Code of Conduct & Ethics

National Alliance of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (NACP)
Effective: January 2025

1. Purpose

This Code sets out the ethical principles, professional standards, and behavioural expectations for all members of the NACP. It exists to safeguard the wellbeing of clients, uphold the reputation of the profession, and promote ethical, inclusive, and competent therapeutic practice.

All members are expected to act with integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all aspects of their work.

2. Who This Applies To

This Code applies to all NACP membership categories, including:

  • Student Members
  • Certified Members
  • Accredited Members
  • Associated Professional Members

Whether in private practice, organisational settings, training, supervision, or related roles, members are expected to uphold these standards at all times.

3. Core Ethical Principles

All members of the NACP must adhere to the following principles:

1. Respect

Treat all clients, colleagues, and the public with dignity, cultural sensitivity, and fairness, regardless of identity, background, or belief.

2. Autonomy

Honour clients’ rights to self-determination and informed choice within the boundaries of ethical and legal practice.

3. Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

Act in the best interests of clients and avoid causing harm, whether physical, emotional, psychological, or reputational.

4. Integrity

Be honest and transparent in all professional relationships, documentation, marketing, and financial arrangements.

5. Confidentiality

Protect client information in accordance with legal and ethical standards. Disclosures should only occur with informed consent or where legally required.

6. Professional Competence

Maintain and develop the skills, knowledge, and personal insight required to practise safely and effectively.

4. Responsibilities to Clients

Members must:

  • Establish and maintain clear boundaries
  • Use clear contracts outlining confidentiality, fees, and cancellation policies
  • Work within their level of competence and refer clients where appropriate
  • Be alert to safeguarding concerns, including abuse, risk, or exploitation
  • Avoid dual relationships that may impair objectivity or risk harm
  • Ensure that clients are not coerced, misled, or manipulated
  • Refrain from sexual or inappropriate relationships with current or former clients

5. Responsibilities to the Profession

Members must:

  • Uphold the reputation of the counselling and psychotherapy professions
  • Avoid behaviour that brings the profession or the NACP into disrepute
  • Support ethical practice among peers and report serious misconduct
  • Engage in regular supervision in line with NACP policy
  • Complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD per year and maintain records
  • Represent their qualifications and status accurately
  • Seek supervision or consultation when in ethical doubt

6. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Members are expected to:

  • Demonstrate active commitment to anti-discrimination
  • Promote access, inclusion, and respect for diversity in all aspects of practice
  • Reflect on their own biases and social positioning and how this may affect the therapeutic relationship

7. Advertising and Public Representation

Members must:

  • Ensure all advertising is truthful, non-exploitative, and compliant with advertising regulations
  • Not make false claims about outcomes, qualifications, or affiliation
  • Unless completely anonymous, avoid using client testimonials in public promotions
  • Clearly differentiate between personal opinion and professional guidance, particularly on social media (see separate Digital Communications Policy)

8. Fitness to Practise

Members are expected to:

  • Monitor their own emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing
  • Refrain from practice if impaired by illness, distress, addiction, or other factors
  • Seek support, supervision, or medical guidance where needed
  • Inform the NACP if they are subject to investigation, disciplinary action, or legal proceedings relevant to their professional role

9. Breaches of the Code

Failure to adhere to this Code may result in action under the NACP Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure. Sanctions may include:

  • Formal warnings
  • Suspension or termination of membership
  • Referral to external regulatory or legal bodies where appropriate

10. Review

This Code is reviewed annually or in response to changes in law, professional standards, or organisational direction. Members will be notified of significant updates.

📩 Contact

If you have questions about this Code or wish to report a concern:
📧 info@nacp.co.uk
🔗 www.nacp.co.uk