Healing the healers

The problem was revealed in the BPS and New Savoy staff wellbeing survey for 2015, where 46 per cent of the psychological therapists and psychologists surveyed reported experiencing depressed mood and 70 per cent said they found their job stressful.

The BPS, in conjunction with partner organisations, is now setting up a coordinated strategy to take forward the recommendations from a consultation with key stakeholders.

This will include the formation of a collaborative learning network to identify examples of good practice and support local champions and wellbeing initiatives. The BPS will also work alongside existing accreditation structures (including APPTS, the BPS's joint psychological therapies services accreditation programme with the Royal College of Psychiatrists) to monitor and enhance workforce wellbeing and resilience.

Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes, President of the BPS, said, "Health and wellbeing at work are vital issues which we of all people should be particularly concerned about. This is an area close to my heart. I have worked in, led and managed NHS services and have seen the effects of stress, overwork, inadequate supervision and consequent burnout at first hand."