PCPB marks major milestone in collaborative work as SCoPEd framework is fully implemented
The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) has reached a significant milestone in its collective work, with all six partners having now fully implemented the SCoPEd framework.
Additionally, the partnership is collaborating on a number of new projects where work is progressing, and we continue to build momentum.
The partnership is also preparing for a leadership transition as independent Chair Paul Buckley steps down after five years of service. Recruitment for a new chair is underway, with the successful candidate due to take up the post in March 2026.
The work of the PCPB
Implementation of the SCoPEd framework
The SCoPEd framework was formally adopted in February 2023 and partners have worked intensively since then to fully embed it within their respective structures, policies and membership processes.
This work has included partners aligning their membership categories to the standards of the SCoPEd framework and each partner has adopted processes to enable movement between membership categories (SCoPEd framework columns) where applicable. Within these processes it’s recognised that some partners may have additional requirements for members and registrants to enter and transition between columns as is appropriate for their distinctiveness.
SCoPEd framework provides clarity around the skills, knowledge, training and experience of counsellors and psychotherapists, ensuring that individuals receive services from appropriately trained professionals who meet consistent, recognised standards. By promoting transparency and setting clear guidelines, the SCoPEd framework fosters trust and safety in counselling and psychotherapy.
The implementation of the SCoPEd framework demonstrates the partners’ shared commitment to working collaboratively to enhance standards across counselling and psychotherapy.
Since its introduction, the framework has already enabled more consistent conversations with organisation such as the NHS and employee assistant programmes (EAPs), helping to build a clearer understanding of the different training and competence across the profession. This has supported efforts to present counselling and psychotherapy in a more coherent and accessible way to clients, employers, commissioners and the wider public.
The partnership will continue to engage in these conversations to strengthen how the profession is understood, valued and trusted. This includes ongoing work to ensure that the framework remains helpful, accurate and meaningful for those who use, deliver and commission services.
We recognise that the SCoPEd framework will need to be reviewed and updated over time. The PCPB is currently considering how this review process should be undertaken. We expect this will include an impact assessment, consultation with stakeholders and input from experts in the field, as well as people with lived experience. We do not anticipate that partners will need to re-align their membership categories as part of this process and the review will also ensure the SCoPEd framework remains current and consistent with any new guidance or developments within the sector.
Find out more about the SCoPEd framework
Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Launched in October 2025, the Commission is examining the current and future landscape of counselling and psychotherapy across four themes: the state of the sector; whether there is a case for statutory regulation; the evidence base; and the future of the professions. The Commission is independently chaired by Phil Hope and Andrea Sutcliffe. Following the evidence sessions there will be a final report.
A public call for evidence is currently open, and more details are available on the Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy webpage.
An aligned voice on priority issues
PCPB’s policy and strategic engagement group co-ordinates a joined-up approach to policy engagement for the profession. Collaborative activities have so far included:
- Joint policy statements and responses, including raising concerns about unregulated overseas therapy provision, skilled worker visas and Earned Settlement
- VAT exemption campaign – an ongoing campaign which is advocating parity for counselling and psychotherapy which are not currently VAT-exempt in the UK unless services are delivered by professionals on statutory registers
- Stakeholder mapping and the development of a stakeholder engagement strategy
- Engagement with key Government inquiries, such as the Fonagy Review on Prevalence
Find out more about the policy and strategic engagement work
NHS-funded training extended
Five of the PCPB partners, working with NHS England, have extended the NHS Pathways project to a further cohort, building on the 2022 launch of three fully-funded postgraduate courses. The programme aims to diversify the workforce, expand non-CBT modalities in NHS Talking Therapies and prepare graduates for roles on completion.
Find out more about the NHS-funded training programme
A shared demographic picture of the profession
The PCPB has published its first shared dataset mapping the profession’s demographics across five protected characteristics (age, disability, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation). Partners intend to extend data collecting over time and will use the insights to identify areas of under and/or over representation and work collectively to discuss and agree on actions that support a more collective diverse and inclusive profession. Updates will be available on the PCPB website.
Practice guidance – developing shared resources
The clinical group continues to develop shared resources and practice guidelines across the partnership. In addition to the materials already available on the PCPB website, guidelines on working with sexual orientation and gender identity are being developed. An independent expert professional is being commissioned to lead the development of these guidelines, drawing on contributions from partner members and people with lived experience. The completed guidelines are expected to be published later in 2026.
Building a sustainable model for future collaboration
The PCPB has continued to strengthen collaboration among partner organisations by refining how they work together, streamlining the sharing of expertise, improving project co-ordination and enhancing joint planning for future initiatives. A significant amount of background work also takes place to support progress, ensuring partners remain aligned and able to work effectively together. This collective effort has helped create a more stable and sustainable foundation for long-term collaboration.
Communications and visibility
Clear, consistent communication continues to play an important role in strengthening the PCPB’s identity and supporting awareness of the partnership’s work. Over the past year, the partnership has focused on improving how information is shared both internally and externally. In April 2025, the PCPB reached a significant milestone with the launch of a website, which now acts as a central hub for the partnership. The site provides a single, accessible place where updates, documents and insights are shared, offering greater visibility and transparency around the work being undertaken. As the partnership develops, the website will continue to evolve as a key platform for communication, helping to showcase achievements, strengthen engagement and support informed collaboration across all partners.
A transition in leadership
As the partnership reaches these key milestones, we acknowledge the significant contribution of PCPB’s independent chair, Paul Buckley, who will step down at the end of February after five years. His leadership has been central to strengthening collaboration among PCPB partners and guiding the development and implementation of the SCoPEd framework. Speaking about the decision, Paul said, ‘It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the PCPB for the past five years and I am proud of the progress we have made during that time. The partnership is entering an exciting next phase, and I believe a new independent chair will bring the energy and perspective needed to take this important work forward.’
The process to appoint a new independent chair – being managed externally to ensure independence and transparency – is ongoing and the appointment will be confirm soon. The new chair will play a key role in steering the partnership through its next phase, helping to set strategic direction, strengthen collaboration and drive momentum.
