UKCP update on conversion therapy

UKCP remains fully committed in its belief that conversion therapy seeking to change or deny a person’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity is harmful and must not be practised. However, after very careful consideration, UKCP has taken the decision to withdraw its signature from the Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK v2 (MoU) and its membership of the Coalition Against Conversion Therapy.

The UKCP Board of Trustees reached this decision following concerns it held regarding whether the MoU applies exclusively to adults, or if children and young people are included in its scope. UKCP has received clarification that the MoU does indeed relate to all ages. Upon investigation, it became evident that there are historical concerns held by a number of UKCP colleges that regulate psychotherapeutic work with children and young people relating to this subject, and which have yet to be addressed – hence our decision to withdraw at this time.

We are now in discussion with other counselling and psychotherapy bodies, including the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) to explore drawing up new guidelines relating to conversion therapy with a specific focus on being psychotherapeutically informed and led. This includes being clear on the definition of terms and the language used to avoid future complications, with new evidence being incorporated as it emerges. Our hope is that the work relating to ending conversion therapy will, in time, become stronger and more robust as a result of our withdrawal. UKCP would like to emphasise that we continue to welcome discussion with the Coalition to explore the possibility of our concerns being addressed such that we can consider re-joining the Coalition and adding our signature to a future version of the MoU.

You can also read UKCP's clarification following this statement and UKCP's response acknowledging and addressing concerns raised following UKCPs decision to withdraw its signature from the Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK v2 (MoU) and its membership of the Coalition Against Conversion Therapy.

What this means for UKCP members

UKCP’s withdrawal from the MoU and the Coalition Against Conversion Therapy takes immediate effect.

While we work to update our Code of Ethics and Professional Practice to reflect UKCP’s withdrawal, members are advised to discount the MoU as a published policy of UKCP (as referenced in point 36 of the Code) from today, 5 April 2024.

UKCP remains committed to the belief that conversion therapy should not be practised and members should continue to adhere to this. Conversion therapy means conduct or activity with the predetermined purpose and intent to coercively change someone’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity and/or to coercively supress the expression of that sexual orientation or gender identity.

Background to the decision

At the time of signing the MoU in 2016, the understanding of the UKCP Board of Trustees was that it only related to over-18s. Therefore, UKCP did not consult with any of its colleges that work specifically with children and young people. There was also no involvement from any UKCP child registered practitioners. The understanding that the MoU did not relate to children was confirmed by the Chair of the Coalition Against Conversion Therapy with the UKCP Board of Trustees in 2018, which was recorded in the relevant meeting’s minutes. Without the involvement of and full consultation with UKCP child psychotherapists and child psychotherapeutic counsellors, UKCP would not have signed the MoU if it was known to relate to children. 

In 2019, without consultation with UKCP, our Board of Trustees was informed that the MoU relates to all ages. The MoU was scheduled for a full formal review in July 2021; however, this review did not take place. The review would have provided a formal space to request consultation with our child practitioners, informing the decision whether UKCP could continue to support the MoU in light of the changes. Due to the complexities relating to working with children and young people, UKCP believes that separate guidance is needed for such clients/patients and must be very carefully thought through.

Since November 2023, in light of new and emerging evidence which has raised fresh concerns around child safety, the UKCP CEO and Chair have attempted on several occasions to engage with the Coalition Against Conversion Therapy to discuss a number of important issues and concerns including definition of terms. We have not, as yet, been able to have this dialogue. Due to our professional concerns on this issue currently remaining unaddressed, the decision was made with regret that UKCP needs to withdraw its signature from the Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK v2 (MoU) and its membership of the Coalition Against Conversion Therapy.