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Your career in
Government
Occupational
Psychology

Your career doesn’t need to be linear. You can move across specialisms to develop transferable knowledge, skills and competencies in different areas. Think of a career lattice rather than the traditional idea of a career ladder. You will always remain a member of the Government Occupational Psychology Profession.

Professional skills

  • Occupational Psychology Knowledge Base: We are evidence-based in our approach drawing on the full occupational psychology knowledge base. We deliver solutions based on a process that works to get a credible answer; a scientific process using four sources of evidence: practitioner, science, organisational data, and stakeholders. We strive to keep current with the latest academic research, which is part of our culture and identity. We weigh up the credibility and relevance of each evidence source before making an informed decision on how to solve organisational problems.

  • Consultancy: We pride ourselves on delivering our services and interventions using a consultancy approach, which leads to the best intervention possible for the situation. We begin by contracting the process with the project commissioner, before gathering information from the four sources of evidence mentioned above. We then critically appraise all available evidence in order to formulate plans and actions, to then implement and review solutions. Evaluating success and reflecting on outcomes are key steps once a project has been implemented to improve and refine our service.

  • Research & Evaluation: We are experts in qualitative and quantitative research methods. We conduct appropriate and sound scientific research to provide the evidence base on which to make organisational decisions.

ETHICS AND CONDUCT

We uphold high standards of ethics and professional conduct. All our members are encouraged to be members of the British Psychological Society and adhere to its Code of Ethics & Conduct. This focusses on four primary ethical principles: respect, competence, responsibility and integrity, which provide a framework for our decision-making. Our members in designated psychology posts must adhere to both the British Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics & Conduct and the Health & Care Professions Council’s Standards of Conduct, Performance & Ethics.

CHARTERSHIP

Members who work in designated occupational psychologist posts at HEO grade will be enrolled on a qualification to become a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society and a Registered Occupational Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council. This is a training contract worth over £12,000 as it includes training fees, supervision, work experience, learning and development. You will be supervised on this accreditation journey by an existing Registered Occupational Psychologist who will support you to become a fully qualified Occupational Psychologist.

The Health and Care Professions Council is the regulatory body for practitioner psychologists in the UK who assess psychologists as meeting the minimum standards for safe and effective practice. Chartered Psychologists reflect the highest standard of psychological knowledge, expertise and practice.