The Public Protection Committee holds delegated responsibility for developing our public protection strategy.

It will:

  • develop the BACP Register, which it delegates to the Register Advisory Board
  • develop our professional conduct function
  • provide quality assurance for professional conduct and register activities
  • take and commission reports on internal audits against policy and the development of register standards, and their alignment into membership standards

The Chair of the Committee will be an externally appointed Lay Member who will also become a Trustee of the Association. 

General responsibilities

You should:

  • chair the committee meetings as stated in the committee’s terms of reference
  • ensure the committee and its members fulfil their delegated responsibilities
  • ensure minutes are properly and correctly taken and subsequently circulated to BACP’s Board of Governors
  • prepare and submit an annual report on the committee’s activities to BACP’s Board of Governors
  • appoint committee members using BACP’s committee recruitment processes
  • convene working parties on a task and finish basis as commissioned by the committee

Carrying out the role

You'll be expected to:

  • call committee meetings, liaise with the Clerk on setting the agenda and read up on relevant information prior to committee meetings
  • lead committee meetings, while maximising a collective contribution from committee members, to ensure key decisions are reached and implemented
  • review the performance of the committee on a regular basis and work with relevant BACP staff to develop the skill set of the committee
  • attend BACP events, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM), to answer any questions members may have about the committee's activities
  • maintain absolute confidentiality of any sensitive and confidential information you receive in the course of your responsibilities as Chair
  • always act in the best interests of BACP at all times
  • observe the code of conduct, policies and procedures as they relate to volunteers
  • uphold the seven principles which constitute the Charity Governance Code
    - organisational purpose
    - leadership
    - integrity
    - decision making, risk and control
    - board effectiveness
    - diversity
    - openness and accountability

Skills and abilities

You should:

  • have a good understanding of what is understood as public protection and how this relates to a membership organisation
  • a good understanding of regulation in a legal and organisational context
  • a good understanding of professional conduct processes and how they apply in membership organisations
  • strategic vision and experience in the development of strategy and monitoring performance
  • an understanding of audits and how they inform
  • experience of being a Chair and managing committee members
  • a willingness to devote time and effort
  • good, independent judgement
  • an ability to think creatively
  • an understanding of the responsibilities of the position
  • good IT literacy

Knowledge and experience of the third sector would be an advantage but is not essential.

You don't have to be a BACP member to apply. Members who are currently under investigation, or sanction, through our professional conduct procedure cannot apply.

Time commitment

The committee meets up to four times per year, always prior to a Board meeting and otherwise as requested. In addition, the Chair is expected to commit additional time to perform the duties required to lead a governance committee. This is expected to include:

  • attendance at four meetings per year
  • 20 days (160 hours) committee and Board related work per year 

Remuneration

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

Any other remuneration is subject to Charity Commission guidelines and the approval of the Board of Governors.

Term of office

The Chair of the Committee is appointed for three years. This may be extended for a further three years.