BABCP has become the primary regulator for CBT therapists and PWPs. Yet, it is far behind other regulators in adapting to the way we work now. Many therapists want to work with UK clients from abroad remotely, due to a variety of reasons, which wouldn't change the quality of work and is no different clinically to working remotely within the UK. 

The BABCP states that if you work abroad, it is a break in UK practice (despite the clients being UK based) and you can only maintain BABCP accredited for 2 yrs max. It is even worse for CBT therapists in their first year, who are only allowed to be working abroad for a maximum of 6 weeks before losing accreditation. The BABCP states the reason for this 'is that it our ability to apply our standards and complaints procedures may be affected with any members who are based abroad'.

We request the BABCP reviews this to come into line with the modern workforce. The consequences of such as regulation include:

• Brain drain: many therapists have had to relocate abroad for family/personal reasons, and leave remote NHS jobs simply because they cannot remain accredited with the BABCP, and the NHS requires BABCP accreditation.
  
  
• Continued staff shortage: demand for high quality, well trained therapists is continuously high in the UK. By not allowing accreditation whilst abroad, British therapists therefore are not able to easily work with UK based clients or clients in whichever country they are in. The people who suffer here are those seeking help, with a lack of availability pushing up prices and waitlists. 
  
  
• Lack of career progression: before embarking in PWP/CBT, many people weigh up whether to study for a clinical doctorate in psychology instead. We are trying to attract more people to the PWP/CBT profession and have more longevity in these careers. However, clinical psychology provides a more flexible and stable career as HCPC allows accreditation whilst abroad meaning there is less risk in this career path.
  
  
• Financial strain: Inflation in the UK is extremely high, and NHS wages have not increased in line with this. Therapy is a high stress job. Many therapists consider temporarily moving back to home countries where the financial situation is less tough whilst maintaining UK work remotely. Currently, they are not able to do this so remain in a high stress job that is financially straining.
  
  
• Working unaccredited: one option is to work unaccredited remotely. This is dangerous for both therapist and client, and not best practice. Yet, it is the situation many therapists are forced into when life forces their hand and they may have ro move abroad and need to maintain work.

We recognise the BABCPs concerns re complaints procedures abroad.

However, other regulatory bodies including the HPCP, BACP and UKCP do not remove accreditation when psychologists / therapists / counsellors are abroad. Across the USA, all licensed therapists across America are able to work remotely, as long as the client is based in the state they are licensed in. The BABCP is therefore lagging behind other bodies, and we request that they review this policy to bring our careers into the modern workforce, and in-line with other regulators.