Join the SPA
Why join the SPA?
- 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.
- 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.
Membership brings a wide range of benefits:
- A Newsletter three times a year, containing up-dates on current developments and debates, book reviews and details of teaching resources, conferences, workshops and other events.
- The internationally acclaimed Journal of Social Policy and a new journal, Social Policy and Society (both published in collaboration with Cambridge University Press); both journals are free to members.
- A free copy of Social Policy Review, published annually by the Policy Press; an edited collection of articles reviewing developments and debates in social policy in Britain and internationally.
- Discounts on subscriptions to other leading academic journals – the European Journal of Social Policy, Policy and Politics and Social Policy and Administration.
- An Annual Conference which provides the opportunity to engage with the latest developments in the discipline; SPA members receive a discount on the conference registration fee. There are also reciprocal arrangements with BSA so SPA members can attend a BSA conference at reduced rate.
- Study Days for specialisms and interests within the discipline, such as comparative social policy, women and social policy, health policy and research.
- 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.
- A Postgraduate Group which provides a support network and organises training events, including sessions run in conjunction with the ESRC. Bursaries are also available for full and part-time postgraduates to attend the SPA annual conference.
- An expanding range of publications designed to support teaching, research and practice in social policy.
- Close links with the Social Policy and Social Work Subject Centre, monitoring and supporting new developments in teaching and learning.
- 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.
What will it cost?
Subscriptions are charged on a sliding scale according to income. UK taxpayers can claim tax relief at the standard rate on their subscriptions. Subscriptions are renewable each January and can be paid by cheque drawn on UK banks, credit card, eurosterling cheques drawn on banks elsewhere, or by standing order. (If you join during the calendar year, you will still receive Journal of Social Policy and other benefits for the whole calendar year)
Subscription Rates (2007)
| Income |
Rate |
Less than £15,000/€22,000
£15,000–£29,999/€22,000–43,999
£30,000–£49,999/€44,000–72,999
£50,000/€73,000 or more |
£18
£34
£62
£90 |
How do I join?
Download and complete our membership leaflet.