Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy
The Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy was launched in October 2025 and will examine the current and future landscape of the professions and the key issues affecting the sector, professionals, services and clients, drawing on expert and lived experience, alongside input from the wider Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) memberships.
Independently chaired by Phil Hope, former Minister of State for Care Services and Andrea Sutcliffe, an influential leader and specialist in health service delivery and regulation, the commission will bring together counselling and psychotherapy professional bodies, key providers and clinical experts, decision-makers and those with lived experience to explore and discuss four key topics.
- Counselling and psychotherapy, the state of the sector
- Counselling and psychotherapy, is there a case for statutory regulation?
- Counselling and psychotherapy, the evidence base
- Counselling and psychotherapy, the future of the professions
How will the Commission work?
Structured and thematic roundtable will be held enabling evidence-led, solution-focussed discussions between October 2026 and Spring 2026. Four sessions will focus on the profession UK-wide and dedicated session will also be held for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Following each roundtable a summary of the discussions will be published and the evidence gathered will form part of a report that will be published by PCPB in summer 2026.
The Commission’s findings and recommendations will support and shape the direction of future collaborative work between the PCPB and engagement with policymakers and commissioners of services on behalf of the profession and for the benefit of clients.
‘The Commission is a vital opportunity to bring together voices and insights from across the sector alongside other key experts and those with lived experience to address the challenges facing the professions across the UK, identify opportunities to place counselling and psychotherapy at the heart of the task to improve the nation’s mental health with all the benefits that brings, and to shape a shared vision for the long term future.’
