BACP Private Practice supports those in, or contemplating going into, private practice by collating up-to-date guidance, generating resources, providing a quarterly journal, and facilitating the sharing of knowledge and experience of members.

It aims to be a forum for best practice and a focus for professional enquiries from members concerning private practice.

The division campaigns for high standards and best practice in private practice. We achieve this by raising the profile of private practice within BACP, through BACP, and with employers, agencies and government, by being the voice of counsellors in private practice.  

The current Executive Committee comprises members from various parts of the UK all working in private practice.

We'd expect applicants to be members of BACP Private Practice. If you're not already a member of the Private Practice division and have a keen interest in and experience of private practice, please sign up to become a divisional member before applying for this volunteer role. 

Term of office

Executive members are appointed for up to three years. This may be extended for a further three years.

What you'll be doing

You'll attend up to four meetings a year on a Friday, which will be held at our offices in Lutterworth or remotely via Microsoft Teams. 

You'll be involved in ongoing tasks, which may include planning divisional events or attending events to network and build the profile of the division. 

General responsibilities

You'll have the opportunity to:

  • implement the divisional strategy and ensure it aligns with our organisational strategy, so promoting that counselling changes lives
  • work collaboratively with BACP staff
  • promote the division's area of expertise and bring best practice into the work of the division and BACP
  • network and represent BACP and our members to wider stakeholder groups, addressing counselling and psychotherapy issues and concerns  
  • act as an ambassador and advocate for us and the coaching profession
  • be available as part of a rota to attend and represent the Private Practice Division at BACP’s Staying Connected events
  • attend and assist in the hosting of the annual Private Practice Conference in September

Carrying out the role

As a divisional executive, you'll:

  • attend divisional executive meetings and read through papers and documentation. Where possible, we set meeting dates 12 months in advance
  • adhere to our volunteer policies, procedures and code of conduct
  • adhere to and support the governance framework
  • attend the annual general meeting, where possible
  • maintain absolute confidentiality for any sensitive or confidential information you receive while carrying out the role
  • observe the seven Nolan principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Skills and abilities

You should:

  • be able to communicate and collaborate well in a team
  • be willing to devote time and effort to projects and meet deadlines
  • have good, independent judgement
  • be able to think creatively
  • be willing to take decisions
  • understand the responsibilities of the position
  • be IT literate - willing and able to use technology on BACP business
  • be able to write blogs, information sheets and website updates

The following skills are desirable but not essential:

  • public relations
  • experience of working with older clients
  • experience of working online, particularly with younger clients
  • in social media - Twitter, blogs, Facebook etc
  • research
  • business and marketing minded with experience in managing projects
  • strategic vision
  • website and web page IT skills

If you have other unlisted skills you feel we could benefit from, we'd be happy to hear from you.

Remuneration

There is no remuneration for this role, however, reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the volunteering role will be reimbursed in line with our volunteers expenses policy.

To apply

For more information or to apply for this volunteering role, please send your cv and an application letter stating your relevant skills, knowledge and experience to governance@bacp.co.uk. 

BACP has made it our responsibility when attracting and meeting with new talent to be inclusive and accessible, we welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities. BACP is Disability Confident Committed and we'll make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support you in your application and candidate journey throughout the recruitment process.

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