Trustee Director and Standing Committee Member Code of Conduct

The following Code of Conduct is intended to clarify the conduct and behaviour expected of those in BABCP Trustee Director (Trustee) and Standing Committee member roles. Standing Committees are those committees that report directly into Board.

1.0 Organisational Objects

As a Trustee Director and/or standing committee member of BABCP you will be committed to supporting the BABCP Objects as stated in the Memorandum and Articles of Association (48) as:

“to advance the theory and practice of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies [CBT] by the promotion of scientific research and the application of evidence based practice including assessment, therapy and consultancy, in a wide variety of settings in accordance with the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in the Practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.”

There are additional responsibilities and requirements in fulfilling a voluntary BABCP role in addition to those of only an Ordinary Member and the requirements within the Memorandum and Articles of Association (41) as:

“There shall be a set of Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in the Practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies hereafter referred to as the Standards of Conduct.”

Trustee Directors should also be aware of requirements to remain in office. Memorandum and Articles of Association (20 and 21) states:

20. A Director shall cease to hold office if he or she: (a) ceases to be a Trustee by virtue of any provision in the Act or is disqualified from acting as a Trustee by virtue of Section 72 of the Charities Act 1993 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that provision); (b) becomes incapable by reason of mental disorder, illness or injury of managing and administering his own affairs (c) resigns his office by notice to the Association (but only if at least two Directors will remain in office when the notice of resignation is to take effect); or (d) is absent without the permission of the Directors from all their meetings held within a period of six months and the Directors resolve that his office be vacated.
21. Except to the extent permitted by the Memorandum, no Director shall take or hold any interest in property belonging to the Association or receive remuneration or be interested otherwise than as a Director in any other contract to which the Association is a party.

2.0 Organisational Values

The following values are central to everything BABCP does. These values are also central to the conduct expected of Trustees and/or standing committee members.

Diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration – we appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusivity and seek to maximise participation and engagement from everyone with an interest in CBT, in particular those from under-represented groups. CBT is a collaborative therapy, and we value collaboration and consultation with members and wider groups as needed.

We oppose discrimination of any kind and are continually working to improve our recognition of and take an active stance against discrimination and inequality.

Integrity, openness, and honesty – We believe there should be integrity in all that we do. We aim to be open and transparent so that we can be responsible and accountable.

Professionalism – as an organisation we strive to have the highest standards of professionalism, as we also expect from our members, who agree to abide by our Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.

An evidence-based and developmental approach - CBT is an evidence-based therapy. This means there is an evidence base that demonstrates it can be effective. We value this evidence-base and it shapes the actions and decisions we take.

Additionally, the following is provided as guidance of expectations of your conduct;

1. Striving to act in the best interests of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.
2. Abiding by all organisational policies including declaring any personal conflicts of interests with BABCP business as soon as possible after it arises.
3. Trying to attend all Board and/or relevant standing committee meetings, giving apologies in reasonable time to the Chair and meeting coordinator if unable to attend.
4. Endeavouring to study the agenda and other information sent in good time prior to the meeting and engage in decisions, including constructive challenge, during the meeting.
5. Supporting respective Board and standing committee terms of reference.
6. Participating in induction and development activities for trustee and/or committee members if possible, when opportunities arise.

3.0 Protection against bringing BABCP into disrepute and protecting Trustees/Standing Committee Members

Please follow the guidance below to help protect the reputation of the BABCP and yourself.

1. Do not speak as a Trustee and/or committee member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies to the media or in a public forum without the prior knowledge and approval of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
2. If you have spoken as a Trustee and/or committee member of BABCP to the media or in a public forum where prior consent was not obtained, please inform the Board and CEO at once.
3. When speaking as a Trustee and/or committee member of BABCP please be aware your comments should reflect current organisational policy even when these do not agree with your personal views.
4. When not speaking as a BABCP Trustee or standing committee member please strive not to undermine the reputation of BABCP and those who work in it.
5. Respect organisational, Board and individual confidentiality.
6. Declare any conflicts of interest consistent with BABCP Conflict of Interests Policy and procedure.

4.0 Leaving the Board or Standing Committee

Following the guidance below will be helpful to you in your role and BABCP.

1. A substantial breach of any part of this code may result in removal from the Board and/or committee. Any complaint received about you in your role as a Trustee or a standing committee member will be considered under the Organisational Complaints Policy.
2. Should you resign from the Board and/or committee, inform the Board and CEO in writing, stating your reasons for resigning. Additionally, you may be requested to participate in an exit interview.

Related Policies and Procedures:

Organisational Complaints Policy

Conflicts of Interest Policy

Social Media Policy