Bursaries and Contracts: Results of survey of Trainee & Newly Qualified Educational Psychologists

356 responses were received from TEP and NQEP* members of the AEP (*qualified between 2021 and 2023). The number of responses received by TEP members represented over half of our entire TEP membership.

Many conclusions can be drawn from the results, as well as insightful words shared by those training and new to the profession. 

If as a profession we wish to continue espousing equality, diversity and inclusion as a value, it is vital that we properly remunerate trainees:
 

• Firstly, this is a moral imperative; all members of the profession should be able to live in comfort and dignity. 
• Secondly, if we wish to support people from a diverse range of backgrounds to enter the profession, access to additional financial support should not have to be a prerequisite to training. As the cost-of-living crisis continues, inadequate means while training will effectively exclude those from low-income backgrounds from entering the profession.
• Thirdly, employment status provides a range of protections and benefits, which are vital for all, but are arguably most needed by those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act or other vulnerabilities like insecure finances.