We’re strengthening our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion by shaping a new strategy that will build on our progress and drive even greater impact. 

We launched our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy in March 2023, which has been the driving force behind all the workstreams and projects we've undertaken to embed change in the profession. Over the last few years, our EDI strategy has really came to life, and we’ve seen some amazing pieces of work come from it. We’re really proud of the positive impact some of the workstreams have had on people’s lives. You can find out more about this work here. However, we know there’s a lot more work to be done, and we know we can’t stand still. 

The current strategy ends this spring, and we want to continue our journey by working on our new strategy, which will be called Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). This strategy will shape our focus moving forward to allow us to better reflect what drives fair access to counselling and psychotherapy.  
 
We added the terms equity and belonging because it recognises that people have different challenges and needs, and encompasses the right for people to be respected, accepted and feel empowered to show up authentically. DEIB will help us move forward from treating everyone the same to ensuring everyone has fair access, support, and a genuine sense of belonging.  
 
We want to ensure that anyone who needs counselling is able to access equitable, ethical and effective practice. To help us on that journey we want to hear from you and make sure that you've a chance to input on what our priorities for our next strategy should be.  

Help us to shape our new strategy  

To support us in developing our new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) strategy, we’re opening a consultation with members so you can have your input. You can share your feedback in a number of ways: 

  • through email 
  • at in-person events throughout the year 
  • with a short questionnaire  
  • through some member focus groups starting from the end of March 2026. 

We can’t do this important work without your input, so please share your thoughts by completing our short questionnaire or emailing us directly. The survey should take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete and your responses are anonymous. We really appreciate your input, and your views will help to strengthen our new strategy,  

If you’ve any questions or would like to receive this questionnaire in a different format, please contact the team at edi@bacp.co.uk. This consultation will close on Tuesday 30 June 2026. Your responses will be shared with the EDI/DEIB team and will help us inform the direction and approach for the new strategy.