#British Psychological Society’s (BPS) new President Nicola Gale of City University London began her one-year term during the society’s annual general meeting held on the sidelines of the 2017 BPS Annual Conference on May 3-5 in Brighton.
Gale served the British Psychological Society in several roles including as Chair of the Representative Council, the Division of Counselling Psychology and various working groups, as well as member of the Professional Practice Board and representative on the Ethics Committee.
An academician in City University London’s Department of Psychology, Gale is a senior lecturer on the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology programme focusing on professional standards of practice in psychology, clinical practice and supervision, diversity issues, equality and inclusion.
Apart from her responsibilities with the British Psychological Society, Gale was clinical lead and head of service for an occupational health psychology service in the National Health Service. She has a background in human resources development as well as organisational development and training. Gale also served in professional services as a management consultant and as an accountant.
Gale to focus on inclusion
Gale said she felt honoured for her election as President of the BPS which she said has a long history as the professional body for the practice and science of psychology.
It is the mission of the BPS that people know themselves and others better and be equipped with the day-to-day psychological knowledge and skills in facing life challenges, she further said.
Gale also reiterated the British Psychological Society’s particular focus in the coming year on inclusion, investing in future generations and developing and disseminating evidence-based psychology relevant to today's public policy.
The new BPS President also pledged to work on these issues over the coming year with communities across the UK, Europe and also the rest of the world with support from the organisation's office bearers and staff.
Gale was the BPS President-Elect in 2016-2017. She is a Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the BPS and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registered Psychologist.
Kate Bullen elected as incoming President
Meanwhile, Head of the University of Brighton’s School of Applied Social Science Professor Kate Bullen has been elected as incoming President for 2018-2019 and will serve as President-Elect for a year while Gale is President.
