The British Psychological Society (BPS) has appointed David Crundwell as its first permanent chair, after it made changes to its governance structure.
Following a successful member vote last year on changes to BPS’s charter and statutes, and subsequent approval by its privy council, the charity introduced a new role of chair of the board of trustees.
Governance at BPS was previously led by its elected president, but this structure was called into question after a series of resignations and expulsions in recent years.
BPS still has a president and is opening nominations for its vacant position of president-elect. It is also recruiting for three trustees.
Resignations
The new role of chair is responsible for operating in the interest of the members, ensuring compliance with the society’s charitable objectives, protecting the society’s assets and reputation, and is charged with ensuring the long-term sustainability of the society.
In February 2021, a long-standing trustee and former president of the BPS, David Murphy, resigned citing concerns about governance, spending and transparency.
In April of the same year, the president of the BPS Hazel McLaughlin stepped down from her role on the charity’s trustee board due to family commitments.
Then in May 2021, the BPS expelled president-elect Nigel MacLennan, amid bullying allegations, which he denied.
In August 2022, Dr Joanna North, who has been voted in as president-elect a month before, resigned after expressing fears that external pressures associated with the role would “affect my personal and professional life in a way that I have concluded I cannot accept”.
The charity also reported an allegation of fraud involving a former staff member to police following an internal investigation in 2020.
A former employee, Viola Sander, was then charged with two counts of fraud by abuse of position and two counts of false accounting – after spending £70,000 of the charity’s money.
‘Never a more important time for clear leadership’
Crundwell is currently chair of Imperial Health Charity, a former trustee of the British Geriatrics Society and also sits on the genito-urinary medicine specialist advisory committee with the Royal College of Physicians.
Nicky Hayes, BPS president, said: “I am confident that David's expertise and experience will help the society play an ever-stronger role in championing psychology, psychologists and the wider profession.
“As we look to the future there never has been a more important time for clear leadership and good governance.”
She also thanked Katherine Carpenter, the outgoing interim chair, who “stepped into the role at a challenging time and her experience, calmness and dedication have been invaluable”.
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