About PCPB

The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies

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About the Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB)

The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) consists of six leading organisations committed to ensuring that the counselling and psychotherapy profession is trusted, respected and more widely understood by members of the public.

All of the PCPB partners hold Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accredited registers.

Alongside overseeing the Scope of Practice and Education for Counselling and Psychotherapy (SCoPEd) framework, the PCPB drives strategic initiatives aimed at improving professional standards, building public confidence and enhancing the professional identity of practitioners.

The partnership is also committed to promoting greater diversity within the field and fostering inclusivity across the profession.

Aims of the partnership

Continue developing the SCoPEd framework, ensuring its recognition and application as a standard for professional practice.

Strengthen the identity of the partnership and embed it within the profession by promoting public understanding and trust.

Use data to enhance understanding of the profession’s demographic makeup and improve inclusivity and representation.

The PCPB partner organisations are:

History of the partnership

January 2022

The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) started out as the Scope of Education and Practice (SCoPEd) framework partnership. The SCoPEd framework was developed by the partnership and published in January 2022 with all partners agreeing to adopt it in February 2023.

2024

In 2024, acknowledging the potential for broader collaboration beyond the SCoPEd framework, the partners decided to rename as the Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB). This new identity reflects a commitment to ongoing joint efforts aimed at improving the profession.

Current work

The PCPB has several collaborative initiatives underway.

  • Updating the SCoPEd framework
  • Compiling a unified demographic data set of therapists registered with PCPB partners to better understand the profession
  • Engagement and advocacy for greater recognition and understanding of counselling and psychotherapy, including with government, the public and other stakeholders
  • NHS Pathways pilot: Five of the six PCPB partners are collaborating with NHS Talking Therapies to provide fully funded postgraduate psychotherapeutic training within NHS services
  • Creating guidance on working with sexual orientation and gender identity: Five of the six partners (excluding HGI) are working on this. This work is also being carried out with the Association of Child Psychotherapists

Additional projects are also being discussed as the partnership expands its scope.

View our work

Updating the SCoPEd Framework
Policy and strategic engagement
NHS Pathways pilot

Governance

Governance of the PCPB reflects the collaborative nature of the partnership and is organised into several key groups.

CEO Board 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Board is independently chaired and composed of the CEOs from each of the six member organisations. It is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the partnership. 

Delivery Group

Supporting the CEO Board is the Delivery Group, which oversees the implementation of projects and ensures effective operational delivery.

Clinical Group 

The Clinical Group is made up of representatives from the partner bodies who are experienced practitioners and supervisors, with expertise in education and training standards, as well as knowledge of relevant research and research methodologies. The group’s primary focus is to help uphold the standards of the SCoPEd framework, provide guidance on potential future revisions and offer advice on upcoming initiatives.

Communications Group 

A Communications Group, with representatives from each organisation, manages the PCPB’s communications activities. 

Policy and Strategic Engagement Group

A Policy and Strategic Engagement Group, established in January 2025, focuses on expanding the PCPB’s advocacy and outreach work. The group includes representatives from each of the partner organisations and will work closely with the partnership’s other governance groups.

Experts by Experience

The work of the PCPB is further enhanced by the involvement of Experts by Experience (EbEs), who bring valuable insights from the client’s perspective. They actively contribute to several of the groups within the governance structure.

Latest news from the PCPB

Policy and strategic engagement
6 May 2026

Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy – third evidence session roundup

The Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy held its third evidence session online on Thursday 19 February focusing on counselling and psychotherapy, the evidence base. Academics and researchers presented the strength of current research and evidence for counselling and psychotherapy. A discussion followed on the gaps and priority areas for more and new research to strengthen the case for investment and wider commissioning.

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Partnership
14 April 2026

Extending VAT exemption to counselling and psychotherapy services 

The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) has published a report on how extending VAT exemption to the provision of counselling and psychotherapy services will help the government deliver a series of core policy outcomes on their mental health agenda.

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news partnership Partnership
1 April 2026

Announcement: new independent chair of the PCPB appointed

The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof Adam Boddison OBE as its new independent chair.

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