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CPCAB Adopts the 2025 Shared AI Governance Charter for UK Counselling and Psychotherapy Organisations

We are pleased to share that CPCAB has officially adopted the 2025 Shared AI Governance Charter for UK Counselling and Psychotherapy Organisations, a groundbreaking sector-wide initiative developed to guide the ethical and pragmatic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into our profession.

This Charter was developed through the collaborative work of the Expert Reference Group (ERG) on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Counselling and Psychotherapy, convened by our colleagues at Counselling Tutor. It serves to unite the counselling and psychotherapy professions in a shared commitment to safeguarding the integrity and human connection at the heart of counselling and counselling training as AI technology continues to advance.

A Sector-Driven Commitment to Ethical AI

  • The 2025 Shared AI Governance Charter outlines five key principles:

    · Client-Centred Ethics
    · Human Connection
    · Transparency and Accountability
    · Equity and Accessibility
    · Ongoing Evaluation and Adaptation

    These principles are rooted in ethical practice, ensuring that AI remains a tool in the service of, but not as a substitute for the deeply human connections that define counselling and psychotherapy. By signing the Charter, CPCAB joins peers across the sector in affirming that while AI can offer helpful enhancements, it must never compromise client wellbeing, professional judgment, or the therapeutic relationship.

    The Charter calls on organisations to reflect on their own governance, engage in ongoing dialogue, and share accountability in navigating the complex landscape of AI in mental health, and we encourage all our partners and stakeholders to review the Charter and consider formal adoption.

CPCAB's Role in the ERG on AI

  • CPCAB's participation in the ERG on AI, has been a vital part of this work. The ERG brings together diverse voices from across the sector, fostering collaboration, critical discussion, and shared learning on the opportunities and risks of AI in counselling and psychotherapy.

    As part of the ERG, CPCAB has contributed insights from our unique position as an awarding organisation focused on counselling training, ensuring that the sector's approach to AI governance addresses both practice and education. We are proud to stand alongside respected professional associations in shaping a forward-thinking, ethical framework for the future.

The Human Connection Campaign

  • The adoption of the AI Charter is closely aligned with CPCAB's ongoing collaboration with NCPS in our Therapeutic Relationships: The Human Connection campaign. This campaign has been raising awareness of the critical importance of human connection in both counselling practice and training.

    As we continue to advocate for high-quality, human-centred training and practice, the Charter offers an important safeguard against the potential overreach of digital and AI technologies. Recent surveys commissioned by CPCAB and NCPS highlight overwhelming public and professional consensus: human connection is vital to positive therapeutic outcomes, and people overwhelmingly prefer real human interaction over AI chatbots in therapy.

    While AI may provide useful tools to enhance access or support practice, we remain committed to preserving the relational core of therapy and ensuring that future counsellors are trained in environments that foster live interaction, observation, and feedback.

Looking Ahead

  • CPCAB is excited to be part of this landmark initiative and to continue working alongside sector colleagues to navigate the evolving digital landscape with care and integrity. Together, we can ensure that advances in AI serve to strengthen, not diminish, the human connection foundations of our work.

    We invite all CPCAB centres, tutors, and learners to engage with the 2025 Shared AI Charter for UK Counselling and Psychotherapy Organisations and the Human Connection campaign, as we work to shape a future where ethical practice, human connection, and technological innovation coexist in service of client wellbeing.

    We invite all CPCAB centres to join us in signing the 2025 Shared AI Governance Charter for UK Counselling and Psychotherapy Organisations. By adopting the Charter, you will stand alongside peers across the sector in committing to ethical, transparent, and human-centred use of AI in counselling and training. Together, we can ensure that technological innovation strengthens rather than diminishes the vital human connection at the heart of our work.

    To learn more about our collaboration with NCPS on the importance of human connection in counselling and counselling training, visit Therapeutic Relationships: The Human Connection