Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Policy

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

1. Statement of Commitment

At the NACP, we are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and equitable professional community for all our members, clients, and colleagues. We believe that diversity enhances the counselling and psychotherapy profession, and that every individual deserves dignity, fairness, and access — regardless of their identity, background, or life experience.

We do not tolerate discrimination, exclusion, harassment, or bias in any form. We work actively to challenge systemic inequalities and promote a profession that is reflective of, and responsive to, the diverse society we serve.

2. Purpose of this Policy

This policy sets out the NACP’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion across our:

  • Membership application and support
  • Internal governance and advisory board
  • Supervision and CPD services
  • Public resources, communications, and campaigns
  • Complaints and disciplinary processes

It also outlines the expectations placed on all NACP members regarding inclusive, anti-discriminatory practice.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All NACP members (students, certified, accredited, and associated professionals)
  • NACP board members, advisors, and volunteers
  • Any individual representing the NACP in a professional capacity
  • All services and activities provided under the NACP brand

4. Protected Characteristics and Inclusive Practice

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to protecting individuals from discrimination on the basis of:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage and civil partnership
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

We also recognise that discrimination may occur outside of legal definitions — including in relation to neurodiversity, mental health, class background, body size, immigration status, or lived experience of trauma — and commit to inclusive practice in the broadest sense.

5. Responsibilities of Members

All members of the NACP are expected to:

  • Work in a way that actively respects and affirms client identities and lived experiences
  • Reflect on their own biases, privilege, and social positioning, and how these may impact the therapeutic relationship
  • Create a safe, inclusive environment free from judgment, microaggressions, or assumptions
  • Avoid any form of discriminatory, exclusionary, or oppressive behaviour, whether intentional or unconscious
  • Commit to ongoing learning and reflection around EDI in professional development

6. Responsibilities of the NACP

As a professional body, the NACP will:

  • Ensure fair and inclusive membership criteria that do not discriminate on the basis of training format, background, or protected characteristics
  • Review and update this policy and all associated standards regularly
  • Promote a diverse advisory board and decision-making structures
  • Respond appropriately to any concerns about discriminatory practice within the membership
  • Provide and signpost members to relevant EDI-related CPD opportunities
  • Ensure all complaints and disciplinary matters are assessed without bias and with cultural awareness

7. Inclusive Language and Representation

NACP is committed to using inclusive, accessible language across our website, documentation, training, and public communications. This includes:

  • Avoiding gendered assumptions
  • Recognising non-binary and diverse gender identities
  • Avoiding medicalised or stigmatising language where inappropriate
  • Ensuring representation across ethnicity, ability, gender, age, and lived experience in our public-facing materials

8. Challenging Discrimination

We will take seriously any reports of:

  • Discriminatory behaviour by a member
  • Exclusionary or biased decisions in NACP operations
  • Harmful stereotyping, harassment, or marginalisation within supervision or CPD
  • Inaccessibility that creates disadvantage for particular groups

Any such reports will be managed under the Complaints and Disciplinary Policy, and may lead to investigation and appropriate action.

9. Review and Accountability

This policy is reviewed annually, or in response to significant developments in law, practice, or membership needs. Oversight of this policy is led by the EDI Advisor on the NACP Advisory Board.

📩 Contact

If you have questions, feedback, or wish to report a concern related to EDI, please contact:
📧 info@nacp.co.uk
🔗 www.nacp.co.uk