Kate has been a member of the BPS for 25 years and has been a member/chair of several key committees. She is currently chair of the Ethics Committee and the Social Justice, Inclusion and Diversity Working Group and was made a Fellow of the Society in 2016.
Kate will join the presidential team for three years, firstly as President Elect, as President from May 2018 – May 2019, and then finally as Vice-President from May 2019 – 2020. The BPS is the second largest psychological association in the world, second only to the American Psychological Association.
Kate said “I really am delighted to have the opportunity to join the presidential team and become BPS President in 2019-20. The fact that the annual conference is being held in Brighton this year makes this announcement particularly pleasing. The BPS Ethics Committee is also responsible for equality and, as chair, I proposed Social Justice as one of the conference themes and this was adopted. A very impressive number of our psychologists are presenting at the conference under this theme.
“I will continue to support the social justice agenda throughout my term as President. My intention is to carry on advocating the position that more women are needed in leadership roles in psychology, both in academia, and in professional practice.”
Professor Debra Humphris, University of Brighton Vice-Chancellor, said: “I’m sure the entire university community joins with me in congratulating Kate on her appointment and with wishing her well in her new roles.
“Kate is highly respected and this appointment confirms her standing as one of the country’s leading experts and advocates in her field.”