Politics has become even more divisive. Across our membership there will be a wide range of political views, beliefs and priorities. That's entirely natural. We’re a broad and diverse professional community, and part of our strength lies in our ability to hold different perspectives while remaining connected by a shared commitment to ethical practice and public benefit.
As a registered charity, when engaging with political parties we'll always act within the guidance on campaigning and political activity set out by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and guidance covering Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Advocating for our members
For these reasons, BACP does not align itself with any political party. Our role is to advocate for our members, advance the profession and contribute to improving the mental health of the nation.
That means engaging with all political parties across all levels of Government and the UK, whether we agree with them or not. While we may spend the majority of our focus and effort with the political party currently in Government in each nation of the UK, behind the scenes we continue to engage with all parties who hold views on our profession and could in time become politically more powerful in Britain, both locally and nationally.
Reflecting our values
Ethical leadership is about more than listening. It means engaging respectfully with different perspectives and being willing to challenge and be challenged in return. In many ways, this reflects the values that sit at the heart of counselling and psychotherapy: curiosity, respect, critical thinking and a willingness to understand before being understood.
Engagement should never be mistaken for endorsement.
There will be times when we support and work with political parties because we believe they will benefit our members, the profession or the public. There will also be times when we challenge decisions, raise concerns or advocate for a different approach. Our responsibility is to do so thoughtfully, constructively and with integrity.
Engaging with those who shape policy
The issues that matter to our members and to the people they support don't stop at political boundaries. Access to mental health services, workforce development, prevention, education, regulation, public awareness and health inequalities all require engagement with those who shape policy and make decisions.
If we want counselling and psychotherapy to have a stronger voice, and if we want the expertise of our members to help shape the future of mental health support, then we need to be prepared to take part in those conversations wherever they happen.
Not because politics is our purpose.
But because our purpose requires us to engage with politics.
