Competence framework
The competence framework acknowledges the specific knowledge, skills and abilities required by counsellors who wish to work with clients with addictions. The Addictions competence framework can be used by counsellors already working with clients with addictions to map their existing competence and identify any areas for further development.
Counsellors and trainees interested in learning about addictions counselling can also use the framework to assess their readiness for the role and to identify training needs.
The framework also provides training institutions, service providers and researchers with an up-to-date resource to inform and enable such activities as curriculum development and delivery, commissioning, clinical governance, research and continuing professional development (CPD).
User guide
The user guide describes the competence framework, explains its uses and how counsellors can apply it in their practice. It also sets out how the framework can be used by other professionals, practitioners, trainers, employers, services and commissioners.
Training curriculum
The Addictions training curriculum offers training providers a framework for delivering Addictions counselling training. The training curriculum is underpinned by BACP’s evidence-based Addictions competence framework (2024) which identifies the additional knowledge and skills needed to work ethically and effectively with clients with addictions.
Further information
If you have any questions or feedback about the Addictions competence framework, user guide or training curriculum, or if you need these documents in a different format for accessibility reasons, please email Professional Standards at professional.standards@bacp.co.uk
BACP competences and curricula
Our competences and curricula are based on the latest research evidence into effective practice. They can be used by practitioners, trainers, supervisors and services to ensure practitioners have the skills and knowledge needed to work in a particular setting, or with particular clients.
Copyright and permissions
All our competence frameworks, user guides and training curricula are copyrighted with all rights reserved. We have developed these resources to help BACP members in their practice development and to support the development of training courses. Permission to use these resources is defined under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
You can find information about when you are permitted to use works without having to apply for permission in Exceptions to copyright.
If you're not sure and would like to seek permission to use any of BACP’s competences, curricula and user guides, please email Professional Standards at professional.standards@bacp.co.uk