Who can join BPOS and what does membership involve?

BPOS (British Psychosocial Oncology Society) welcomes members from across disciplines who have an interest in education and research in psychosocial oncology. Membership is aimed at people whose work or study touches the psychological and social dimensions of cancer care — not only those working directly with patients, but also those focused on families, friends, and the professionals who support them across the care pathway. To find out how to join, the society directs visitors to its "Join BPOS" page, which is the authoritative source for current joining details.

Who membership is for

The society describes its membership base in broad, interdisciplinary terms. According to the BPOS website, it welcomes "members from across the disciplines, who have an interest in education and research in psychosocial oncology."

This means membership is not restricted to a single profession. The society's stated scope covers:

• People diagnosed with cancer — the primary focus of psychosocial oncology
• Families and friends — the wider support network around the person with cancer
• Care professionals — those who care for patients and families "through all stages of the care pathway"

If your interest is in the educational, clinical, or research side of psychosocial oncology, the society's framing suggests you are within its intended audience. The site does not publish a detailed eligibility checklist on the page reviewed, so anyone unsure about fit should check the "Join BPOS" page directly.

What the society does

BPOS was founded in 1983 and states its aim as advancing and promoting knowledge in psychosocial oncology through education, clinical practice, and research. It is also a member of IPOS, the International Federation of National Psychosocial Oncology Societies, which connects its work to the wider international psycho-oncology community.

The society summarises its purpose as "making an impact on practice, policy and patients."

What membership involves

The page reviewed does not list a full benefits schedule, but it does show the kinds of activities members can take part in:

Conferences and events

• Annual conference — the BPOS Annual Conference brings the community together; the site notes that abstract submissions for the 2027 conference are open, with work welcomed "across the full breadth of psychosocial oncology."
• Student/ECR online event — a dedicated online event for student and Early Career Researcher members to share research or practice, connect with peers, and help shape future BPOS activities. The society has also issued a call for presenters for this event.

Community and governance

• Peer connection — events are framed around connecting with peers across disciplines.
• Executive Committee — the society has a committee and has run calls for nominations, so members have a route into shaping the society's work.

International link

• Through IPOS membership, BPOS connects members' work with the international psycho-oncology community.

How to join

The site's primary call to action is a "Join BPOS" link, alongside "About BPOS." The reviewed page does not state membership fees, categories, or an application process, so these details should be confirmed on the Join BPOS page rather than assumed.

A practical route for a prospective member:

1. Open the BPOS website (bpos.org) and select Join BPOS.
2. Review the joining information provided there for current categories and process.
3. If you are a student or early career researcher, also check the Student/ECR event page, since presenting there is one of the visible ways members participate.

Is it right for you?

The clearest signal from the site is breadth: BPOS positions itself as a home for anyone across disciplines with an interest in psychosocial oncology education and research, and its visible activities — the annual conference and the Student/ECR online event — are the main ways members engage.