Here you can find answers to some commonly asked questions about SCoPEd governance; who is involved, SCoPEd origins and its development.

1. How did the development of SCoPEd begin?
2. When did work on the SCoPEd framework begin?
3. Which professional bodies were involved in developing and have subsequently adopted the SCoPEd framework
4. When was the partnership expanded to six partners?
5. Why weren't other partners invited to join sooner?
6. How's the SCoPEd work funded?

1. How did the development of SCoPEd begin?

SCoPEd emerged as part of a joint solution from BACP, BPC and UKCP to resolve existing challenges caused by the lack of a shared framework for professional standards when engaging with government, employers, clients and commissioners.

No formal research was needed to identify these challenges – it was clear from our collective discussions with these important external stakeholders that this issue was restricting opportunities for our members within the profession. 

Read more about the SCoPEd origins and timeline. 

2. When did work on the SCoPEd framework begin?

BACP, BPC and UKCP established the Collaboration for Counselling and Psychotherapy Professions (CCPP) in 2016 to explore areas of common ground for collaboration.

This was a broad collaboration initiative, approved by BACP’s Board and publicised to members, looking at how they could work together to address areas such as policy, lobbying, scope of practice and professional conduct.

The CCPP obtained agreement from their respective boards to commence work on SCoPEd and try and bring transparency and agreement to our different titles, trainings and membership categories by mapping them in a competence framework with associated training and practice requirements.

Read more about the SCoPEd origins and timeline.

3. Which professional bodies were involved in developing and have subsequently adopted the SCoPEd framework?

The six professional bodies involved in developing, and subsequently adopting, the SCoPEd framework are:

  • Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC)
  • British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
  • British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)
  • Human Givens Institute (HGI)
  • National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
  • UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

4. When was the partnership expanded to six partners?

All PSA counselling and psychotherapy accredited registers were invited to join the SCoPEd partnership in July 2020.

The Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC), Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP), Human Givens Institute (HGI) and National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) accepted the invitation to join the SCoPEd partnership. Roundtable discussions began with an independent facilitator.

In October 2021, as the collaborative work progressed, Association of Child Psychotherapists reviewed its role in the partnership and decided to step aside from the process because the framework is focused on work with adults, and therefore much of the specialist training and practice of ACP registrants falls outside the scope of this work. ACP continue in the capacity of observer to support the ongoing work of the partnership.

5. Why weren’t other partners invited to join sooner?

The existing collaboration between BACP, BPC and UKCP was a starting point to build relationships and encompassed more than just the SCoPEd project. However, other stakeholders, including organisations with PSA accredited registers, were invited to comment and submit evidence throughout the first SCoPEd consultation processes and it was always the intention of the collaboration to freely share the outcomes of this work.

Though we didn’t include more professional bodies within the SCoPEd partnership to start with, published standards and competences from other professional bodies were analysed and included where appropriate during the literature research stage. These documents are detailed in Appendix 2 of the January 2022 methodology update. 

The widening of SCoPEd governance to include new partners was an important landmark because it brings more voices to the table and increases collaboration between professional membership associations.

6. How’s the SCoPEd work funded?

SCoPEd is a workstream in professional standards and so it’s funded in the same way we fund our other professional standards work. You can view professional standards costs in the annual review and financial statements that are published on the website.

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