Social Policy Association

The Social Policy Association (SPA) is the United Kingdom's professional association for teachers, researchers, students and practitioners of social policy. It works to promote the discipline, encourage public awareness of social policy research, liaise with relevant public bodies and higher education institutions, and facilitate the impact of research on public debates and social policy.

Founded in 1967 as the Social Administration Association, the SPA adopted its current name in 1987, reflecting the changing nature of the discipline and profession. It produces three academic journals: ''Journal of Social Policy'', ''Social Policy and Society'', and ''Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy'' published by Cambridge University Press.

The SPA is a membership organisation and membership is open to anyone with an interest in the social policy field. Members pay an annual fee, with the cost varying according to income bands and their country of residence. Benefits include subscriptions to the SPA's journals, discounted registration for its conference and the ability to apply for grants. Members are also eligible for nomination to the society's awards, which have been given out annually since 2006.

The SPA is a member learned society of the Academy of Social Sciences. It is one of the UK Government's approved professional organisations and learned societies for tax purposes. Provided by Wikipedia