We are in an unprecedented situation: the aftermath of COVID 19, the war in Ukraine, and Brexit are putting healthcare under tremendous strain, and exacerbating health inequalities. The BABCP is in a unique position to support service users and therapists in these difficult times: its current strategy with its emphasis on diversity and inclusion and the professional development of low intensity therapists offers practical ways to make an ethical and cost-effective difference. I would welcome the opportunity to help make this a reality. I feel that my experience of managing organisational change as Professional Head of Psychotherapy for South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, and as a trustee of a 3rd sector mental health charity, can be of service to BABCP in delivering its new strategy moving towards Professional Standards Authority (PSA) Accreditation. The strength of the organisation is its membership. The new strategy is committed to supporting member involvement. To this end I would prioritise promoting therapist wellbeing and supporting the revitalisation of the branches which struggled somewhat during the pandemic. I have always seen CBT as a ‘Broad Church’; I would like to ensure it remains inclusive of therapies (eg MBCT and schema therapy) and of therapists (a home for nurses, psychiatrists and OTs, psychologists and IAPT therapists). Over my 30 years as a psychiatrist specialising in CBT I have had the privilege of training and supervising many therapists who have made a contribution to BABCP. I believe one of the strengths I bring to these roles is a style of collaborative, empathic, and light hearted engagement which I hope could be of service to the BABCP.
