formal links to them. You can find more information about the other organisations we work with on the trade unions section.