David Weaver says it’s been an honour to be BACP President.

David stepped down from the role at this year’s AGM, which marked the end of his five year tenure as President.

He said: “I’m really honoured to have served as president for the last five years.

“I’ve taken it as a really important responsibility to be able to highlight the issues that are important to the profession, but also to bring to the table some of the views and concerns of members, and also people living in communities in relation to counselling and psychotherapy.”

Counselling changes lives

David, who announced our new pilot bursary scheme at the AGM, spoke about the need for greater diversity and inclusion in counselling and psychotherapy.

“We talk about counselling saving lives, and counselling changing lives, counselling can determine whether people live or die,” he said.

“I’ve seen people who have really benefited from counselling and that’s why when we talk about issues around equality, diversion and inclusion, it’s not a single issue for me, and dare I say you.

“This is something we need to make sure is an integral component part of what we’re thinking about as a profession, because we’re serving a diverse society.”

David said he would continue to be “part and parcel” of the Association, with a particular interest in the bursaries scheme.

“I feel that BACP has so much potential. It’s done so much. It has so many brilliant people.

“But we can’t be as good as the individual people. We’ve got to make it a systemic way of operating.”

He added: “I thank all of you very much. I wish you and BACP all the very best going forward.”

Powerful legacy

Our Chair Natalie Bailey said David was leaving a “powerful legacy”.

She said: “I want to express my thanks to David for all that he has done in his time as President. His strong focus on social justice and improving access to the counselling professions has inspired and prompted real change within the Association. 

“David leaves a powerful legacy and it’s important we continue to build on this work for the benefit of members and the profession for years to come.”