BACP competence frameworks

BACP specialist competence frameworks set out evidence-based principles of good counselling and psychotherapy practice for therapists, trainers and employers. More information about our frameworks can be found on the competence pages of our website.

The OPT counselling competence framework is developed by a BACP staff Core Group, an External Consultant and an Expert Reference Group (ERG) including a lived experience advisory panel (LEAP). LEAP members ensure personal knowledge and experience of specialist therapy is represented and included in this project.

LEAP Role description

As a LEAP member you would read and provide feedback on project progress reports and draft competence frameworks. You would also share your opinions and experiences of therapy in regular online Microsoft Teams video meetings.

There are two types of online meetings. One type of meeting is with fellow LEAP members and BACP Core Group staff. The other type of meeting is with fellow LEAP members, Core Group staff and the ERG. Both types of meetings are planned in advance and involve group consultation and decision-making on project development.

Successful applicants will be asked to attend all scheduled meetings as far as possible.

LEAP Person Specification:

Holds specialist knowledge, skills and experience in online and phone therapy (OPT), including familiarity with contemporary research relating to the subject matter. This framework will be an update to the original document that was published in 2016 (and revised in 2021) that will reflect how technology has evolved and new media have been developed in this area of practice.

The applicant will have the: 

  • ability to concisely and constructively share views about their therapy in writing, and verbally in online video meetings in groups of up to 12 people
  • confidence in sharing experiences of therapy in a way that is not unduly upsetting or destabilizing for self or others
  • openness to views and opinions from group members from different backgrounds
  • ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • experience of adult counselling or psychotherapy delivered using technology within the last four years.
  • ability to access reliable broadband and a PC, laptop or tablet to join Microsoft Teams meetings
  • ability to access email to reliably communicate with BACP about the project
  • ability to read and comment on Microsoft documents in English
  • ability to access their own support networks
  • no ongoing formal complaint or grievance about their therapy

We particularly welcome applications from people from minoritised backgrounds.
We will work to support reasonable adjustments requested by applicants who are invited to interview or offered the role.

This role is not open to counselling/psychotherapy practitioners or trainees.

BACP’s responsibilities to our LEAP members

We confirm we'll: 

  • keep your personal information confidential and secure in line with UK General Data Protection legislation (2022). For more information you can review section 2h of BACP’s privacy notice
  • introduce LEAP panellists to the staff and volunteers working on the OPT competence framework.
  • provide induction for the LEAP role
  • give clear instructions on what to do, with manageable timescales to respond
  • provide you with a main point of contact for any questions and concerns about LEAP work and the project more generally

Time commitment

Your involvement will comprise a maximum of 40 hours work between approximately April 2026 to December 2027.

Remuneration

This is a paid, fixed term and self-employed contracted role. The rate of pay will be made available to shortlisted applicants. If you require this information, or other information about the role before applying, please contact the project lead Dr Paul Galbally at paul.galbally@bacp.co.uk