The British Psychological Society’s president Dr Hazel McLaughlin is to step down to dedicate more time to her family.

The charity, which represents psychologists and promotes good practice in mental health support, says that McLaughlin has made the “difficult” decision due “significant health issues” within her family that “she feels that it is vital that she dedicates her time and energy” to.

McLaughlin said: “It has been a privilege and an honour to have been elected by the members and to have served as President of the British Psychological Society.

“The last year has been a time of change for our 60,000 members, yet psychology has never been more needed and relevant to the nation.

It has been fantastic to have so many members who have volunteered and worked across specialist areas to add value to our many stakeholders in both academia and in practice, including users of psychological services, other members, and the public.”

Acting chair Professor Carol McGuiness added: “I want to thank Hazel for the significant contributions she has made to the BPS and for her leadership, fortitude and patience this year.

“We owe Hazel a debt of gratitude for the dedication she has shown to the society and to all our fellow members. We all send Hazel and her family our very best wishes for the future."

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