Disciplinary Policy & Procedures

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

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the procedures the NACP will follow in cases where a member is alleged to have breached the organisation’s:

  • Code of Conduct & Ethics
  • Professional Standards or Practice Policies
  • Membership Terms and Conditions
  • Or has otherwise acted in a way that may bring the profession or the NACP into disrepute

The policy ensures all concerns are handled fairly, proportionately, and in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All categories of NACP membership
  • Conduct inside and outside of therapy or supervision settings that impacts professional integrity
  • Complaints brought by clients, members, supervisors, or third parties
  • Breaches identified via audits, supervision reports, or NACP activities

3. Grounds for Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary procedures may be initiated if a member is alleged to have:

  • Breached NACP’s Code of Ethics or Policies (e.g. confidentiality, dual relationships)
  • Engaged in discriminatory, abusive, or unsafe conduct
  • Failed to maintain adequate supervision or CPD
  • Falsified qualifications or CPD records
  • Practised outside their scope of competence
  • Ignored a formal complaint or obstructed an investigation
  • Damaged the NACP’s reputation or credibility through public misconduct

4. Process Overview

1. Notification

A disciplinary process may be triggered by:

  • A formal complaint
  • An audit revealing non-compliance
  • A referral from a regulator, employer, or supervisor

The member will receive written notice detailing the concerns and be given an opportunity to respond.

🔹 2. Investigation

A Disciplinary Panel will be appointed to:

  • Review evidence and member response
  • Interview relevant parties (if required)
  • Assess whether ethical or professional breaches occurred

The investigation will be conducted confidentially, with impartiality and procedural fairness.

🔹 3. Panel Outcome

Following the investigation, the panel may decide:

  • No breach occurred — case closed
  • Minor breach — informal resolution, reflective statement, or supervision review
  • Moderate breach — formal warning and mandatory corrective action (e.g. CPD, closer supervision)
  • Serious breach — suspension or removal of membership

The member will be notified of the decision in writing, including rationale and any conditions or follow-up.

5. Appeals

Members have the right to appeal a disciplinary decision within 10 working days of written notification if there are grounds, such as:

  • New evidence
  • Procedural unfairness
  • Disproportionate outcome

Appeals will be reviewed by an independent NACP representative not involved in the original decision.

6. Confidentiality and Records

  • All disciplinary matters are treated confidentially and in accordance with data protection law
  • Records of outcomes will be securely retained for a minimum of 7 years
  • NACP may inform other professional bodies, insurers, or regulators where required

7. Suspension or Termination of Membership

Membership may be suspended or revoked in cases of:

  • Serious or repeated ethical breaches
  • Legal conviction for a relevant offence
  • Refusal to comply with disciplinary requirements
  • Gross professional misconduct

Where membership is terminated, the individual will be prohibited from reapplying unless expressly stated otherwise by the NACP Board.

8. Reinstatement Requests

A former member who was removed due to disciplinary action may apply for reinstatement only:

  • After a minimum of 24 months, and
  • If they can demonstrate significant personal and professional rehabilitation, and
  • Subject to additional conditions (e.g. references, assessments, supervision reports)

The decision to reinstate lies solely with the NACP Board and is final.

9. Protection from Retaliation

No complainant, witness, or panel member will be penalised for engaging with the disciplinary process in good faith. Retaliation is itself considered a breach and may result in further action.

10. Review

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to legal, ethical, or organisational changes.

📩 Contact

To raise a concern or ask a question about the disciplinary process:
📧 complaints@nacp.co.uk
🔗 www.nacp.co.uk