Our June Board meeting was chaired by Matt Cormack and as always, the meeting combined strategic discussion, governance responsibilities and thoughtful challenge around the issues that matter most to BACP and our members. This meeting covered a wide range of topics, and we wanted to share some of the key highlights.
A major milestone: approving the new Ethical Framework
Perhaps the most significant moment of the meeting was the Board's approval of BACP's new Ethical Framework.
The Ethical Framework sits at the heart of our profession. It provides the foundation for ethical and safe practice, helping practitioners navigate complex situations and supporting the high standards that members, clients and the public rightly expect. For many members, it is the most recognisable expression of BACP's role in championing ethical practice across counselling and psychotherapy.
The development of the new framework has been several years in the making. Throughout that time, members, professional experts, volunteers and colleagues from across BACP have contributed their expertise, insight and challenge to help shape a framework that reflects the profession and society as they are today, while remaining relevant for the future.
Trustees recognised both the significance of the framework itself and the considerable collective effort that has brought it to this point. There was a real sense that this represented more than the approval of a new document. It marked the culmination of years of work and an important milestone for BACP and the wider profession.
The Board are delighted to approve the new framework and support the next stage of its journey.
To help members prepare for the new Ethical Framework, we will publish it online in August together with supporting resources and guidance. Members will hear much more information from us ahead of its formal launch in November.
Strengthening our connection with members
The Board also received an update on the Member Engagement Programme; Your Voice, Your BACP, which remains a key priority for BACP.
At its heart, the programme is about strengthening our connection with members and ensuring they have a greater voice in shaping both the future of BACP and the future of the profession.
Over recent months, the team has carried out a range of listening and engagement activities, generating valuable feedback on members' experiences, expectations and priorities.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of moving beyond simply listening and demonstrating how feedback shapes decisions and actions. The Board was encouraged to see a clear focus on building a more active and ongoing relationship with members throughout their time with BACP.
Members will see more opportunities to engage with the organisation as we move forward and, importantly, greater visibility of the actions being taken in response to what we are hearing.
Trustees were also excited to hear about plans for this year's member event in October. This will provide a valuable opportunity for members not only to engage directly with BACP, but also to connect with colleagues and peers from across the profession.
As we look ahead to BACP's 50th anniversary next year, there was a real sense of optimism about building stronger connections across our membership community and creating more opportunities for members to influence, contribute to and shape the future of the profession.
Listening to members through motions and resolutions
The Board also spent time discussing this year's motions and resolutions.
Motions and resolutions remain an important part of BACP's governance framework, giving members the opportunity to formally raise issues and influence the future direction of the Association. As our Your Voice, Your BACP programme continues to develop opportunities for members to engage, motions and resolutions will remain one of several important ways members can shape conversations and contribute to the future of the profession.
Following detailed review by the Senior Management Team, recommendations were presented to the Board. Trustees engaged in thoughtful discussion around several of the motions before ultimately ratifying the recommendations.
One particularly positive aspect of this year's discussions was that several of the themes raised through the motions process were already being actively explored through wider member engagement activities or had begun to influence work already underway. This reflects our ambition to listen to members throughout the year and respond to emerging issues before they necessarily require a formal motion or resolution.
Members will now have the opportunity to vote on the motions being taken forward ahead of the AGM in November.
Investing in our digital future
Trustees also received an update on BACP's digital transformation programme, including the redevelopment of our website and supporting systems.
We know that aspects of the current website have been a source of frustration for some members. The Board discussed the progress being made and the significant work taking place behind the scenes to address a number of longstanding technical and system issues.
While everyone would naturally like to see improvements delivered more quickly, there was recognition that rebuilding key foundations properly now will create a stronger, more reliable and more scalable experience in the future.
The current plan remains to launch the new website and supporting systems in spring 2027. The focus is on ensuring that what we build is designed around the needs of members and other audiences, while providing a platform that can support BACP for years to come.
Other business
The Board also discussed a range of other matters. Some were routine governance and administrative items, while others were confidential and therefore can't be shared publicly.
While not every discussion can be reported in detail, these conversations remain an important part of the Board's role in providing oversight, challenge and support to the organisation.
Looking ahead
What came through strongly during the meeting was the Board's role in providing oversight and challenge, while maintaining a clear focus on BACP's long-term direction and future ambitions.
Whether discussing the Ethical Framework, member engagement, digital transformation or member voice, there was a shared commitment around the table to ensure BACP continues to evolve in ways that best serve our members, the profession and the public.
The discussions weren't always straightforward, and nor should they be. Good governance relies on constructive challenge, different perspectives and healthy debate. What was clear throughout the day was the shared commitment of Trustees and staff to acting in the best interests of BACP and the wider profession.
As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support. We'll continue to keep members updated as this work progresses.
