The current position of the UKCP and statutory regulation

At the March 2005 UKCP AGM two potential models were presented to delegates as the potential way forward for the restructuring of UKCP Sections as we move towards Statutory Regulation, probably in 2008.

The Humanistic and Integrative Section (HIPS), of which CTP is a member organization, put forward the idea of the UKCP becoming “The Institute for Psychotherapy” made up of a broad-based community of individual psychotherapists working in differing modalities. The main functions of the Institution would be to represent the profession of Psychotherapy, acting as its voice to professional organizations and the general public, and as gatekeeper for access to the profession, with the client’s needs as central to this model. Although there would be a richness of diversity, with multiple modality-based groups or “colleges” developing theory and practice, research and publishing, the principle of modality would be secondary. The primary argument is that a larger institution would be to the profession’s advantage because of the message it will convey by its size and breadth as being the knowledge base for the profession as a whole.

The Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic, Analytical Psychology, Behavioural and Cognitive Sections, and others, supported by the Governing Board, in contrast proposed a model that creates independent, potentially powerful modality-based institutions with a strong UKCP centre which respects their quality of excellence and the rigour of their training standards and CPD.

The latter model gained the majority of votes, and a resolution was passed authorising the GB to proceed towards the creation of “Member Institutions”: defining their role, legal status, means of formation, financial powers and resources, etc, with a view to bringing fully developed proposals on their formation to the next EGM for decision in the Autumn of 2005. (See attached appendix for further detailing on the potential role of MIs)

At the AGM, Rosy Winterton, the Minister of State for Health, made it quite clear that the Health Professions Council will take over responsibility for Regulation. That is, holding entry qualifications, core rules and dealing with complaints. It is now in the process of mapping the profession, with the UKCP and the BACP charged with providing standards. The HIPS Training Standards are generally in line with the HPC generic Standards which will be important and advantageous to CTP in the near future.

It is likely that the Department of Health will seek to have as few formal registered titles as possible once Statutory Regulation comes into being (probably 3-5 maximum), and so it makes sense that MIs or “Colleges” will constellate around collective titles that reflect formal registered titles. The assumption is there will be an External Statutory Regulated title (e.g. Registered Psychotherapist) and “College” Regulated sub-titles (e.g. Humanistic (Gestalt) Psychotherapist).

CTP has now received a document from the UKCP Governing Board entitled “Structuring Member Institutions: A First Consultative paper” that proposes that the UKCP becomes an umbrella organization of psychotherapy institutions. They are seeking responses to this by September prior to a formal vote at the October EGM. During July HIPS has met several times to consider its identity, core values, vision and place in the wider community as well as its potential future naming should it become a Member Institution. Thus far, it is clear that this will be a thorny issue, as some delegates hold fast to their Humanistic philosophical underpinnings, others to Integrative, and a more progressive, younger sub-group are keen on the word “Relational” which is becoming increasingly fashionable in the US.

Much of this will ultimately come down to marketing HIPS in an accessible and appealing way to potential members of the public seeking therapy who will want simplicity, clarity and reassurance.

What does all this mean for Accredited Therapists and those in Professional Preparation

In the short term, it will be business as usual, and you will continue to accredit and re-accredit with CTP. It was laid down by the UKCP that accredited therapists have to be a member of an MO to be registered. However, if MIs do become reality by 2008, it is uncertain what the future role of the UKCP will be. Will we individually register with our MI or with the UKCP? This as yet still remains an unknown that continues to be debated.

Rupert Tower
Executive Director

17 West View Road, St. Albans, Herts AL3 5JX Tel: 01727 751420