BACP's Policy team works to support the interests of members and service users through raising awareness and understanding of psychological therapies to politicians, civil servants and opinion formers and seeking to influence decision making and legislation across the four UK Parliaments.

Through meetings, preparing briefings, evidence to committees, responses on legislation and communication with parliamentary groups, BACP provides expert advice to parliamentarians and civil servants in Westminster, the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

BACP also responds to a variety of consultations from various organisations and government bodies and these can be access through the consultations page.

You can keep up to date with BACP's policy and public affairs work through the column in Therapy Today.

Getting involved

With over 37,000 members UK-wide, there are hundreds of our members in every politician's constituency. This means that our members have an important voice locally and collectively at a national level. BACP can help shape the collective voice about issues relating to counselling and psychotherapy through the dissemination of key messages on issues of importance to clients and counsellors.

BACP's Policy Team are always keen to hear from members about any recent developments or concerns in your area relating to counselling and psychotherapy and can assist members with advice on writing, emailing or meeting with local representatives.

If you would like further information on BACP's policy or public affairs and would like to discuss taking up issues in your local area, please contact Martin Bell, Parliamentary and Public Affairs Advisor on 07734 085041 or martin.bell@bacp.co.uk or Suky Kaur, Policy and Public Affairs Manager on suky.kaur@bacp.co.uk or 07734 410149.

For general policy enquiries please email: policy@bacp.co.uk.