Insurance

The Registration Committee has had extended deliberations about the requirement for insurance. These discussions have taken into account the need for protection of the public as well as protection for professionals.

Below is the current policy and I would be grateful if you could read this and ensure that you have made the appropriate provision required for UKCP Registration.

1. All those therapists who practise, teach and supervise in a private capacity must have full cover and this will be a firm requirement for registration. The amount of work is not the issue.
2. Those who work in public and voluntary settings are also recommended to have full insurance so they are covered for any private work they may take on. If they decide not to have full insurance they will be required to sign a form indicating that they will not take on any private work and if they did it would be seen as a breach of professional ethics. A letter is required from the Employer to confirm that their insurance covers you for clinical work as a family and systemic psychotherapist.
3. Those who work in the public and voluntary sector who choose not to have full insurance are highly recommended to take out an extended insurance such as that provided by Amicus as part of membership. The insurance cover provided by the NHS, for example, will not cover complaints made about you to your professional body and you may be left with no legal and financial support for actions taken in this way.

It is part of the code of ethics that individuals ensure that they have appropriate insurance. We realise that there are costs involved but it would seem a small amount if you found yourself involved in a complaint! I hope this clarifies the situation and please email me at judith.lask@virgin.net if you have any further queries.

Judith Lask - Chair of Registration Committee

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