By Liz Hall
The British Psychological Society (BPS) has honoured David Lane and Graham Turpin with a joint award for their outstanding contributions to professional psychology.
Lane was jointly given the Award for Distinguished Contributions to Professional Psychology 2009 in recognition of his commitment to the professional development of psychologists and workers in many other sectors.
In the 1970s, the professor pioneered the development of school-focused support services for children, work which has been widely applied in schools to manage behavioural difficulties and support the inclusion of children in classrooms. In 1975, he set up what later became the Professional Development Foundation (PDF), an organisation which provides practitioner-directed research and training and develops consultancy programmes. Through these programmes, Lane has made a significant contribution to the professional development of workers, including food scientists, vets, teachers and senior managers.
In support of his nomination, Sarah Corrie said: “He is indeed a professional developer of an extraordinary kind. Professional psychology has benefited enormously from his contribution”. Lane is also the research director of the International Centre for the Study of Coaching at Middlesex University, where he developed the first professional doctorate in coaching. In his nominating statement he is credited with bringing about the professionalisation of counselling psychology, and the development of psychotherapy as a specialism for psychologists. This contribution has extended into Europe where, alongside Judith Baron, Lane created the European Association for Counselling, which now has members in 15 countries.
Carole Allan, chair of the BPS Professional Practice Board, said: “There was an outstanding field of candidates this year. It was impossible to choose between two such distinguished practitioners who have both made outstanding and wide-ranging contributions across the applied fields”.
The second winner of the award is Graham Turpin, for his work and dedication to furthering the practice of clinical psychology.