How not to run a “learned” society? Some further observations

As with the previous post regarding the failure to consult the Division of Occupational Psychology about changes which would affect the qualifications of that group of practitioners, the British Psychological Society have repeated that consultation failure  with a counselling training route. Here we reprint in full, with her permission, two posts that the Chair of the BPS Division of Counselling Psychology, Dr Sue Whitcombe, published on her LinkedIn page.

First post, 10 March 2024:

I am receiving an increasing number of emails from members, colleagues and stakeholders who have heard that the independent route to qualification, offered by the BPS, is closing.  I have also heard of many candidates, prospective candidates and members who have contacted the BPS about their studies or their concerns, and received no response.

The Division of Counselling Psychology has not been informed, formally, of the closure of the Qualification in Counselling Psychology.  There has been no discussion with the Division around any such decision. In fact, during our last contact with the BPS Qualifications Team on 15th August 2023, we were informed of the high level of interest in QCoP and a commitment to the relaunch of the new Qualification in Quarter 2 2024.

In mid February, we were informed by colleagues that BPS CEO Sarb Bajwa had announced the immediate closure of the Qualification in Counselling Psychology, and two other qualifications, during a Qualifications Committee meeting earlier that month.

On 22nd February, I wrote to Sarb Bajwa, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Chair of the Education and Training Board and Chair of Senate.  There has been a wall of silence – no response at all – other than from the Chair of Senate who responded immediately with a commitment to take concerns to the Board meeting on 1st March.

I conveyed the lack of respect and consideration for members, volunteers, stakeholders & contracted staff in the failure to consult and communicate with the Division and its 4000 members.  I voiced concerns about the apparent failure to consider the far-reaching implications for our profession.   

This modus operandi is contradictory to the values the BPS espouses – values such as involving and encouraging members and valuing their contributions; being open and keeping people informed through clear, open and honest communication; working in a psychologically informed way. https://www.bps.org.uk/our-values

Given the absence of any discussion or communication, and the failure to operate in accordance with the Society values, I requested that the process by which decisions were taken be made transparent, as is to be expected of a membership organisation.  I requested:

• Disclosure of all documentation and communication which was shared with the Board of Trustees regarding the Qualification in Counselling Psychology 
• Immediate transparent sharing of unredacted minutes, documentation & records relating to the review of the Qualification in Counselling Psychology, and the decisions made
• Immediate correspondence with all members, candidates, applicants and those who have expressed an interest in the Qualification in Counselling Psychology informing them of the decisions which have been taken and the implications for their studies.

As a member undertaking activities on behalf of the BPS I am required to act in accordance with its values, act in the best interest of the Society as a whole and not engage in conduct that might bring the Society or the reputation of the profession into disrepute.  I have, to the best of my ability attempted to represent the Division of Counselling Psychology diligently, following due process and communicating through appropriate channels.  I am sharing this information today as I believe I have a duty to keep my members, and stakeholders, informed in the continued absence of any communication from the CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

The Division of Counselling Psychology is committed to engaging with our members, gathering and representing your views.  We have heard your concerns and are actively seeking clarification.  We are fully supportive of the QCoP as a valued, flexible, accessible route to qualification and we will take whatever action is necessary to amplify the voices of our members and challenge any decision which we feel is detrimental to the sustainability and standing of our profession.

Update, published 13 March 2024:

On behalf of the Division of Counselling Psychology Committee, I would like to thank all our members, colleagues, stakeholders and friends – from within the Division, sister Psychology domains and elsewhere – for your overwhelming support around my post on Sunday https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bps-qualification-counselling-psychology-qcop-dr-sue-whitcombe-9nvve/?trackingId=0Mf6LBOE4M5Qm3gaYDvzDg%3D%3D

While not surprised by the strength of feeling, we are quite humbled by, and grateful for, the universal solidarity and support we have received. 

I am aware that my post may have inadvertently provoked anxiety for some candidates who are already enrolled on the Qualification in Counselling Psychology.  I apologise unreservedly for this.  I have been informed by colleagues – not directly by the BPS – that QCoP administration staff wish to reassure all candidates and supervisors that the announced closure of QCoP will not affect those currently enrolled on the programme.

On Monday, the day after my post, the BPS CEO emailed me suggesting a conversation to clear up matters more quickly.   I am still consulting with colleagues about this.  I am mindful of the CEO’s previous failure to respond to emails – from myself and others – and a need for clarity and transparency.

I have had discussions with other Division Chairs to consider how we might, collectively, share our members’ voices about current concerns and decisions. 

This morning, I received an announcement from the BPS President in an email from the BPS Head of Member Networks and Events.  I have included this in its entirety below:

You may have seen online coverage recently relating to BPS-delivered qualifications. Please find below a message from President, Nicky Hayes:  

The BPS is totally committed to seeing the highest professional standards in the field of Psychology, culminating in its Chartered status. As a result of concerns raised by members representing three professional domains (occupational, counselling and educational psychology (Scotland), the Board is keen to undertake further consultation with members over BPS support for these, and other, qualifications. The BPS wants to ensure that a future structure is both a hallmark of quality, and sustainable.

Nicky Hayes

President

While the suggestion of belated consultation is welcome, we felt the need to communicate our disappointment to the President.  I emailed her today.   

We did not feel that the announcement reflected our concerns.  It did not capture the absence of any consultation on the closure of QCoP with members or their representatives on the Division committee.  Enrolment on the Qualification has been paused for nearly a year, during which time the Qualification has been reviewed. The only discussions with the Division during this time were positive in nature, acknowledging the substantial interest in the Qualification and committing to relaunch in the first half of 2024.  It did not acknowledge the failure of staff, management and trustees to respond to normal lines of communication from ourselves and our members, including current and prospective QCoP candidates, and colleagues supporting the Qualification.  The announcement suggests that any concerns relate to the Qualifications themselves, rather than the concerns we have raised about transparency, poor management and an apparent disregard for members and their representatives. 

As it is not clear in the announcement, I have asked for confirmation that our members, including current and prospective QCoP candidates, have been informed of the status of their studies, applications and enrolment.  Further, I asked for confirmation that the apparent decision to close the Qualification in Counselling Psychology has been rescinded pending comprehensive consultation.

Please be assured that we will continue to adhere to our values, keeping you informed as we represent your views.  I will endeavour to respond to all messages on Social Media and via email, but please do bear with me – it may take some time!

Warm wishes and thanks.