BACP members have a contractual commitment to work in accordance with the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions 2026.
These Ethics essentials resources are not contractually binding, but are intended to support practitioners by providing general information on principles and policy applicable at the time of publication, in the context of the core ethical principles, values and personal moral qualities of BACP.
Further Ethics essentials resources are being developed and will be available in due course.
Building appropriate relationships
Ethics essentials. Published November 2026. Video download.
Keeping ourselves and our colleagues safe
Ethics essentials. Published November 2026. Video download.
Ethics and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Ethics essentials. Published November 2026. Video download.
Understanding our legal and professional responsibilities
Ethics essentials. Published November 2026. Video download.
Delivering services to high professional standards
Ethics essentials. Published November 2026. Video download.
Exploring suicidal risk with clients GPiA EL002
Develop your confidence in working with suicidal clients by exploring risk of suicide through dialogue. A video resource linked to Good Practice in Action fact sheet 042.
A quick guide to... Understanding tax in the 21st century
Private practice toolkit - all member resource. PDF download
Dealing with inappropriate behaviour
How to identify behaviours that are considered unacceptable, report inappropriate contact and get advice and support.
Lone working guide
Ethics essentials. Published November 2026. Downloads.
Dilemmas
Our Ethics team responds to members' ethical dilemmas in our regular Therapy Today column
GDPR - privacy notice guide
A guide to help you develop your own privacy notice to comply with GDPR and data protection legislation. PDF download
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to and passionate about improving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the counselling and psychotherapy professions
Working online with clients outside the UK
This checklist resource looks at the legal, ethical and practical considerations for BACP members in working with clients in countries other than the UK. PDF download
Clinical wills
This checklist resource looks at the legal, ethical and practical considerations for BACP members in working with clients in countries other than the UK. PDF download
Use of social media in the counselling professions
This checklist resource looks at the legal, ethical and practical considerations for BACP members in using social media. PDF download