BPS Advances Psychology Policy Across All Four UK Nations

The British Psychological Society (BPS) has published its March 2026 policy and public affairs update, outlining wide-ranging activity across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during the month. In Northern Ireland, the BPS participated in the Mental Health Policy Group's second meeting with the interim Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, where discussions centred on the RESET plan a programme aimed at stabilising health services, tackling a £600 million funding gap and reducing waiting times.

BPS members were identified as potential contributors to the plan's implementation, particularly around behavioural change, workforce planning and the delivery of psychological input into the new Neighbourhood Model of care. In Scotland, BPS engaged with the Mental Health Partnership hustings ahead of the Holyrood election on 7 May 2026, with early planning beginning for the 2027 Northern Ireland election cycle.

BPS is also monitoring government policy on professional advice structures following the announced departure of the Scottish Government's Principal Psychology Officer. In Wales, BPS contributed to the Health and Wellbeing Alliance (HAWA)'s engagement with the Senedd health committee and co-produced a manifesto with the Women's Health Wales Coalition calling on the incoming Welsh Government to make women's health a priority. The full policy update is published on the BPS website.