Director of Practice

The British Psychological Society is seeking an exceptional Director of Practice to provide visionary leadership and drive the development and delivery of our professional practice strategy. This is a pivotal senior leadership role for an inspirational, forward‑thinking psychological professional who can shape the future of practice across the UK’s psychological workforce.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a national impact—strengthening professional standards, advancing the Society’s practice agenda, and ensuring our members’ expertise shapes policy, workforce planning and high‑quality professional development.

About the Role

As Director of Practice, you will lead the Practice Directorate and oversee the development of practice guidance, continuing professional development (CPD) products, workforce development programmes, and strategic partnerships that support the wider psychological workforce.

You will be the Society’s authoritative voice on psychological practice, representing the BPS externally and working closely with members, Divisions, Member Networks, the Practice Board and strategic partners. Your leadership will ensure the delivery of high‑quality practice resources, intelligence, standards and evidence‑based outputs that elevate the psychological professions.

What We’re Looking For

A postgraduate degree in psychology (or equivalent knowledge) is essential; HCPC registration and Chartered status are desirable. To be successful, you will be:

• A highly experienced practitioner psychologist with deep knowledge of professional psychological practice and the contemporary issues facing the profession.
• An inspirational leader with a track record of delivering organisational change and driving a high‑performance culture.
• Skilled at building, developing and motivating multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Strategic in your thinking, able to turn vision into actionable plans with measurable impact.
• Commercially astute with experience developing and delivering high‑quality professional development and practice products.
• A confident communicator able to influence, negotiate and represent the Society at the highest levels.
• Experienced in stakeholder engagement, partnership development and working with volunteers, including experts with lived experience.
• Proficient in managing complex projects, budgets and external suppliers.

Why Join Us?

At the BPS, we pride ourselves on being a collaborative, values‑led organisation committed to supporting and elevating the psychological professions. We offer:

• Agile & flexible working
• Generous annual leave
• Occupational pension scheme
• Employee Wellbeing & Assistance Programme
• Tailored learning and development
• Cycle to work scheme, free eye care vouchers, winter flu vaccinations
• Life Assurance
• Discounts with national organisations

You’ll be joining an organisation with national influence and strategic reach—an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the future of psychological practice.

How to Apply

Please send your CV, and a covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria by midday
on 20th March 2026
. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. Interview date: 17th April.

The British Psychological Society is committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of your background or circumstances. We are only able to accept applications that can demonstrate a right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is not possible to update you on the progress of the application until after the closing date. xekaoyc If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.