Our Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Professional Standards Officer Fiona Ballantine Dykes says she’s honoured to have received the British Psychoanalytic Council’s (BPC) award for Outstanding Professional Leadership award.

Fiona was presented with the award at BPC’s annual Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Now (PPNow) conference on Saturday 12 November.

The award recognises her role in bringing together and working with partner organisations, professional bodies and stakeholders on SCoPEd and in agreeing shared standards for the benefit of members, the wider profession and with the aim of making therapy more available to clients.  Working together has had a positive impact on how profession is perceived and opened new conversations and opportunities.

Building relationships

Fiona said: “I feel very honoured to have been recognised by the BPC with this professional leadership award.

“Building relationships, breaking down barriers and working towards consensus is challenging but immensely rewarding – and it’s important for the credibility of the counselling professions.

“There are many kinds of leadership but I hope what I’ve offered is a way of leading that builds trust and confidence and meets people where they are, recognising differences and acknowledging past hurts, rather than standing out in front.

“So for that reason I want to thank everyone who has engaged, contributed and supported the commitment to working together.”