Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - IACP ......28 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy IACP Noticeboard Volume 14 lIssue 3 lAutumn 2014 Dear Members,

28 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

IACP Noticeboard

Volume 14 l Issue 3 l Autumn 2014

Dear Members,

I hope this, my second letter to you as Cathaoirleach, finds you all well. The Summer of 2014 has been an exciting one for all in Head Office preparing for the move to IACP’s new office in Marina House, Dun Laoghaire. The purchase of a suitable premises has been a long time coming and the wait has been well justified – Marina House is a great building, modern, with plenty of room and light, and it is in a lovely location, by the sea.

For months prior to the first viewing of Marina House all IACP staff members were scouting everywhere and anywhere to find the right building and it has been both lovely and gratifying to witness the verve and enthusiasm with which the planning involved in the fitting out of the new offices, and the move, are being carried out. I offer my congratulations and thanks to all the staff, in particular to Carol Murray, IACP Office Manager and her colleagues in the IACP

Management Team, Naoise Kelly (National Director), Shane Kelly (Professional Services Manager) and Martin Ryan (Accountant and Project Co-ordinator).

My first letter, for the Summer edition of Eisteach, concentrated on the work the Executive Committee is undertaking, in the implementation of a new Governance structure for IACP. I am very happy to report that the Executive has chosen to establish a Working Group on Governance, which held its inaugural meeting on Thursday 31st July/Friday 1st August and arrived at a very workable consensus on the way forward for the work on governance.

The Executive is also working on the development of IACP policy and strategy on the following:

• Online/Phone Counselling/Psychotherapy and Supervision. IACP does not have any provisions for Professional Competency with regard to technology and with the protection of the public and members being a priority for IACP, it is now incumbent upon the Executive to have a policy in place as soon as possible.

• IACP’s policy on Garda Vetting – including a policy on which convictions and offences will be acceptable to IACP.

• Statutory Regulation – the Executive and IACP management staff are discussing and researching appropriate policy/strategy for the changed landscape which regulation will bring to the profession.

• On-going review and evaluation of policy on Individual, Supervision and Course Accreditation.

• Research

• IACP Financial Policy – significance and financial implications of property purchase.

Other work being undertaken by the Executive is managing IACP’s compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, responding to a steady flow of correspondence, planning CPD opportunities for members (currently planning IACP’s first Annual Conference,) reviewing reciprocal agreements, and monitoring progress on the current strategic plan and PR strategy.

My hope in outlining all of the above is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of IACP members of the work of the Executive Committee, fellow volunteers and IACP staff. We, the Executive, fellow volunteers and staff, all benefit from the support of members, and I trust that as we go on with our work we will be deserving of your continued support – which is my personal motivation in my role as Cathaoirleach.

Bernadettte DarcyCathaoirleach

From the Cathaoirleach

Bernadette Darcy

29Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy


IACP Noticeboard

From the National Director

Naoise Kelly

Dear Members,

IACP is very pleased to confirm the purchase of a property to house the Associations’ Headquarters. The offices are located in Marina House, Clarence Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

The move to Marina House will take place at the end of September 2014 and will mark the first time in the IACP’s 33 year history that the organisation will own its own home.

Following the passing of an AGM motion to purchase a property, we had been seeking a premises that could meet the needs of a modern professional body and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Association. Marina House provides a much needed upgrade to the IACP’s current office, offering a larger, more modern space with excellent transport links.

Please see some photos below.

Naoise Kelly, National Director

IACP’s New Headquarters

Property Contract Signing: Eugene McHugh, Executive Committee Member, Bernie Darcy, Cathaoirleach, Naoise Kelly, National Director.


IACP Noticeboard


Garda Vetting to be introduced for all IACP MembersPursuant to the NATIONAL VETTING BUREAU (CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PERSONS) ACT 2012, the Garda Vetting will be introduced for all IACP Members (all membership categories) in late 2014. (date to be confirmed).

All categories of membership of the IACP will be dependent on individuals obtaining Garda Vetting.National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012, provides a statutory basis for the use of Garda criminal records in the vetting of persons applying for employment working with children or vulnerable adults.The Act also provides for the use of “soft” information, (which is referred to as “specified information” in the Act) in regard to vetting.This is information other than criminal convictions where such information leads to a bona-fide belief that a person poses a threat to children or vulnerable persons.Vetting procedures are already a requirement under the Children First National Guidelines.

The primary purpose of the Act is to put the procedures that have been developed to vet these applications into law, to provide for the use of soft information and to ensure those working with children or vulnerable adults are properly vetted.The Garda Central Vetting Unit will become the National Vetting Bureau under the provisions of this Act and will have a substantially expanded role under new legislation.The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 makes it mandatory for persons working with children or vulnerable adults to be vetted, whereas at present, this is done on the basis of a voluntary code.The Act will also create offences and penalties for persons who fail to comply with its provisions.The schedule to the Act lists in detail the types of work or activities that require vetting.These include:• Childcare services• Schools• Hospitals and health services• Residential services or

accommodation for children or vulnerable persons

• Treatment, therapy or counselling services for children or vulnerable persons

• Provision of leisure, sporting or physical activities to children or vulnerable persons

• Promotion of religious beliefsThe Gardaí have also interpreted the new legislation to apply to any persons whom may have any

indirect/potential or possibility of contact with children or vulnerable adults.This means that any situation where there may be children or vulnerable adults, any persons who could come into contact with them, no matter how passing, must be vetted by law.In light of this legal requirement, Garda Vetting will become a requirement for IACP membership.Following the introduction of Garda Vetting for IACP members, individuals will not be given membership until after they have received Garda Vetting.The IACP is currently developing criteria, policies and procedures regarding Garda Vetting and once complete all members will be notified.

No action is required by IACP members at this time.

IACP recommends that all members familiarise themselves with The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012.The Act can be viewed on www.irishstatutebook.ie


IACP Noticeboard


IACP meets Minister with responsibility for Mental HealthIACP representatives (Bernie Darcy - Cathaoirleach, Shane Kelly - Professional Services Manager, Naoise Kelly - National Director) attended a private meeting with Minister Kathleen Lynch (Minister of State, Department of Health and Children with responsibility for Disability, Older People, Equality & Mental Health), at her office in Leinster house in June, 2014. The meeting lasted one hour and fifteen minutes and was also attended by Officials from the Regulatory and Mental Health units of the Department of Health & Children.IACP representatives updated the Minister on our recent work and informed the Minister, in detail, of IACP’s aims relating to the Statutory Regulation of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The Minister and her Officials showed themselves to be well informed on developments within the profession and were aware of IACP’s work and profile in the area.The Minister said that Counselling and Psychotherapy will definitely be

regulated and that she sees this as a priority. Importantly, the Minister and her Officials stated that regulation may happen before the regulation of the current list of 12 professions (being regulated by CORU - the Health and Social Care professional Council) is complete. This is a welcome change to the timeline for regulation, which previously, was dependent on the 12 other professions regulation being complete. The Minister said that the aim is to have the regulatory process started within a year (i.e. by June 2015). This process will involve many considerations (by the Department of Health and CORU) including: Study of the QQI award standards, a public consultation process through a forum, more consultation with professional bodies and the scoping & assessment of education and training standards. The grand-parenting standards requirements will also need careful consideration and the Department of Health and CORU will also consult with stakeholders before deciding

on the standards that need to be met during the transition (grand-parenting) period.The issue of title/s (i.e. Counsellor/Psychotherapist) and how this applies to regulation was also discussed. Department officials stated that if any differentiation between Counselling and Psychotherapy was to be made, it would be based on evidence. The officials were interested to hear that, following IACP’s release of our position paper, the Psychological Therapies Forum (PTF) now intend to properly address the matter of definitions and differentiation. The officials were pleased to hear that, putting aside the difficulties relating to the issue of differentiation, all members of the PTF (which was founded by IACP) are keen to work together towards regulation.The Minster was particularly interested to hear of International regulatory developments and was encouraged by IACP’s strong connections to other National Associations. The Minister was also informed about IACP’s higher level of quality control of course accreditation through our new course assessment process. Course assessment will also be carried out by CORU under regulation. IACP representatives also offered IACP as a resource, in the area of Counselling and Psychotherapy, to the Minister and her department.For more information on CORU and regulatory developments in other professions (designated under the “Health and Social Care Professionals act, 2005”) please see: http://www.coru.ie/

Bernie Darcy (Cathaoirleach), Kathleen Lynch (Minister for Mental Health) Naoise Kelly (National Director) & Shane Kelly (Professional Services Manager) meeting in

the Dáil to progress the introduction of the regulation of Counselling & Psychotherapy in Ireland - June 11th, 2014.


IACP Noticeboard


IACP in the MediaThe profile of the IACP and its Members got a huge boost on National TV, Radio and Print Media in recent weeks.

TelevisionIACP Professional Services Manager, Shane Kelly, appeared on TV3’s “Ireland AM” programme to discuss “Exam Stress”.

TV3 were interested in having IACP on the show after seeing the IACP May press release which focused on Exam Stress.

Shane’s appearance meant that the work of our Members was promoted to a significantly large viewing audience.

National RadioShane appeared on the Pat Kenny Radio Show on Newstalk FM to discuss “The Fear of Flying”.

The interview with Pat Kenny meant that the profile of the IACP and its members reached almost 200,000 people.

You can listen back to a podcast of the interview with Pat by logging on to www.newstalk.ie

Print MediaIACP had several articles published in the Journal.ie.

So far, the articles have had a combined viewing of over 20,000 views, which is a massive boost to the IACP’s and its Members’ National profile.

You can view IACP’s articles by logging on to www.thejournal.ie

Regional RadioShane also appeared on the following regional radio stations over the past few weeks:

• LMFM – The Late Lunch with Gerry Kelly

• Tipp FM - Tipp Today with Seamus Martin

• Spin 1038 FM

• Highland Radio

Nationwide Distribution of IACP Information Leaflets

A significant IACP PR & Communica-tions initiative started in April of this year.The supply of all GP waiting rooms, clinics and hospitals with IACP Information leaflets (45,000 leaflets in all), promoting the benefits of therapy, began for a six month campaign.This project is being carried out by the company that owns and stocks the information stands positioned at these locations.All of this activity moves us closer to meeting our PR and communication aims.We aim to ensure that you, as IACP practitioners, are more recognisable than ever before and we now know that this is happening.Research Company, Behaviour and Attitudes (B&A) conducted a survey for us in early 2010, and found that 9% of the general public had heard of IACP.Four years later, in early 2014, the same nationwide survey found that 20% of the public had heard of IACP - that’s a huge increase in PR terms (another half a million people approx.) and very welcome news.


IACP Noticeboard


Clarification of the IACP Membership Cancellation PolicyAn Affiliate, Student, Pre-Accredited or Accredited Member of the IACP shall cease to be member i.e. have their membership cancelled:1. If that member informs the IACP

in writing that they wish to cancel their membership

2. If the annual membership fee is not paid by its due date• Invoices are posted out in

December to all members, payment is due by January 31st

• If payment if not received a final reminder letter is posted and/or emailed to the member with a due date for payment to be received

• If payment is still not received a phone call is made to the member to confirm receipt of letter and enquire if the member intends to remain or cancel their membership

• If payment is still not received then the membership is cancelled

3. If an application for First Time Accreditation is deemed unsuccessful by the Accreditation Committee• Applications for First Time

Accreditation are made to the Accreditation Committee which is entitled to approve or refuse the application

• All applications must be signed by the applicant to confirm that the information supplied is correct and true and that any inaccurate or false information or omission of material information shall render an application invalid and result in the withdrawal of IACP membership

• First Time Accreditation applications deemed unsuccessful by the Accreditation Committee are ratified by the Executive Committee

• Once the decision is ratified the applicant is notified in writing

• If an appeal is not submitted within 4 weeks of notification of the decision, the membership is cancelled if necessary

• If the outcome of the appeal is to uphold the decision of the Accreditation Committee then the membership is cancelled if necessary

4. If an application for Renewal of Accreditation is deemed unsuccessful by the Accreditation Committee• Applications for Renewal of

Accreditation are made to the Accreditation Committee which is entitled to approve or refuse the application

• IACP Accreditation is awarded for a period of five years, after which an Accredited Member must reapply for accreditation. Renewal of Accreditation is dependent on the member having met all requirements for Accredited Membership from the date of the previous renewal of accreditation.

• Incomplete compliance may lead to a reduced period of accreditation; an award of provisional accreditation for a limited time, the renewal of which will be dependent on the adherence to a list of recommendations; or an award of conditional accreditation

that will come into force after adherence to a list of recommendations is confirmed. Anything less than compliance will be insufficient for renewal of accreditation to be awarded.

• All applications made must be signed by the applicant to confirm that the information supplied is correct and true and that any inaccurate or false information or omission of material information shall render an application invalid and result in the withdrawal of that member’s accreditation.

• Renewal of Accreditation applications deemed unsuccessful by the Accreditation Committee are ratified by the Executive Committee

• Once the decision is ratified the applicant is notified in writing. The correspondence should clearly indicate why the application was unsuccessful.

• If an appeal is not submitted within 4 weeks of notification of the decision the member’s accreditation is cancelled

• If the outcome of the appeal is to uphold the decision of the Accreditation Committee then the membership is cancelled

5. If a Renewal of Accreditation application is not submitted by its due date• A reminder letter is posted

and/or emailed to Accredited Members 6 to 8 weeks prior to when their renewal application is due

• If an application is not received by the due date then a reminder letter is posted and/or emailed


IACP Noticeboard


with a due date for receipt of the application

• If an application is still not received the membership is cancelled

6. If an Inactive Accredited Member does submit an application to Return to Active Membership by its due date• A reminder letter is posted

and/or emailed to an Inactive Accredited Members 6 to 8 weeks prior to when their Return to Active Accredited membership application is due

• If an application is not received by the due date then a reminder letter is posted and/or emailed with a due date for receipt of the application

• If an application is still not received the membership is cancelled

7. Accredited Membership can also be cancelled as a result of a sanction imposed by the IACP Complaints Committee.

Please Note1. If an application for First Time

or Renewal of Accreditation is unsuccessful then the letter of notification sent to the applicant should clearly state:

• The reason the application was unsuccessful

• Guidelines and recommendations for the applicant on how to reapply if applicable

• Accreditation Appeals Procedure information

2. When an Accredited Membership is cancelled that member must be notified in writing that their accreditation has been removed and the date from which this takes effect. Their name will be removed from the IACP Referral Database and online directory and they will no longer be recognised by IACP as an Accredited Member from date of notification. That member will be required to remove all references to IACP, including the

IACP logo from any promotional material within 30 days of notification. Any involvement with IACP committees / working groups must cease from date of notification.

3. When a Pre-Accredited Membership is cancelled that member must be notified in writing that their membership has been removed and the date from which this takes effect. They are required to remove any and all references to Pre-Accredited Member IACP from any promotional material they may have and any involvement with IACP committees / working groups must cease.

4. A list of names of Accredited Members whose membership is cancelled for whatever reason will be published in Éisteach and on the website.

This policy is available on the IACP website www.iacp.ie/membership-cancellation-policy

Retired Accredited MembershipThe IACP is introducing a new category of membership - Retired Accredited MemberRequirements for Retired Accredited Members:• Retired Accredited Membership

is open to any current or past IACP Accredited Member who has permanently ceased practising, in a paid or voluntary capacity, as a Counsellor / Psychotherapist. Renewal of accreditation and meeting the requirements for renewal, are therefore not necessary.

• Applications must be submitted to the IACP office for approval

• Retired Accredited Members must

adhere to the IACP Code of Ethics• Retired Accredited Members may

refer to themselves as “IACP Retired Accredited Member” only and they may not use the IACP Accredited Member logo or present themselves other than “IACP Retired Accredited Member” on any marketing or promotional materials, including printed and electronic

• Annual membership fee is €80• Retired Accredited Members will

not be listed on the IACP Referral Database

• Retired Accredited Member may not practice as an IACP Counsellor/Psychotherapist

Benefits

• Ability to register for any IACP workshops at discounted Member rates

• Receive the electronic monthly IACP Member News

• Receive the quarterly publication Éisteach

• Stay informed and make a difference• Free attendance at the AGM, however

they may not vote• Discounted membership feeThis information and the application form for Retired Accredited Membership is available on the IACP website www.iacp.ie/retired-accredited-membership


IACP Noticeboard


IACP Accredited CoursesThe IACP are proud to announce the first time accreditation of the following course;• Diploma in Holistic Counselling & Psychotherapy, International College for Personal & Professional

Development (ICPPD) Athlone.

First Time Accreditation Client Hour RequirementsPlease note that client hours for the purpose of First Time Accreditation may consist of couple, family or group Counselling/Psychotherapy hours as 25% of the required 450 post-training hours. The other 75% of hours must be individual Adult Counselling/Psychotherapy.

Eligibility Criteria for IACP Student and Pre-Accredited MembersAs and from 31 August 2014 the eligibility for IACP Student and Pre-Accredited Membership will apply to applicants who are currently attending, or have qualified from, IACP Accredited Courses only.Applicants from Non IACP Accredited courses, including applicants from outside Ireland, may still apply for First Time Accreditation by applying directly to the Accreditation Committee (once they have completed all the necessary client hours etc.)Affiliate membership is also an option, but please note, Affiliate Members may not practice as IACP therapists as Affiliate Membership is not a certificate of competence to practice.IACP is not in a position to afford the status of ‘IACP Student / Pre-Accredited Therapist’ to individuals whose training has not been verified or monitored by IACP – as is the case with applicants from Non IACP Accredited courses.This new eligibility criterion shall be applied to all new applications from 31 August 2014 and not be applied retrospectively.All present memberships will be honoured.This means that anyone who presently has Student or Pre-Accredited Membership Status already, can continue to avail of this membership (even if they have not attended an IACP Accredited course).

Clarification Regarding Previously Published ArticlesIn the previous issue of Éisteach (Volume 14 - Issue 2 – Summer 2014) the following articles appeared; Prayer in Counselling - Presence in Existential Humanistic Psychotherapy and in Shamanic Journey.

The IACP wishes to clarify that it does not endorse or promote the content of these articles.

Student Membership Application FormIrish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Student Membership is available to individuals currently on an IACP Accredited Course.PERSONAL DETAILS

Gender: M / F Date of Birth (dd/mm/yy):

Surname: Title:

Address:

Phone: Email:

Forename:

(Mobile)

(Home)

www.iacp.ie

Page 1 of 2

COURSE DETAILS

Full Title of Course:

College Name:

Address of College:

Location of Course (if different from address of college):

Course Days: Weekday WeekendCourse Start Date: Course End Date:

Pre-Accredited MemberApplication FormIrish Association for Counselling and PsychotherapyPre-Accredited Membership is available to individuals who have successfully completed an IACP Accredited Course and who are

actively working towards Accreditation.

Page 1 of 2

PERSONAL DETAILSGender: M / F Date of Birth (dd/mm/yy): Member Number:

Surname: Title:Address:

Phone: Email:

Occupation:

Address (work):

Phone (work):

Forename:

(Mobile)

(Home)

COURSE DETAILSName of Course successfully completed:

Name of College:

Address of College:Location of Course (if different from address of college):Course Days: Weekday Weekend Date of successful completion of course:

www.iacp.ie

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPSHave you ever been a member of another Counselling / Psychotherapy body? Please circle as appropriate: Y / N

If yes, please state name of other Counselling / Psychotherapy body: Membership Period:

CURRENT SUPERVISIONName of Current Supervisor:Address:

Telephone Number:Supervisor’s Professional Membership (tick all that apply): IACP IAHIP BACP

Signed: (Current Supervisor) Date:

Documents

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - IACP ......28 Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy IACP Noticeboard Volume 14 lIssue 3 lAutumn 2014 Dear Members,