BACP is pleased to announce that it has been invited by the CHRE (Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence) to be one of the organisations to pilot their Accreditation Scheme for Assured Voluntary Registers.

BACP Chief Executive, Laurie Clarke, said:

"Being involved in this pilot scheme is an excellent opportunity for BACP to be involved from the outset in the development and implementation of a system which aims to give our members recognition and support, and to enable those seeking therapy to identify reputable practitioners and therefore receive the highest standard of care available."

The pilot will begin in September, ahead of the official launch of the scheme in November, which will coincide with the renaming of CHRE to PSAHSC (Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care).

Christine Braithwaite, Director of Standards and Policy, CHRE, commented:

"This is a unique opportunity to develop a new way to encourage high professional standards, and demonstrate that to the public. We are taking a collaborative approach to the design of our new accreditation scheme for organisations that hold voluntary registers, and look forward to working with BACP over the summer as we pilot it."

The new scheme will set standards for organisations that hold voluntary registers for people working in a variety of health and social care occupations. This will allow employers, commissioners and members of the public to choose a counsellor or psychotherapist who is on a register that has been assessed and accredited by the PSAHSC.

Amanda Hawkins, Chair of BACP, said:

"I am extremely pleased that BACP has been offered the chance to take part in this pilot scheme, and hope that it is successful in providing a practical framework which supports our members and improves clients' access to high-quality counselling and psychotherapy services."