- The Social Policy Associatio is the professional association for teachers, researchers, students and practitioners of social poligy. Founded in 1972, it offers a wide range of services for all involved or interested in the subject and its development. The SPA aims to be an outward-looking association where international and global aspects of social policy, a broad world view, and engagement with scholars residing outside of as well as within the UK like at the heart of what we do and how we go about it.
- The SPA's activities are co-ordinated by an elected Executive Committee. All members of the SPA are eligible and welcome to stand and elections for the Executive Committee are held at the AGM dueing SPA's Annual Conference.
- The SPA is committed to promoting the subject of Social Policy and representing its members' interests. It is regularly consulted by organisations responsible for post-compulsory education and social science research in the UK.
- The SPA promotes research, teaching and practice in Social Policy and works to enhance the public profile of the subject.
- The SPA provides a forum for the exchange and dissemination of ideas and an unparalleled opportunity to keep in touch with national and international developments in a fast-changing policy environment. We have an expanding number of overseas members and are actively promoting stronger international links.
- The SPA is closely involved in the long-term development of the subject. It liaises closely with the Economic and Social Research Council and other bodies involved in postgraduate training; and provides a range of services to support and encourage advanced studies in Social Policy.
- The Journal of Social Policy and Social Policy and Society (both published four times a year in collaboration with Cambridge University Press).
- Policy World, published three times a year, contains news, updates on current developments and debates, book reviews and details of teaching resources, conferences, workshops and other events.
- Social Policy Review, published annually: an edited collection of articles reviewing developments and debates in social policy in Britain and internationally.
- A Postgraduate Group which organises a support network and tailored events for postgraduates via an annual Postgraduate Conference and theme-focussed Postgraduate Workshops throughout the year.
- Discounts on subscriptions to other leading academic journals: Journal of European Social Policy, Policy and Politics, Social Policy and Administration and Global Social Policy.
- Discounted registration for the annual Social Policy Association conference, which attracts social policy academics and researchers from the UK and other countries. The conference provides an important opportunity to engage with the latest developments in the subject.
- Reciprocal arrangements with other learned societies, such as the BSA, APPAM and SRA: these cam giv SPA members reduced rates of memebship and conference attendance to these societies (see website for further details).
- A Small Grants scheme to which any member can apply, for support in organising ad hoc seminars, conferences and other activities for the benefit of members.
- Close links with SWAP, the Social Policy and Social Work subject centre with the Higher Education Academy, whose role is enhancing learning and teaching.
In joining the SPA, you will become part of a network keeping you in touch with other policy analysts, academics and practitioners, and committed to ensuring the future of the subject.
