Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions
Formally adopted 3 November 2026

The Ethical Framework sets out the expected ethical standards for BACP members. All members and registrants of BACP are committed to abide by the Ethical Framework, which is made up of three sections:

• Section A: Working ethically within relationships
• Section B: Ethical principles
• Section C: Core responsibilities

Members recognise that our registration with BACP may be at risk if we fail to fulfil the commitments set out in this framework. We've committed to use these three sections to inform decisions, explain the reasons behind our ethical decisions and work in practice in our professional role.

The Ethical Framework commits members to working collaboratively, where possible and appropriate, with the people using our professional services and accounting for our ethical decision-making by providing reasons for decisions made.

Who should use the Ethical Framework?

1. The framework is intended to be used by all members of BACP as the basis of all their professional work and relationships within the counselling professions, including work with clients and service users, supervisory work, training and research. Members must uphold the good reputation of the profession in all their actions and relationships, so members are also committed to these same principles, responsibilities and ethical relationships as set out in the Ethical Framework in their relationships with colleagues, other professionals, BACP and the public. The framework should be used by practitioners (counsellors, psychotherapists and coaches at all membership levels) working directly with clients; by supervisors, trainers, organisational members, courses and services who are accredited by BACP or provide BACP approved qualifications, or by members using counselling skills in their work

2. The Ethical Framework will be used by BACP Professional Conduct panels as a reference point concerning the standards expected of members, to inform decision-making when considering complaints against a member

Using the Ethical Framework 

There are three main sections of the Ethical Framework, all of which need to be considered and used to inform your decisions. These are:

1. Working ethically within relationships: this section gives some context for the Ethical Framework and explains what is meant by working ethically within relationships. It gives guidance on how to develop a rationale for ethical decision-making and needs to be used alongside the Ethical principles and Core responsibilities to inform ethical reasoning and decision-making

2. Ethical principles: these principles underpin all sections of the Ethical Framework

3. Core responsibilities: these responsibilities refer to the fundamental principles of good practice that form the foundation of a safe, trustworthy, and respectful professional service

Within this Ethical Framework, the emphasis is on:

• working ethically within relationships
• ethical decision-making and
• being able to give ethical reasoning for any decisions we've made

The Ethical Framework is supported by Ethics in practice and Ethics essentials resources and other supplementary resources, which give more information to support members with their ethical decision-making, ethical reasoning and ethical practice.

Read all sections of the Ethical Framework below:

These new resources are based on current research and evidence and reviewed by member-led focus groups and experts in the field. They provide practical guidance to support you in implementing the Ethical Framework.

All members from Tuesday 3 November 2026 must work to the Ethical Framework 2026. However, if you’re currently working on your accreditation application, you can still use the Ethical Framework 2018. If you’re submitting an accreditation application, please refer to the guidance below:

Applications submitted before May 2027

If you submit your application before 4 May 2027, you can reference the 2018 Ethical Framework throughout your application. If you prefer, you may also choose to reference the new Ethical Framework 2026, but you should use one framework consistently.

Applications submitted from May 2027 onwards

If you submit your application on or after 4 May 2027, you must reference the new Ethical Framework 2026. This applies to all parts of your application, including case material, regardless of when the work took place.

For more information or support, please visit our accreditation pages or contact accreditation@bacp.co.uk