Events by British Psychological Society

The "Stick Around" campaign launch and showcase in Leicester is a unique event that sits at the intersection of public health and psychological theory.This event introduces a series of trauma-informed community resources inspired by the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF). Unlike traditional medical models of mental health, the PTMF asks "What has happened to you?" rather than "What is wrong with you?" This event is designed to demonstrate how these principles can be translated into highly accessible, visual resources for the general public. The showcase will feature a poster series and digital assets that have been designed to be "stuck around" community spaces—such as libraries, GP surgeries, and community centers—to provide immediate, relatable psychological support. During the event, the creators of the campaign will explain the psychological foundations of the imagery and language used, highlighting how the project aims to reduce stigma and provide a non-diagnostic alternative for understanding emotional distress. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive stations where they can evaluate the resources and discuss how to implement them in their own local settings. This is an ideal event for community leaders and healthcare providers who are looking for practical ways to implement trauma-informed care without relying solely on clinical interventions. The session will also include a panel discussion on the role of "psychology in the streets" and how visual communication can be used to improve public health outcomes. By hosting this event in Leicester, the BPS aims to reach a broad demographic of community-facing professionals. The "Stick Around" campaign represents a shift toward more democratic and accessible psychology, making complex theoretical frameworks like the PTMF understandable and useful for everyone. Attendees will receive a physical starter pack of the resources to take back to their organizations, ensuring the impact of the event extends far beyond the day itself.

As the UK population continues to age and retirement ages shift, the psychological challenges and opportunities of an older workforce have never been more relevant. The "Insight to Action: Ageing Well" seminar, hosted by the BPS in Leicester, brings together experts in occupational and developmental psychology to address how organizations and individuals can prepare for longer working lives. This event moves beyond theoretical discussion to provide actionable strategies based on the latest psychological evidence regarding cognitive health, workplace inclusivity, and the transition to late-career roles. The seminar will explore how psychologists can help design work environments that support the physical and mental wellbeing of older employees. This includes looking at "age-positive" recruitment practices, the psychological impact of menopause in the workplace, and the importance of lifelong learning and skill adaptation. Participants will gain insight into how to combat ageism within corporate cultures and how to foster intergenerational mentoring programs that benefit both younger and older staff members. Key sessions will focus on the "psychological contract" between employers and older workers, examining how motivations for work change as people enter their 50s, 60s, and beyond. Speakers will present case studies of successful interventions that have improved retention rates and job satisfaction among senior employees. The event is particularly timely as the BPS looks to influence national policy regarding work-life balance and health at work, making it a must-attend for HR professionals and organizational consultants. The Leicester venue provides a central location for this important discussion, inviting practitioners from across the Midlands to share their experiences. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive toolkit for implementing age-friendly policies that are grounded in psychological theory but designed for real-world impact. This event is a call to action for the psychological community to lead the way in creating a society where ageing is viewed as an asset rather than a liability in the professional sphere.

The BPS Research Board is proud to host an official launch event for the newly established "Small Research Grants Scheme," taking place at the society's headquarters in Leicester. This event is a critical milestone for the British Psychological Society as it seeks to expand its support for grassroots research and innovative pilot studies that might otherwise struggle to secure large-scale national funding. The session is designed to be both informative and consultative, providing potential applicants with a clear roadmap for the submission and review process. The Small Research Grants Scheme is specifically tailored to support early-career researchers and those working in niche areas of psychology. During the launch, members of the Research Board will provide a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria, the thematic priorities for the 2026-2027 funding cycle, and the specific assessment metrics that will be used to evaluate proposals. This transparency is intended to encourage a high volume of quality applications from a diverse range of psychological disciplines, from neuropsychology to social and environmental psychology. In addition to the formal presentation of the grant guidelines, the event will feature a Q&A session where attendees can seek clarification on budgetary requirements and collaborative partnerships. This is a rare opportunity for researchers to speak directly with the grant-makers and understand the strategic vision behind the scheme. The launch also emphasizes the importance of impact; speakers will discuss how the BPS hopes these small grants will act as a "springboard" for researchers to eventually secure more substantial funding from bodies like the ESRC or the Wellcome Trust. By attending this event in person in Leicester, researchers can also network with peers who may be interested in co-authoring bids or sharing resources. The launch represents the BPS's commitment to nurturing the next generation of psychological talent and ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of global psychological inquiry. It is an essential gathering for anyone looking to advance their research career within the framework of the British Psychological Society.

The Celebrating Psychology in the Midlands 2026 conference is a premier regional gathering designed to showcase the vibrant and diverse landscape of psychological research and practice across the Midlands. Hosted by the British Psychological Society, this event serves as a critical hub for local professionals, academics, and students to converge and share the latest advancements in the field. The conference is structured to be highly inclusive, featuring a wide array of session formats including traditional oral presentations, interactive workshops, student-led lightning talks, and a comprehensive poster session. One of the primary goals of this event is to foster a sense of community and collaboration among those working within the East Midlands and West Midlands regions. By providing a platform for both seasoned practitioners and early-career researchers, the conference facilitates the cross-pollination of ideas that can lead to innovative solutions in mental health, educational psychology, and occupational wellbeing. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with keynote speakers who are leaders in their respective sub-fields, offering insights into the future direction of psychology in the UK. For students and recent graduates, the conference is particularly valuable. The dedicated "Student Lightning Talks" allow for rapid-fire dissemination of dissertation findings or pilot studies, offering a supportive environment for developing public speaking and professional networking skills. Furthermore, the event emphasizes practical application, with workshops focused on "Masterclass" delivery styles that blend theory with hands-on group activities. Whether you are looking to stay updated on the latest research trends or seeking to build professional connections within the Midlands, this conference offers a rich, multi-faceted experience. The venue, located in the heart of Leicester, provides an accessible and professional setting for this day-long immersion into the world of psychology. Attendees can expect a rigorous yet friendly atmosphere where the emphasis is on celebrating the achievements of the local psychological community while looking forward to new challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.

The Psychology Professional Development Symposium, supported by the British Psychological Society regional networks, is a premier one-day event designed to bridge the gap between academic research and professional practice. Hosted in the historic heart of Leicester, this symposium serves as a vital touchpoint for the local psychological community, bringing together seasoned practitioners, innovative researchers, and the next generation of psychology students from across the East Midlands. The 2026 program focuses on "The Evolving Landscape of Mental Health Interventions," exploring how digital transformation and socio-economic shifts are redefining the role of the psychologist. Attendees will participate in a series of expert-led sessions covering diverse fields, including clinical, educational, and occupational psychology. The morning session features a keynote address on the integration of AI-assisted diagnostics in clinical settings, followed by interactive breakout groups where participants can discuss case studies in a collaborative environment. A significant portion of the afternoon is dedicated to career progression. With the job market for psychology graduates becoming increasingly varied, the symposium provides a roadmap for those looking to specialize. Workshops will cover the requirements for Chartership, the latest developments in Health Education England (HEE) funded pathways, and the growing importance of "orthogonal careers"—applying psychological expertise in non-traditional sectors like UX design and corporate consultancy. Beyond the formal presentations, the event emphasizes networking. The long afternoon coffee break and structured "round-robin" sessions are designed to facilitate meaningful connections between students and potential employers or research supervisors. By providing a platform for shared learning and professional camaraderie, the BPS continues its commitment to excellence in the field of psychology, ensuring that practitioners in Leicester and beyond are equipped with the insights needed to thrive in a modern professional environment.