We've many ways members can get involved. Whether you have 30 years of practical experience or are a student member, we value the array of expertise our membership has to offer.

Why get involved?

You'll have the chance to work alongside other dedicated professionals to make a real difference to people affected by mental health conditions.

We have several different roles with varying time commitments. Any time you can give really does matter.

What you get:

  • valuable and rewarding experience
  • opportunities to develop your skills and enhance your CV
  • induction and relevant training
  • full support from our dedicated team
  • agreed out of pocket expenses

"I wanted to make a contribution to change in areas I am passionate about."

Natalie Bailey, Chair of BACP

Typical roles

Become a Governor

Become an integral part of the organisation as a Trustee, and shape our strategy and influence the direction we are heading.

Join an executive committee

If you have a particular interest or specialism, help guide the development of our specialist divisions as an executive committee member.

Write for our journals

Contribute to our award-winning Therapy Today or one of our specialist divisional journals.

Review our publications

Be a peer reviewer for our good practice resources and help promote best practice across a range of initiatives.

Act as an expert point of contact

Support our responses to consultations from organisations and government bodies, and help give prominence to mental health wellbeing.

Current opportunities

Join a BACP committee

If you're a professional who could help shape the future counselling and psychotherapy landscape, we invite you to apply to join one of our Board delegated committees.

Our committees are responsible for supporting the development and ongoing delivery of the organisation’s strategy as well as providing the oversight that ensures our polices and processes are being applied consistently and effectively. As a member of one of our committees, you'll have the opportunity to contribute directly to the way the organisation operates and have oversight of the various workstreams held by each committee.

Communities of Practice Champions

Our online Communities of Practice provides members with a space to share best practice, knowledge, learning and experience while participating in discussions with other members.

To support this, we’re looking for members to become Communities Champions who will work with the BACP Communities of Practice Lead to tend to a community on a regular basis. This role will also require Communities Champions to create two discussion topics per month to help encourage engagement within their community.

Join a BACP divisional executive

We’re currently looking for new executive members to join each of our seven divisions. Each division is led by an executive of up to 10 members who run their own meetings, formulate strategies in line with our objectives and actively support us to promote their sector.

As a divisional executive you’ll be appointed for up to three years, which could be extended for a further three years. You'll attend meetings (in-person or online) and have a background or interest in the divisional occupation or interest. Divisional executive positions are voluntary but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteers policy.

Email us to register your interest and we'll contact you with any suitable roles.

Full support

Our team is here to help and will ensure you receive appropriate support throughout your time working with us.

Welcome and induction

You'll be welcomed by your specific committee, forum, working group or staff member, and receive and induction tailored to your role.

Training and development

We'll offer you optional training to help you gain skills, experience and confidence to perform any tasks associated with your role.

Ongoing support

If you need assistance at any time, we'll provide guidance or introduce you to colleagues who can help, ensuring you feel part of the wider organisation.

Please see:

Volunteers expenses policy and procedures (Word 94KB)

Contact us

If you have any questions about any of the roles above, please email us or call 01455 883300.