The Scope of Practice and Education (SCoPEd) framework transparently sets out the core training, practice and competence requirements for counsellors and psychotherapists working with adults.
The January 2022 SCoPEd framework represents phase one of an ongoing collaboration between six Professional Standards Authority accredited register bodies across counselling and psychotherapy.
In February 2023, the SCoPEd partners announced they have agreed to adopt the SCoPEd framework and are now moving towards implementation.
For BACP, it is an important step as part of our wider work to deliver a number of our members’ priorities – to set standards for the profession, protect clients from unsafe or unethical practice and provide members with the resources and support needed to practice.
It is also a way for BACP and the wider profession to engage effectively with and to demonstrate the value of counselling and psychotherapy to employers, commissioners and government.
We believe SCoPEd will enable a credible, diverse and thriving counselling and psychotherapy profession that is better understood, valued and trusted by clients, employers, commissioners and society.
The diverse range of backgrounds, approaches, philosophies and professional training that our members bring to their work is a huge strength of the counselling and psychotherapy landscape and SCoPEd will enhance and embed that diversity.
Read more about how SCoPEd will benefit our members, as well as those who employ and commission our services and wider society.
How would SCoPEd affect our members?

Where will I be represented in the SCoPEd framework?
All registered, accredited or senior accredited BACP members will be represented in the framework

SCoPEd frequently asked questions
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about SCoPEd

SCoPEd next steps
An outline of the next steps on SCoPEd for BACP and our members
SCoPEd governance and origins

SCoPEd governance
SCoPEd is a shared standards framework, agreed by six Professional Standards Authority accredited bodies, including BACP, which represent over 75,000 counsellors and psychotherapists.

SCoPEd framework
Read the January 2022 version of the SCoPEd framework

SCoPEd origins
The origins and development of SCoPEd