We support the vision set out in the landmark report by the independent Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
It calls for a stronger profession, with greater focus on public protection, confidence and trust, enhanced support for a diverse community of practitioners, and better use of its existing capacity to meet the UK’s growing mental health needs.
Established by the Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB), of which BACP is a partner, the independent Commission examined the key issues facing the profession and the barriers that affect people’s access to therapy.
Its work drew on evidence from more than 4,000 practitioners, employers, commissioners, researchers and people with lived experience from across the UK.
Launched in Westminster today (November 2), the report will be shared with ministers, parliamentarians, policymakers, government departments, service commissioners, mental health charities and other relevant stakeholders and funders.
Dr Lisa Morrison, our Chief Regulation and Standards Officer, said:
“The report reinforces BACP’s calls for better use of the workforce, wider access, sustainable services, stronger public protection and greater recognition of the profession. It provides a shared platform for practical change.”
Better use of counsellors and psychotherapists
With around 14 million people across the UK estimated to be experiencing mental health problems, the Commission says there’s a major opportunity to improve access to support by making better use of an existing workforce of 82,000 qualified, counsellors and psychotherapists on Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accredited registers.
The report found that using just 10% of the profession's existing spare capacity could provide therapy for more than 150,000 additional people annually at a cost of £122.1 million, equivalent to just 0.56% of UK mental health budget.
It highlights that closing the treatment gap requires a coherent, long-term approach to commissioning, workforce planning, professional development, regulation, evaluation and deployment.
Better use of counselling and psychotherapy can support earlier intervention, widen access in neighbourhood and community settings, and help prevent difficulties from escalating, it says.
A six-part roadmap for reform
The report’s recommendations are focused on six strategic priorities. Each priority is backed by practical recommendations, including actions tailored to the different policy and service contexts in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
1. Improve commissioning and funding
The report supports wider access, greater patient choice, early intervention and greater employment of counsellors and psychotherapists.
We’ve been making the case for more employment opportunities for the under-utilised workforce across our policy work and campaigning, and we’re pleased to see this reflected as a key recommendation.
Lisa adds: “This strengthens the case for fair commissioning, sustainable services and improved utilisation of counsellors and psychotherapists. The upcoming Mental Health Strategy provides the opportunity for the Government to make better use of the available capacity of our members and to place counselling and psychotherapy as a more integral part of mental health service delivery.”
2. Strengthen public protection
The report proposes exploring statutory regulation to strengthen standards and public protection. We know that members’ registration, accreditation, ethical practice, supervision and continuing professional development remain central to public confidence.
Lisa adds: “Regulation, whether voluntary or statutory, should protect the safety, rights and wellbeing of clients and the wider public, while sustaining confidence in the profession. Any future regulatory framework should be evidence-led, proportionate to risk and carefully consider its impact on access, diversity, workforce capacity and professional practice.
"If statutory regulation were to become a Government priority, BACP and our members should be part of the conversation, alongside experts by experience and other key stakeholders, to help ensure that any future approach to regulation places public protection, public benefit and public confidence at its heart, while avoiding barriers to access, diversity and established practice.”
3. Build a sustainable and diverse workforce
The report calls for improvements to education, training, workforce development and diversity.
This aligns with BACP’s work on the Scope of Practice and Education (SCoPEd) framework, employment, NHS recognition, training standards, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Recommendations relate to increasing the diversity of the workforce, an in-depth review into the extent of and role of volunteering within the profession, and to evolving the training landscape.
Lisa says: “A sustainable workforce needs viable jobs, fair access and clear career pathways. We’ll continue to advocate for paid employment opportunities, sustainable and fair employment and inclusive progression routes and training pathways into paid roles.”
4. Strengthen the evidence base
The report recommends increasing research and evaluation and ensuring evidence is better reflected in commissioning and policymaking.
This reflects our own position that commissioning and guidance should draw on a much wider range of credible evidence and therapies.
Lisa says: “We’ll continue to ensure evidence-based policy standards, education and practice – not just from research, but from experts by experiences and wider stakeholders including the public.”
5. Raise public and political recognition
The report highlights the need to increase awareness of the contribution counselling and psychotherapy can make to mental health and wellbeing.
Taking action to enhance recognition should improve commissioning, referrals, career opportunities and public understanding and ultimately greater access to registered therapists.
This aligns with BACP’s focus on access, prevention, early intervention and public education – including our own policy work and our PR campaigns.
6. Give the profession a stronger collective voice
The report recommends creating a Counselling and Psychotherapy Federation to improve co-ordination and influence. This stronger collective voice could increase influence, recognition and clarity while reducing duplication and confusion for policymakers, employers and the public. This proposal aligns with our commitment to collaboration on public protection, workforce, diversity, evidence and access.
Lisa adds: “Any model must add value, be recognised by decisionmakers, remain fully representative, accountable and protect BACP’s identity, ethical framework, member voice and responsibilities.”
What’s next?
The recommendations have been welcomed by the PCPB who will consider the challenges and opportunities put forward, and these will inform the strategic direction and collective action for the Partnership over the coming years.
Read the full PCPB news article on the launch of the report.
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