The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) has announced that economist, author and mental health campaigner Lord Richard Layard has become a patron of the organisation.
Lord Layard is widely recognised as one of the most influential advocates for expanding access to evidence-based psychological therapies in the UK. His work was instrumental in the development of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, now known as NHS Talking Therapies, which has transformed access to treatment for depression and anxiety disorders across England.
As Patron, Lord Layard will support BABCP’s mission to protect the public, uphold professional standards and promote access to evidence-based psychological therapies delivered by appropriately trained and accredited practitioners.
Commenting on his appointment, Lord Layard said: “The BABCP has played a crucial role in expanding evidence based psychological therapy in this country. By certifying therapists, it has played a key role in the development of NHS Talking Therapies and contributed to the worldwide reputation it has acquired.
“I am proud to become a Patron of BABCP and to support its continued work promoting high standards in psychological therapy and improving access to evidence-based mental health care.”
BABCP President Dr Stirling Moorey said: “Lord Layard’s contribution to mental health care in the UK has been extraordinary. His vision and advocacy helped establish access to evidence-based psychological therapies as a core part of NHS mental health provision.
“We are delighted to welcome him as a patron of BABCP. His longstanding commitment to improving mental health outcomes, expanding access to effective treatment and championing the importance of high-quality psychological therapies aligns closely with our mission and values.”
BABCP is the lead organisation for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland. It supports high standards in evidence-based psychological therapies through practitioner accreditation, professional development, public protection and the maintenance of a Professional Standards Authority-accredited register.
Lord Layard is well-known for promoting the use of public policy to improve people’s wellbeing. His appointment comes at a time of growing demand for mental health support and increasing focus on ensuring that psychological therapies are delivered by appropriately trained, supervised and accountable practitioners.
