NHS employment routes have been updated for Counsellors

Over many years there have been a number of changes to profession not least the introduction of the Accredited Register Scheme by The Professional Standards Authority.

The NHS has now updated their employment information, this means that the NHS will be seeking counsellors who are on an Accredited Register, below was sent from the National Counselling Society: -

The Counselling Society has been working hard to gain recognition within the NHS. We are pleased to tell you that very recently changes have begun to be seen, with NHS Choices already listing the society as a provider of counselling services at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/counselling/pages/introduction.aspx  - NHS Employers has now also added new content detailing the use and benefits of Accredited Registers http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/retain-and-improve/standards-and-assurance/professional-regulation/voluntary-registers

I am very pleased to let you know that Health Education England has now amended the information on the NHS Health Careers website also to be in line with the above and to promote inclusive hiring practices, https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/psychological-therapies/counsellor   

Previously copy read…

“You are likely to need a recognised counselling qualification, such as those accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.”

We are very pleased to confirm that both the NCS and PSA are now explicitly listed, and the rigour of the PSA Accredited Register programme is actively promoted.

This should help to start bringing about significant change, ending previous discriminatory hiring practices and get more NCS Counsellors into NHS services for the benefit of patients. We expect this to take time to see any change in reality, however providing the above links and information should help to challenge any obstacles members may face when applying for positions. As always, please do contact us if you need assistance.

What does this mean for Chrysalis Students and Graduates?

As a Chrysalis student you have a route to The National Counselling Society’s Accredited Register by completing Course 3, this will also mean Chrysalis graduates will have a clear route towards employment within the NHS. That being said it is important to remember that working for the NHS will still require the necessary procedures of seeking a new job i.e. this is not a guaranteed route to NHS, you will need to pass interview processes etc.

If you have any further questions then please feel free to contact the Chrysalis office either by email info@chrysaliscourses.co.uk or call us on 01278 420572