Disability currently feels like a taboo word, thanks to past and present governments shaping a perception where society views disabled individuals as scroungers, idlers, and fraudsters. This perception is entirely false and is a harmful narrative. Anyone could become disabled at any time. I have been a productive member of society throughout my working life until, in 2016, I was struck by a chronic illness that almost killed me and required a period where I relied on welfare support. I am deeply grateful for it, but I wanted more than to just survive; I wanted to thrive. So, at age 50 in 2022, I enrolled in a Master's program, genuinely believing that with the right support, I could again contribute to society—despite my profound disability. After graduating with a Masters degree i decided to pursue my dream of becoming a counsellor, however, due to the profound nature of my disabilities, I required reasonable adjustments due to being largely housebound. Currently, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) mandates that student counsellors complete 100 hours of placement, with no more than 49 hours remotely. This policy places individuals like me, with mobility difficulties and sensory deficits, at a serious disadvantage. Such one-size-fits-all policies unintentionally discriminate against protected groups like disabled individuals.

BACP's own 2023–24 Workforce Mapping Survey found that just 11.13% of respondents identified as disabled, compared with 17.69% of the general population comparator used in the report. BACP has also previously acknowledged that some of its own organisational practices, processes and materials may have unintentionally created disabling barriers to meaningful inclusion. This raises an important question: how many disabled people are being deterred from entering, progressing through, or remaining within the counselling profession because of inaccessible requirements and inadequate reasonable adjustments?

The Equality Act 2010 requires service providers, including the BACP, and educators to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people are not disadvantaged. By refusing to consider relaxing the 100-hour placement rule, the BACP is failing to ensure fair access for all students.

We suggest that the BACP revise their policies to allow more flexible remote placement hours for students who need them. This change would provide greater support for disabled student counsellors and could encourage increased diversity in the field. We must prevent systemic barriers from blocking capable, passionate individuals from serving others through counselling.

Please sign this petition to urge the BACP to implement these necessary changes. Let’s give everyone an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Update: In February 2026, after presenting new compelling evidence that bolstered my case, the BACP quickly sought alternative legal representation. They then filed a motion challenging their jurisdiction, claiming my case should be heard by an employment tribunal under section 5 of the Equality Act 2010 instead of section 3. This is incorrect because I am neither an employee of nor have I applied or interviewed for a position with the BACP. As I write this, I am awaiting a court decision on this jurisdictional matter.

To clarify, section 3 of the Equality Act 2010 covers discrimination in general services and public functions outside employment contexts. Section 5 pertains specifically to employment, protecting employees and job applicants from workplace discrimination and during hiring. Since my relationship with the BACP has never involved employment or a job application, section 5 does not apply, and the proper jurisdiction should be determined accordingly.

Furthermore,  it is alleged that the BACP has continued discriminatory practices. Notably, they ignored my inquiry about whether my educational awarding body agreeing to me conducting all placement hours remotely as a reasonable adjustment might affect my future accreditation; to date I have received no reply. This omission has resulted in several alleged breaches of the Equality Act 2010:

 

- Section 13: Direct Discrimination—treating someone less favorably due to a protected characteristic.

 

- Section 15: Discrimination Arising from Disability—unfavorable treatment because of a disability-related issue.

 

- Section 19: Discrimination due to policies that disadvantage those with disabilities.

 

- Section 20: Duty to Make Reasonable Adjustments—obliging organizations to eliminate barriers for disabled people.

 

- Section 21: Failure to comply with the duty to make reasonable adjustments.

 

Because the BACP did not address my request for reasonable adjustment, it has not met its legal responsibilities under these sections. Please continue supporting this cause by helping me to hold the BACP accountable for my claims of discriminatory actions.