The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies

About the Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies
 

The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) brings together six leading UK counselling and psychotherapy organisations with the shared aim of improving professional standards, building public trust and supporting a clearer, more consistent understanding of the counselling and psychotherapy professions.

PCPB partners each hold registers accredited by the Professional Standards Authority and, between them, represent tens of thousands of therapists across the UK. The partnership grew out of the collaborative work on the Scope of Practice and Education for Counselling and Psychotherapy (SCoPEd) framework, which sets out shared standards for training and practice.

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.
   

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.