SCoPEd frequently asked questions
A ground-breaking shared framework for our profession

1. How can I find out more about the methodology used to develop the SCoPEd framework?

You can find out more about the methodology used in the development of the SCoPEd framework in the SCoPEd methodology update January 2022 that accompanies the framework.

2. How did the SCoPEd partners use an evidence-based approach to map what currently exists?

The three original partners systematically and comprehensively looked at existing standards, competences and practice standards associated with current training, membership and progression routes as sources of evidence to develop the first two versions of the framework.

Published standards and competences from other professional bodies, standards setting bodies, professional qualifications and relevant published competence frameworks were also analysed and included during the literature research stage.

The January 2022 SCoPEd framework includes challenges, feedback supported by evidence from the existing source documents as well as new evidence presented for consideration by the new partners. The expanded partnership also reviewed the existing draft framework and all contributions and feedback from members and stakeholders received since the last published version in 2020.

For evidence to have met the criteria for inclusion within this project it must be referenced or drawn from the published competences and standards of partner organisations or other, relevant generic counselling or psychotherapy competences, for example from UCL or other competence frameworks, QAA benchmark statements, qualifications learning outcomes, ethical standards, National Occupational Standards and European standards.

3. Where can I find out more about the evidence used for considering competences and standards?

The complete list of additional sources that have been included in the January 2022 SCoPEd framework is detailed in Appendix 5 and 7 of the SCoPEd methodology update January 2022.

Details of the evidence supporting the development of previous versions of the SCoPEd framework are given in Appendix 2 of the SCoPEd methodology update January 2022.

4. Was empirical research included when developing the SCoPEd framework?

SCoPEd is focused on evidence from existing standards and competences, rather than mapping competences from empirical research evidence relating to client outcomes.

This decision was reconsidered in light of consultation feedback; and the ERG chose not to expand into client outcomes research since there is insufficient research directly linking specific practitioner competences to client outcomes. However, within the sources included in the project, the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for example, draw partly on client outcomes research.

5. Who considered how the evidence submitted was represented in the SCoPEd framework?

You can find out about the members of the Expert Reference Group and Technical Group in Appendix 4 of the SCoPEd methodology January 2000 document. 

6. How was the methodology for developing the SCoPEd framework chosen?

The collaboration agreed to use the Roth and Pilling (2008) methodology as the starting point for SCoPEd. However, in the early stages of reviewing the available research literature, it became apparent that this methodology was not broad enough to capture all relevant information about training and practice standards.

A wide range of information was reviewed, including practice standards, job descriptions, learning outcomes from training curricula and qualifications at all levels, as well as ethical codes of practice. Direct client outcomes-based evidence was excluded from the research inclusion criteria as this doesn’t relate to competences acquired at the point of completing training and entering the profession. A full list of sources can be found in the SCoPEd methodology update January 2022. 

7. What was the criteria for evidence to have been considered for the SCoPEd framework?

In order for evidence to have been considered within the scope of this project it must be referenced or drawn from the published competences and standards of partner organisations or other, relevant generic counselling or psychotherapy competences, for example from UCL or other competence frameworks, QAA benchmark statements, qualifications learning outcomes, ethical standards, National Occupational Standards and European standards.

Inevitably, not all the feedback we received resulted in changes to the framework. However, we did listen to, read and consider all member feedback we received.

8. Was an impact assessment conducted? 

Yes, the report was published in December 2022. View the Final Report on the Impact Assessment of the SCoPEd Framework. 

9. Who undertook the impact assessment?

An independent agency Eastside Primetimers. They're a consultancy and recruitment provider in the charity sector advising on development, funding, and growth and have a strong track record of impact assessment.

10. What was the process for choosing the agency to undertake the impact assessment? 

Before the work was commissioned members of the SCoPEd Oversight Committee all took part in a workshop to discuss the aims and coverage of an impact assessment. This led to the creation of a brief which was distributed to 10 potential suppliers.

A panel of three partners, one Expert by Experience and a SCoPEd project worker met with two agencies to discuss their submissions. The panel decided unanimously upon one supplier to undertake the work.

11. What did the impact assessment include? 

The assessment comprised a qualitative element of interviewing various stakeholders including clients and patients, practitioners, trainers, awarding bodies, employers and commissioners, membership body staff, and the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Care Excellence (PSA). A variety of viewpoints were covered, including critical voices from those within counselling and psychotherapy, some of whom were contacted due to their specific skills and experience including within professional networking and campaign groups.

It also comprised of a quantitative element which involved statistical consideration of some of the data held by partners and data in the public domain.

12. Which practitioners and stakeholders took part in the impact assessment interviews?  

We will not be publishing a list of those interviewed as this would contravene relevant legislation and research good practice, however we support those interviewed if they wish to disclose this themselves.

The report notes the types of people spoken to, this included a list of interviewees within the impact assessment report. It’s also important to say that the research interviewed people based upon their specific knowledge and understanding of SCoPEd and or the landscape within which it sits. The research interviewed practitioners for a practitioner voice, with the majority of those interviewed also being practitioners in addition to other roles such as trainers, EDI campaigners or membership body staff.