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
Become our Public Protection Committee Chair
We're recruiting for a professional to become the Chair of our Public Protection Committee. The Chair of the Committee will be an externally appointed Lay Member who will also become a Trustee of the Association.
The Public Protection Committee will develop the BACP Register, develop our professional conduct function and provide quality assurance for professional conduct and register activities.
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.
Good Practice Steering Group Members
The Good Practice Steering Group (GPSG) supports the implementation of BACP’s Ethical Framework within member practice and develops evidence informed Good Practice in Action (GPiA) resources in the interests of clients, members and other stakeholders.
The group works in collaboration with BACP staff, who publish and review the BACP Ethical Framework and manage the commissioning and editing of the good practice resources. We're looking to recruit people who'll reflect the diversity and experience within the BACP membership. You'll need a breadth of knowledge as a therapist and be passionate about ethics.
Communities of Practice Champions
We’ve launched an online Communities of Practice that 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 up to two discussion topics per month to help encourage discussion 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.
If we don't have any suitable roles available currently, please check back as new opportunities are coming soon. Or 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.
See also...

Work for BACP
Find out about working for BACP and check our current vacancies.

About BACP
We exist for one simple reason - counselling changes lives. Read about our philosophy, values and strategy.

BACP divisions
Our divisions represent and promote specific areas of interest within the counselling professions, providing specialist resources, events and networking.