Conflict of Interest Policy

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

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how conflicts of interest must be identified, disclosed, and managed within the NACP. It applies both to individual practitioners and to those in governance roles. The aim is to protect clients, members, and the organisation from compromised judgment, bias, or unethical decision-making.

2. What Is a Conflict of Interest?

A conflict of interest occurs when a person’s personal, professional, financial, or relational interests could improperly influence their professional duties or decisions.

Conflicts may be:

  • Actual – a conflict is currently affecting judgement or conduct
  • Potential – there is a foreseeable risk of conflict arising
  • Perceived – others may reasonably believe there is a conflict, even if none exists

Even the appearance of a conflict can undermine trust, and should be addressed proactively.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All NACP members (Certified, Accredited, Student, and Associated)
  • Supervisors, trainers, assessors, and consultants affiliated with the NACP
  • NACP Advisory Board members and those in governance roles
  • Any third-party professionals acting on behalf of the NACP

4. Examples of Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts may include (but are not limited to):

  • Providing therapy or supervision to a close friend, family member, or colleague
  • Financial relationships that could impact objectivity (e.g. referrals-for-payment)
  • Accepting gifts or incentives from clients, students, or partner organisations
  • Serving on a panel or complaint investigation where personal bias may exist
  • Prioritising the interests of a training provider or employer over NACP duties
  • Dual roles (e.g. assessor and supervisor for the same individual)

5. Member Responsibilities

All NACP members must:

  • Act with integrity and in the best interest of clients and the profession
  • Disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest to the NACP as soon as it arises
  • Recuse themselves from roles or decisions where impartiality cannot be guaranteed
  • Seek supervision or peer consultation if unsure whether a situation constitutes a conflict
  • Keep clear boundaries between professional roles and personal interests

6. Governance and Decision-Making

Advisory Board members and NACP representatives must:

  • Declare all personal, financial, or professional interests that may affect their decisions
  • Complete a Declaration of Interests form annually or when a new interest arises
  • Exclude themselves from discussions or votes where a conflict exists
  • Report concerns about undeclared conflicts through appropriate channels

7. Managing Conflicts

When a conflict of interest is identified:

  • The member or representative should disclose the conflict in writing to the NACP
  • The situation will be reviewed by the Chair or relevant committee
  • Actions may include recusal, reassignment, oversight, or in serious cases, formal investigation
  • All decisions and actions will be documented for accountability

8. Non-Compliance

Failure to disclose or manage a conflict of interest may result in:

  • Formal investigation under the Complaints and Disciplinary Policy
  • Suspension or termination of membership or board involvement
  • Reputational and legal consequences depending on the nature of the conflict

9. Review

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to relevant legal, ethical, or organisational changes. Members will be notified of significant updates.

📩 Contact

For queries, disclosures, or reporting a concern:
📧 info@nacp.co.uk
🔗 www.nacp.co.uk