BPS Ethical Guidelines: A Practical Guide
The British Psychological Society (BPS) provides ethical guidance for psychologists and others working in psychology. Its guidelines help professionals make responsible decisions, protect the people they work with and maintain public trust in psychological practice and research.
Ethical guidance is relevant across many settings, including clinical and educational services, workplaces, universities and research projects. It is not simply a checklist: applying it often requires careful judgement, especially when duties or interests appear to conflict.
The four ethical principles
The BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct is organised around four broad principles:
- Respect: Treat people with dignity, recognise their rights and diversity, and take their autonomy and privacy seriously.
- Competence: Work within the limits of one’s knowledge and skills, keep professional expertise up to date and seek support or make referrals when appropriate.
- Responsibility: Consider the effects of professional work on individuals, communities and society. Take steps to prevent harm and meet relevant professional obligations.
- Integrity: Be honest, accurate and open about professional work, avoid misleading others and manage conflicts of interest.
These principles provide a framework for reflection rather than a complete answer to every situation. Psychologists are expected to consider the circumstances, the people affected and the likely consequences of different courses of action.
Ethics in psychological research
Research involving people requires particular care. Researchers should ensure that participants receive clear information about what a study involves, its possible risks and how their information will be used. Where appropriate, participants should give informed consent and be free to withdraw in accordance with the terms explained to them.
Researchers should also consider confidentiality, data security, participant wellbeing and the possibility of distress or other harm. If a study involves deception, researchers need to establish that it is ethically justified, minimise any adverse effects and provide an appropriate explanation afterwards. Additional safeguards may be needed when research involves children, people in vulnerable circumstances or participants who may have difficulty giving informed consent.
Ethical review should take place before research begins. Researchers should follow the requirements of their institution and any relevant funder, regulator or professional body. Approval from an ethics committee does not remove a researcher’s responsibility to monitor the study and respond to unexpected problems.
Ethics in professional practice
In applied settings, ethical questions can arise around consent, confidentiality, record-keeping, professional boundaries and the sharing of information. Psychologists should explain the nature and limits of their service, keep appropriate records and take care not to promise outcomes they cannot guarantee.
Confidentiality is important, but it is not always absolute. There may be circumstances in which information needs to be shared to protect someone from serious harm or to meet a legal obligation. Any decision to disclose information should be carefully considered, proportionate and consistent with relevant law and professional guidance. Where possible, the person concerned should be informed.
Putting the guidelines into practice
A useful approach to an ethical dilemma is to:
- Identify the people affected and the ethical issues involved.
- Consult the relevant BPS guidance, workplace policies and legal requirements.
- Consider possible actions, including their risks and likely consequences.
- Seek supervision or advice where appropriate, while protecting confidential information.
- Make a reasoned decision and keep a clear record of the considerations behind it.
- Review the outcome and learn from the experience.
Consultation is especially valuable when a decision has significant consequences or when professional duties appear to conflict. Seeking advice does not transfer responsibility for the decision, but it can help ensure that relevant perspectives and risks have been considered.
Keeping guidance current
Professional standards and related requirements may change. Anyone working in psychology should consult the latest BPS publications and check the rules that apply to their role, setting and area of practice. The BPS ethical framework supports professional judgement; it does not replace applicable law, organisational procedures, specialist guidance or the need for supervision.
By applying ethical principles thoughtfully and consistently, psychologists can promote respectful practice, responsible research and greater confidence in the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions on the British Psychological Society’s Ethical Guidelines
- What are the four ethical principles in the British Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Conduct?
- Who should follow the BPS ethical guidelines?
- How do the BPS guidelines apply to psychological research involving human participants?
- What does the BPS say about informed consent and a participant’s right to withdraw?
- When can a psychologist share confidential information under the BPS guidelines?
- How should psychologists respond to an ethical dilemma or potential conflict of interest?
- What should psychologists do if a task falls outside their competence?
- Where can I find the latest BPS ethical guidelines and guidance for a specific area of practice?
What are the four ethical principles in the British Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Conduct?
The British Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Conduct is guided by four ethical principles: Respect, Competence, Responsibility and Integrity. These ask psychologists to uphold people’s dignity, rights and diversity; work within the limits of their knowledge and skills; consider the effects of their work and take steps to prevent harm; and act honestly, transparently and fairly. Together, the principles provide a framework for making sound ethical decisions in research and professional practice.
Who should follow the BPS ethical guidelines?
The BPS ethical guidelines are intended primarily for members of the British Psychological Society, including psychologists working in research, education and professional practice. They can also be a useful reference for psychology students, researchers and organisations involved in psychological work. Anyone using the guidelines should consider the requirements relevant to their role, alongside applicable laws, professional standards and organisational policies.
How do the BPS guidelines apply to psychological research involving human participants?
The BPS ethical guidelines apply to research involving human participants by requiring researchers to respect participants’ dignity, rights, wellbeing and privacy throughout a study. Researchers should provide clear information, obtain informed consent where appropriate, explain any limits to confidentiality and ensure participation is voluntary, including clarifying withdrawal arrangements. They should assess and minimise potential harm, protect and securely handle personal data, and take extra care when working with children or people who may be vulnerable. Research should receive appropriate ethical review before it begins, and any use of deception must be justified and followed by a suitable debriefing. Researchers remain responsible for monitoring the study and responding to unexpected concerns, in line with current BPS guidance, relevant law and institutional requirements.
What does the BPS say about informed consent and a participant’s right to withdraw?
The British Psychological Society’s ethical guidance emphasises that participants should be given clear, understandable information about a study so they can make a voluntary, informed decision about taking part. Consent should be obtained before participation, with any relevant limits to confidentiality or use of data explained in advance. Participants should also be told that they can withdraw without penalty; researchers should explain how to do so and, where applicable, what will happen to data already collected. The precise arrangements may depend on the study, so researchers should follow current BPS guidance and their research ethics committee’s requirements.
When can a psychologist share confidential information under the BPS guidelines?
Under the BPS ethical guidelines, psychologists should normally keep personal information confidential and share it only with the person’s informed consent. Disclosure without consent may be justified or required in limited circumstances—for example, to meet a legal obligation or to address a serious risk of harm to the person or someone else. Any disclosure should be necessary and proportionate, limited to the information needed, and handled in line with applicable law and professional guidance. Where practicable, the psychologist should explain the decision to the person concerned and seek appropriate advice or supervision.
How should psychologists respond to an ethical dilemma or potential conflict of interest?
When faced with an ethical dilemma or potential conflict of interest, psychologists should pause and consider who may be affected, which BPS ethical principles and professional duties apply, and the possible consequences of each course of action. They should be open about relevant conflicts, take reasonable steps to prevent or manage them, and seek supervision or advice where appropriate. Any decision should be proportionate, protect people from harm and be clearly documented. Psychologists should also consult current BPS guidance, relevant workplace policies and applicable legal requirements, remembering that seeking advice does not remove their responsibility for the final decision.
What should psychologists do if a task falls outside their competence?
If a task falls outside their competence, psychologists should not proceed as though they have the necessary expertise. They should explain the limits of their knowledge or skills, seek appropriate supervision, training or advice, and, where necessary, refer the person to a suitably qualified professional. Any action should prioritise the person’s wellbeing, maintain confidentiality and follow relevant BPS guidance, workplace procedures and legal requirements.
Where can I find the latest BPS ethical guidelines and guidance for a specific area of practice?
You can find the latest BPS ethical guidelines on the British Psychological Society’s official website, in its ethics and standards resources. For guidance on a particular area of practice, look for relevant BPS guidance documents and professional division resources, and check that they apply to your role and setting. As requirements can change, use the most recent published version and consult your supervisor, employer or relevant ethics committee if you are unsure how the guidance applies.
