What is the SPA?
The Social Policy Association (SPA) is the professional association for teachers, researchers, students and practitioners of social policy. The SPA promotes the study of social policy and advances the role of social policy research within policy making, practice and wider public debates. 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 lie at the heart of what we do and how we go about it.
Why should I join?
The SPA is committed to promoting the discipline 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 discipline. 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.
What are the benefits of membership?
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 discipline.
Reciprocal arrangements with other learned societies: SPA members can attend the BSA conference at a reduced rate and can join APPAM (Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management) at a reduced price.
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.
An on-line directory of members of the SPA, giving details of members' interests and expertise, to facilitate networking among 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 discipline.
How is the SPA organised?
The SPA's activities are co-ordinated by an elected Executive Committee. All members of the SPA are eligible to stand and elections for the Executive Committee are held at the AGM during SPA's Annual Conference.
How much does it cost?
Subscriptions are charged on a sliding scale according to income (see below for current rates). UK taxpayers can claim tax relief at the standard rate on their subscriptions. Subscriptions are renewable each January and can be paid online by Paypal or by a cheque sent through the post. If you join during the calendar year, you will still receive copies of all publications and other benefits for the whole calendar year.
| Subscription rates (2012) UK and Economic North | |
|---|---|
| Annual income | Annual subscription |
| Less than £15,000 | £20 |
| £15,000–£29,999 | £40 |
| £30,000–£49,999 | £70 |
| £50,000 or more | £100 |
| Organisational rate | £100* |
| Subscription rates (2012) **Economic South | |
| Individual rate | £10 |
| Organisational rate | £50* |
* Please contact the Membership Secretary, Simon Pemberton, for further details of organisational membership which is available to organisations in the Public and Third Sector but not higher education institutions.
** For clarification of the classification of the economic North/South divide please refer to this map (map reproduced by kind permission of the British Society of Criminology)
To join or renew your membership, either Complete the online form and pay through Paypal or Download and complete paper application form and pay by cheque.
Contact details
If you have any queries regarding membership, please contact the Membership Secretary or Lavenham Press
