This document should be read in conjunction with the UKATA Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, The Code of Ethics of the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy and the requirements of the course programme in which a student trainee is engaged.

“UKCP” means United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy.

1. The Code is to be read and interpreted in conjunction with other UKATA Policies.
2. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Code are:

2.1 To promote excellence in TA training, and to ensure that TA psychotherapy training is delivered to high professional standards.

2.2 To provide RTEs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors, Supervisors and Trainees with a code of practice within which to operate professionally and in accordance with the requirements of UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS) as may be imposed upon them individually or collectively, from time to time.
Code of Practice for Psychotherapy Trainers and Training Establishments

1. INTERPRETATION

3.1 In this document (including the heading) the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings:

“BACP” means the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.

“Code” means this Code of Practice for Psychotherapy Trainers & Training Establishments (as hereinafter defined) and any subsequent variations and/or amendments hereto, issued by Training Standards Committee.

“Contractual Trainee” means a Trainee who has entered into an EATA CTA training contract.

“COSCA” means Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland, a Company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland.

“CPD” means Continuing Professional Development required by EATA/UKCP(HIPS)/UKATA to be undertaken by qualified members.

“CTA” means a Certified Transactional Analyst with Psychotherapy speciality and registered as such with UKATA.

“EATA” means the European Association for Transactional Analysis.

“EC” means the Ethics Committee of UKATA.

“HIPS” means the Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy Section of UKCP.

“UKATA” means the United Kingdom Association of Transactional Analysis.

“UKATA Administrator” means the person appointed by UKATA responsible for running the day- to- day administration of UKATA.

“Monitoring Documents” means (i) Monitoring of RTEs issued by TSC and (ii) the Monitoring Checklist used by TSC

“Principal Supervisor” means a P/TSTA with whom a Contractual Trainee enters into an EATA training contract.

“PPC” means the Professional Practice Committee of UKATA.

“PTP” means a full programme of psychotherapy training leading to qualification of CTA and registration with UKCP(HIPS).

“PTSTA(P)” means a Provisional Teaching and/or Supervising Transactional Analyst with Psychotherapy speciality registered with UKATA.

“Registered Trainee” means a Contractual Trainee who is listed in the UKATA Register of practitioners.

“Registration Policy” means the Registration Policy Document of UKATA

“RTE” means a Registered Training Establishment(s) as more fully defined in the Registration Policy.

“ITAR” means UKATA representative of the Training Establishment

“Supervisor” means an individual who provides supervision.

“TA” means Transactional Analysis.

“Trainee” means an individual undertaking TA training within an RTE.

“Trainer” means an individual qualified and endorsed by EATA to provide TA training.

“TSC” means the Training Standards Committee of UKATA.

“TSTA(P)” means a Teaching and/or Supervising Transactional Analyst with Psychotherapy speciality registered with UKATA.

3.3 To set out the respective roles and responsibilities of TSC, RTEs, ITARs, Trainers, Principal Supervisor, Supervisors and Trainees in accordance with the requirements of UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS) as may be imposed upon them individually or collectively, from time to time.

3.4 To ensure that the international standards of training set out and amended, from time to time, by EATA, are maintained by all RTEs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors, Supervisors and Trainees at all times in the UK.

3.5 To ensure that the UK national standards of training set and amended from time to time by UKCP (HIPS), are maintained by all RTEs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors, Supervisors and Trainees at all times.

3.6 To ensure that members of the public seeking training in TA are as fully informed as possible of the procedures, commitment and qualifications required in order to undertake TA training as a psychotherapist.

3.7 To ensure, as far as possible, that (i) the high standards of excellence currently existing in TA training and practice are maintained, updated and improved in accordance with the requirements from time to time, imposed by UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS) and (ii) Trainees are appropriately prepared to provide services with a reasonable level of professional competence.

3.8 To ensure that all necessary and relevant statutory requirements that may be imposed from time to time, on RTEs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors, Supervisors and Trainees are complied with.

3.9 To ensure that all necessary and relevant additional requirements imposed on RTEs, ITARs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors, Supervisors and Trainees involved in TA training by UKATA, EATA, UKCP (HIPS), other applicable professional bodies and academic institutions are, where appropriate, complied with.

3.10 The interpretation and monitoring of the implementation of the Code shall be the responsibility of TSC

4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF RTEs.

The responsibilities of RTEs shall include, but are not limited to the following:

4.1 To adhere to and disseminate current UKATA Codes and Policies

4.2 To set out a clear statement of its overarching philosophy and policies pertaining to the provision of TA training.

4.3 To provide a clear statement of the nature, goals, educational aims and objectives and requirements of all TA Psychotherapy Training Programmes being delivered by the RTE.

4.4 To provide all Trainees with a clear written administrative contract including (i) details of fees for the Psychotherapy Training Programme and all ancillary costs for each stage of the training (in order to ensure the Trainee is aware of the level of financial and personal commitment involved) and (ii) a statement outlining the obligations of the RTE to use all reasonable endeavours to assist Trainees in finding suitable alternative TA training in the event of the RTE ceasing to offer and provide a training programme leading to CTA qualification

4.5 To provide a clear written statement setting out the relevant qualifications and experience of all Trainers, Principal Supervisors and Supervisors (and where appropriate, other staff) providing TA training.

4.6 To comply with any and all other requirements, recommendations and sanctions imposed on RTEs from time to time, in writing by TSC by a specific complaint and appeal process and endorsed by UKATA Council in so far as these relate to the provision of TA training.

4.7 All psychotherapy training courses that lead to the qualification of CTA and registration with UKCP (HIPS) will be provided by UKATA Registered Training Establishments and will comply with UKCP (HIPS) training requirements.

4.8 To provide a clear written statement of (i) the content (ii) objectives and (iii) methodology and assessment criteria for all Psychotherapy Training Programmes.

4.9 To provide a clear written statement of the level of confidentiality to be maintained by the RTE in order to protect Trainees’ personal and professional details and material and to ensure all staff, including Trainers, adhere to the level of confidentiality imposed. This includes a statement regarding the level of communication between the Trainee’s Supervisor and the relevant RTE. The handling of Trainee files and written work must be in compliance with the current Data Protection Act.

4.10 To provide a clear written statement setting out the requirement for Trainees to enter into (i) supervision with an appropriate supervisor and (ii) personal therapy with an appropriate psychotherapist in order to comply with the requirements of UKCP (HIPS) and the level of confidentiality to be maintained between the RTE, Trainer, Principal Supervisor, Supervisor and Trainee at all times.

4.11 RTEs are to make Trainees aware of the current requirements for membership of UKATA.

4.12 RTEs will annually submit at the start of the training year a list of their Trainees to the UKATA Administrator for cross-checking of the membership status of Trainees and to enable UKATA to maintain accurate records.

4.13 RTEs will comply with any sanction(s) imposed by TSC and endorsed by UKATA Council after due process.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRAINERS
The responsibilities of Trainers shall include but are not limited to the following:

5.1 To ensure that they are at all times, informed of and compliant with all requirements of UKATA, EATA and UKCP (HIPS), as may be amended from time to time for the provision of TA training.

5.2 To ensure that all training delivered which leads to CTA with psychotherapy speciality is delivered at post graduate level in accordance with UKCP (HIPS) requirements.

5.3 To ensure that all training delivered promotes equality of opportunity in accordance with the equal opportunities policy of the UKATA and RTEs.

5.4 To undertake a programme of CPD to ensure maintenance and development of skills and knowledge in their work and to adhere to the current UKATA CPD policy.

5.5 All Trainers must have regular appropriate supervision of their training and supervision practice.

5.6 Trainers will comply with any sanction(s) imposed by TSC and endorsed by UKATA Council after due process.

5.7 Trainers will adhere to the level of confidentiality imposed by the RTE in respect of Trainee information and any other additional levels of confidentiality imposed by RTEs regarding its training courses and/or programmes.

6. RESPONSIBILITY OF SUPERVISORS
The responsibility of Supervisors shall include but are not limited to the following:

6.1 To ensure that they provide supervision which promotes the professional development of their supervisees, in accordance with EATA and UKCP (HIPS) standards.

6.2 To undertake a programme of CPD to ensure maintenance and development of skills and knowledge in their work and to adhere to the current UKATA CPD policy.

7. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRINCIPAL SUPERVISORS
The responsibilities of Principal Supervisors shall include but are not limited to the following:

7.1 Ensuring candidates for CTA and UKCP registration are fully aware of and compliant with training standards and requirements of EATA and UKCP(HIPS)

7.2 Certifying that all candidates applying for CTA qualification and UKCP registration have completed all training standards and requirements of EATA and UKCP(HIPS) and are of sufficient personal readiness.

7.3 The overarching responsibility of the Principal Supervisor is to monitor, sponsor and support a Contractual Trainee through training and preparation for CTA examination and to maintain an overview of the Contractual Trainee’s professional progress.

7.4 In the event of the Principal Supervisor being unable to fulfil any or all of the above foregoing requirements in respect of any or all Contractual Trainees they will ensure that suitable alternative arrangements are made for the transfer and continued support of the Contractual Trainees.

8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRAINEES
The responsibilities of Trainees shall include but are not limited to the following:

8.1 To comply with the requirements of the TA Psychotherapy Training Programme and all conditions pertaining thereto as advised by the RTE providing the same.

8.2 To adhere to the current membership requirements of UKATA.

8.3 Trainees undergoing training leading to CTA with Psychotherapy speciality are also required to comply with any additional requirements as determined by UKCP (HIPS). It is the responsibility of the Trainee, on receipt of all relevant information from the RTE to ensure they implement or undertake the training requirements.

9. REQUIREMENTS FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY TRAINING PROGRAMMES
9.1 All Psychotherapy Training Programmes provided by RTEs must comply with the current training requirements, as advised by TSC on behalf of UKATA and which may be amended from time to time by UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS).

9.2 RTEs shall provide clear written details of the entry requirements for all Psychotherapy Training Programmes provided by them.

9.3 RTEs shall provide a clear written statement regarding routes of progression through the course and a policy regarding suspension or termination of training.

9.4 Entry to all Psychotherapy Training Programmes shall require at least one of the following (i) post-graduate level of competence i.e. prior degree; (ii) a suitable counselling qualification; (iii) a qualification in a relevant profession; (iv) suitable and relevant life experience or (v) a combination of all or any of the foregoing.

9.5 In addition to the requirements of the foregoing, all potential Trainees should have relevant experience of working in a responsible capacity, and with people.

9.6 Prior to the commencement of the Psychotherapy Training Programme, the RTE shall provide all Trainees with a training manual or handbook including, but not limited to, information on the following:
9.6.1 The assessment criteria and the process(es) for implementation thereof;
9.6.2 Any additional evaluation process(es) applicable;
9.6.3 Possible academic qualifications;
9.6.4 Possible relevant accrediting and registering bodies such as EATA, UKCP, BACP, COSCA;
9.6.5 Any subsidiary or additional qualification offered by the RTE for the Psychotherapy Training Programme, the route to certification and/or accreditation and details of the relevant accrediting body.

9.7 RTEs will comply with any sanction(s) as imposed by TSC and endorsed by UKATA Council after due process.

9.8 Accreditation and Registration
9.8.1 In addition to the above conditions in order for a Trainee to proceed to accreditation and registration with all or any of the following – UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS) and in addition to meeting the necessary requirements of each of these bodies, Trainees pursuing CTA with Psychotherapy speciality shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Principal Supervisor that:
9.8.1.1 They have met with all specific training, supervision and personal psychotherapy requirements of UKCP (HIPS).
9.8.2 In order for Trainees to qualify as a CTA with Psychotherapy speciality and be accredited as such by EATA and registered with UKCP (HIPS) the Trainee shall meet all the UK national training requirements of both organisations.

10. THE ROLE OF TSC
The role of TSC shall include but is not limited to the following:

10.1 To provide copies of UKATA, EATA & UKCP (HIPS) training requirements in response to written requests for the same.

10.2 To oversee the register of RTEs as provided for in the Registration Policy.

10.3 To establish a monitoring and evaluation function in respect of TA training provided by RTEs, ITARs and Trainers in accordance with the provisions of the Monitoring Documents.

10.4 To decide and impose sanctions after due process on RTEs, Trainers, Principal Supervisors and Trainees where relevant in the event of their failing to implement their responsibilities in terms of the Code, the Monitoring Documents and the Registration Policy and in any other relevant situation which, in the opinion of TSC, merits sanction.

11. COMPLAINTS

11.1 Any complaints or correspondence concerning the Code should be sent to the Chair of UKATA TSC c/o UKATA Administrator.

11.2 Complaints or alleged breaches of the Code will be dealt with according to the procedures outlined in the UKATA registration Policy document.

1. JURISDICTION

1.1 Trainer refers to all Teaching Members, Associate Teaching Members and tutors of MIP and any other person engaged by MIP to teach theory and practice on any of the Institute’s courses. Trainee refers to trainee Members of MIP who are engaged in learning on one or more of the Institute’s courses and have signed an agreement to abide by the MIP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

2.INTENTION

2.1 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy endeavour to conduct it’s training in such a way as to address the needs and best interests of it’s trainees. Trainees are in turn required to act in the best interests of their clients and abide by the training and ethical requirements of the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy.

3. PRE-COURSE INFORMATION

3.1 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will inform all prospective trainees of the nature and requirements of the course/s for which they may make application. This information will include course philosophy, objectives, assessment criteria and requirements for satisfactory completion.

4. TEACHING

4.1 The detailed syllabus, objectives, methodology and assessment criteria for each of the Institute’s validated courses will be clearly set out and given to all trainees at commencement of the course.

4.2 All tutors/trainers will be governed by the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice of the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy.

4.3 Tutors/Trainers will respect the diversity of trainees and not discriminate on any grounds of difference such as gender, race, culture, age, disability, social background, political or religious beliefs.

4.4 Trainees must be aware of their own internalised oppression and pay particular attention to how this may affect their training practice.

4.5 Tutors/ Trainers will not exploit their students sexually or financially.

4.6 Dismissive or arrogant remarks or any derogation by innuendo by a Trainer about another Trainer is unprofessional. A Trainer should not collude through silence or evasion, with the abusive behaviour of a fellow Trainer.

5. CLINICAL PRACTICE

5.1 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will consider the interests of clients and trainees in establishing the clinical requirements of the training course/s, which will be clearly set out at the outset of the training.

5.2 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will help and assist trainees to make client’s interest paramount and to maintain appropriate confidentiality.

5.3 Trainees` work with clients presented for training purposes will be clinically supervised.

6. PERSONAL AND FINANCIAL INVOLVEMENT

6.1 All prospective trainees will be clearly informed of the financial requirements of the course.

6.2 The degree of confidentiality will be clear. There will be safeguards to protect the confidentiality of trainees` personal material which must include storage in a metal (locked) filing cabinet.

6.3 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will exercise responsibility and demonstrate a reasonable respect for existing arrangements when introducing changes to its course requirements.

6.4 All responsibilities of cost and fees will be explicit at the outset of training.

7. SUPERVISION

7.1 All Supervisors approved by the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will have completed a creditable training course in Clinical Supervision or be recognised as competent by virtue of reputation and standing within the professional community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

7.2 All Supervisors approved by the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will adhere to a Code of Ethics compatible with the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice of the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy.

7.3 A Primary Programme Tutor who has a responsibility for the trainee’s ongoing training and clinical practice must be satisfied that supervision is established when the trainee begins work with clients. Trainees are responsible for arranging their supervision with supervisors approved by the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy.

7.4 It is the responsibility of the Course Assessment Board to determine, after due consideration, the ability and suitability of a trainee to continue on one of the Institute’s training courses, unless a trainee has acted in such a way as to breach the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice of MIP. In this event the complaints procedure may be initiated and may lead to suspension or termination of training.

7.5 Trainers and supervisors may consult each other about a trainee’s professional development. Such consultation shall be in the interests of a trainee’s professional development and not be trivialising or gossip.

7.6 General discussion of training issues among trainers and supervisors is acceptable but trainees should not be named.

7.7 It is the responsibility of the Primary Programme tutor to make recommendations to the Course Assessment Board about the suitability of a trainee to continue training, except in cases of unethical or unprofessional behaviour when the Quality & Equality Committee may recommend to the Board of Directors of MIP suspension or termination. The decision of the Board is final.

8. ASSESSMENT

8.1 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will publish the criteria and process of assessment for all it’s validated training courses, including it’s examination procedures.

8.2 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy will endeavour to keep the examination processes as clear as possible. Specifically, all assessors/ examiners must complete a written evaluation of the candidate’s work which will be made available to the candidate.

9. BOUNDARIES

9.1 Trainers are responsible for establishing and maintaining the boundaries between a professional relationship with a trainee and other relationships that may pre-date the trainee’s commencement of training.

9.2 Trainers who are centrally involved in Institute’s training programme should not assume the additional role of therapist to any trainee enrolled on that programme.

9.3 Trainers should not be dependant on their relationships with trainees for emotional wellbeing.

9.4 Any new relationship arising as a result of a workshop facilitated by a visiting, external trainer, must respect those relationships which are already in place, and should clearly be judged by the Course Leader to be helpful to the trainees` professional development.

9.5 Sexual relationships between members of a Training Group itself adversely affect the Training Group. Trainees are required to monitor their relationships with each other with due regard to the heightened emotional vulnerability that is likely to occur during training workshops.

9.6 Trainers should explain to new trainees that personal therapy and work on personal issues unrelated to the Training Group are not the primary purpose of training.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

10.1 MIP Trainers will protect the confidentiality of trainees` personal material by not disclosing personal and private information without consent, and by keeping records in a locked metal filing cabinet.

10.2 Trainer and trainees will establish a clear contract with regard to their mutual responsibilities with regard to confidentiality. Such contract will be compatible with the UKCP/MIP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (see UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Records and Confidentiality 18).

10.3 Trainers should make explicit to trainees the exceptional circumstances when confidentiality may be broken, ensuring there is a distinction between information pertaining to the training group and an individual’s private and personal information.

11. COMPETENCE

11.1 Trainers should be committed to their own personal and professional development.

11.2 Trainers should monitor their work via appropriate levels of supervision and consultation.

11.3 Trainers should work within the limits of their knowledge, skills and health.

11.4 Trainers should develop their cultural education in order to encourage and appreciate a wide spectrum of differences in their trainees.

11.5 Trainers should be committed to developing their capacity for self awareness, especially with regard to prejudices, so that they become increasingly able to value difference and diversity.

12. COMPLAINTS

12.1 The Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy has an established and published Complaints Procedure, that is subject to periodic review by the Quality and Ethics Committee.

This policy will be reviewed regularly every 18 months and updated a minimum of every 36 months

Reviewed November 2019

Introduction

The aim of this document is to clarify MIP’s position in regard to the use of social media and offer guidance for using social media responsibly.  It aims to provide a guide for trainees, staff and members and is written in line with UKATA’s Code of Ethics and Requirements and Recommendations for Professional Practice.  Many more practitioners are using the internet, social networking sites and blogs to communicate – both personally and professionally.  Members should be aware that these internet/social networking sites are public and permanent.  Once something has been uploaded or posted, it is still possible to trace it or be saved by others, even if it is subsequently deleted.

Keeping Boundaries

The nature of an online presence has the potential to blur personal and professional boundaries.  MIP requires that practitioners make a clear distinction between their online personal and professional presence, with regard to emails, websites and social media accounts i.e. Facebook.  We require members to have a separate email address for personal and professional use and that all possible steps are taken to ensure confidentiality of professional emails.  In particular, members are required not to use any joint email address with partner/other family member for professional purposes.  It is important that if one email programme is used to collect emails from a variety of different accounts, e.g. Outlook, that it is not jointly used by a partner/other family member and is password protected. Where confidential documents are sent electronically they must have password or other forms of protection against being opened or tampered with by a third party. Smartphones and tablets that are synchronised with a main computer need to be protected from being accessed by a partner/other family member. If computers are used by people other than the practitioner then all confidential, professional material needs to be password protected. Practitioners will have up to date antivirus and antiphishing protection and be registered under the Data Protection Act.

Privacy

Members are strongly advised to protect their own privacy.  This means regularly checking your privacy settings as well as choosing carefully the information you make available online.  Be aware that comments or images posted by friends or family may be accessible as their privacy settings may not be set as rigorously as your own.   Pictures of you taken by other people may be tagged and it is recommended that you monitor this as much as possible and request people untag any inappropriate images. Members need to be aware that most search engines will guide members of the public to any sites that could have personal information posted about them. Members are also reminded that when social media sites update their services, sometimes the privacy settings are automatically reset to a default setting.  It is incumbent upon members to be vigilant about this.

Professional Conduct

However you identify yourself on your professional account (e.g. student/contractual trainee/UKCP etc.) you are required to act professionally at all times and be guided by the MIP Code of Ethics and Requirements and Recommendations of Professional Practice.  When members are involved in social networking sites they may inadvertently become involved in ethically questionable conversations.  If this occurs members are required to act according to our ethical guidelines (e.g. withdraw, seek supervision or confront). 

In particular, MEMBERS MUST NOT:

*         Establish online relationships which in any way compromise their professional relationship with clients and service users.

*         Accept friend requests from clients or service users, and to decline this request using formal means of communication.

*         Discuss clinical work or work-related issues online in any non-secure medium.

*         Publish pictures of clients, trainees, supervisees or other service users online without their permission.

*         Post defamatory comments about individuals or institutions.  This applies to all comments made on personal or professional accounts.  Defamation law applies to any comments posted on the internet.

*         Use social-networking sites/internet/blogs for raising professional and/or ethical concerns or whistle-blowing.  See next section for more details.

Professional Misconduct

The MIP Code of Ethics outlines our guiding principles, one of which is open communication with colleagues as well as clients.  Members are required to confront any misconduct of other members on social networking sites either directly and formally with their colleagues, or as guided under the “Reporting Possible Violations” section of the Code.

                                                                                                       December 2018

This policy is regularly reviewed every 18 months and updated a minimum of every 36 months as necessary.