Reflections on my first 18 months as vice-chair of UKCP

As summer arrives and my first 18 months as UKCP vice-chair draws to a close, I find myself pausing to reflect – not just on what has been achieved, but on how leadership, governance and culture intersect in a complex professional body like ours. It has been a time of delivery, challenge, learning and genuine pride, often all at once.

Why I stood for the role

I stood because I believe deeply in UKCP's purpose: safeguarding the public, supporting our members and contributing thoughtfully to the wider context in which psychotherapy sits. Having served as a trustee and worked closely on the EDI-BIIDE Committee, the vice-chair role felt like an opportunity to offer steadiness and relational leadership during a period of ongoing change. My intention was never to drive from position alone, but to support the chair, the Board of Trustees and the organisation in thinking well – particularly where issues are complex or emotionally charged.

What I've learned

The clearest learning has been that governance is rarely about simple answers. Through the Statutory Regulation Working Group, members forum and board discussions, I've seen how differing perspectives and anxieties shape decision-making. I've learned the importance of pacing – knowing when to persist, when to pause and when to return with a different frame. I've also learned how easily work can stall when ownership and accountability are unclear.

EDI-BIIDE and cultural change

Much of my work has sat within the EDI-BIIDE remit, and it has profoundly shaped my understanding of leadership. This year included contributing to the Action Plan Working Group, supporting the EDI project co-ordinator's appointment, and engaging with difficult questions about sustainability and resourcing. This work has required sitting with discomfort while remaining clear: equity, inclusion, belonging and diversity are not optional extras. They are core to ethical practice and governance.

SIGs, member voice and a summer highlight

I'm particularly proud of the growth of our special interest groups. The Rainbow SIG and DiverseMinds Neurodivergent SIG demonstrate what happens when members are trusted and resourced. Both have grown in membership, contributed lived-experience perspectives to organisational statements and supported peer connection. A real highlight was the Rainbow SIG participating in London Pride 2026 – a wonderful, visible expression of UKCP's values.

External voice and access

As permanent co-chair of the Coalition for Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practice, I've been part of developing draft guidelines shared across partner organisations. Alongside this, access and progression work – including a mentoring trial through the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) – has reinforced how small, relational interventions can make a meaningful difference.

Looking ahead

As I look forward, my priorities are continuity, embedding and sustainability – ensuring EDI-BIIDE is integrated across all of UKCP's work, that initiatives have lasting structural support, and that collaboration between the Board, members and staff continues to strengthen.

Above all, I hope we keep leading with care – for our members, the public and one another. Here's to a restorative summer and an energised autumn ahead.