Ethical Framework 2026: A conversation with the BACP

Has the new BACP Ethical Framework 2026 left you wondering what you’re supposed to do?

In this episode, I’m joined by Nicola Blunden, BACP’s Deputy Head of Professional Standards, and Marita Morahan, who led the review of the Ethical Framework, to explore what it means for our everyday practice.

We talk about why there isn’t always one answer that fits everyone, and how the framework’s decision-making questions can help us work out what is appropriate for our clients and our circumstances.

We also discuss:

• Why relationship and context matter when making ethical decisions
• What collaborative working with clients can look like
• Record keeping, clinical wills and concerns about notes after death
• Recognising our power and responding when we get something wrong
• Competence, training and supervision
• Social media, personal beliefs and the potential impact on clients
• Why we must retain responsibility for our decisions when using AI

I found the conversation helpful in understanding how to use the framework, and I hope it helps you feel more confident about approaching it too.

The Ethical Framework 2026 takes effect on 3 November 2026. This conversation explores general principles and considerations rather than providing advice for individual ethical situations.

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BACP Ethical Framework 2026, BACP ethics, counselling ethics, ethical decision-making, clinical wills for counsellors, counselling record keeping, client notes after death, confidentiality, collaborative working, anti-oppressive practice, counselling supervision, therapist competence, social media boundaries, AI in counselling, counsellors in private practice, Nicola Blunden, Marita Morahan, Good Enough Counsellors

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.