Student Code of Conduct and Professional Behaviour Agreement
Organisation: Lewisham Counselling and Counsellor Training Associates LLP (LC&CTA)
Applies to: All LC&CTA Students
Policy Owner: Directors of LC&CTA
Review Frequency: Annually or sooner if required
Date Implemented: [Insert Date]
1. Purpose and Commitment
LC&CTA is committed to providing a learning environment that is safe, respectful, inclusive and supportive of professional development.
Counselling training requires students to develop not only knowledge and skills, but also the personal awareness, ethical understanding and professional behaviours required to work safely with clients.
This Student Code of Conduct sets out the standards expected of all LC&CTA students throughout their training.
By enrolling on an LC&CTA course, students agree to engage with their training responsibilities and uphold the values and expectations of the counselling profession.
2. Professional Values and Expectations
Students are expected to demonstrate:
- Respect for others;
- Openness to learning;
- Commitment to personal and professional development;
- Willingness to reflect on feedback;
- Awareness of ethical responsibilities;
- Responsibility for their own learning journey.
Students are expected to understand that becoming a counsellor requires ongoing reflection, self-awareness and commitment to safe practice.
3. Respectful Behaviour and Communication
Students are expected to communicate respectfully with:
- Fellow students;
- Tutors;
- Administrators;
- Placement providers;
- Clients and members of the public.
- Students should:
- Engage constructively in discussions;
- Respect different perspectives and experiences;
- Avoid behaviour that is intimidating, discriminatory, threatening or disruptive;
- Raise concerns through appropriate channels.
LC&CTA is committed to creating a learning environment where all individuals feel safe and valued.
4. Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Students are expected to:
- Respect diversity;
- Challenge discrimination and prejudice;
- Reflect on their own assumptions and biases;
- Recognise the impact of difference and power within relationships.
Students must contribute to an inclusive learning environment that reflects the values expected within counselling practice.
5. Professional Responsibility Within Training
Students are responsible for:
- Attending training sessions;
- Engaging with learning activities;
- Completing required work;
- Meeting deadlines;
- Responding appropriately to feedback;
- Seeking support when needed.
Students recognise that professional development requires active participation and personal responsibility.
6. Ethical Responsibilities
Students must demonstrate awareness of the ethical responsibilities associated with counselling training.
This includes:
- Maintaining appropriate boundaries;
- Understanding confidentiality;
- Using supervision appropriately;
- Recognising limits of competence;
- Prioritising client welfare;
- Acting honestly and responsibly.
Students understand that ethical practice is central to counselling training.
7. Placement and Client Responsibilities
Students undertaking placement must:
- Practise within their level of competence;
- Follow placement requirements;
- Attend supervision;
- Maintain accurate records;
- Protect client confidentiality;
- Raise concerns appropriately;
- Seek guidance when uncertain.
Students recognise that working with clients carries significant responsibility and that client safety must remain a priority.
8. Use of Feedback and Reflection
Students are expected to engage with feedback as part of their development.
This includes:
- Listening to constructive feedback;
- Considering alternative perspectives;
- Reflecting on areas for improvement;
- Taking appropriate action following guidance.
The ability to reflect and develop is an essential counselling skill.
9. Honesty and Integrity
Students are expected to demonstrate honesty and integrity throughout their training.
This includes:
- Accurate completion of coursework;
- Truthful recording of placement activity;
- Openness regarding concerns or difficulties;
- Appropriate representation of their skills and competence.
Honesty is fundamental to safe counselling practice.
10. Professional Use of Communication and Technology
Students must use communication methods responsibly.
This includes:
- Appropriate use of email and online learning platforms;
- Maintaining confidentiality;
- Appropriate use of social media;
- Protecting professional reputation;
- Avoiding communication that may undermine respectful professional relationships.
11. Responding to Concerns Regarding Conduct
Where concerns arise regarding student conduct or professional behaviour, LC&CTA will respond fairly and proportionately.
Concerns may be considered through:
- Informal discussion;
- Additional guidance;
- Reflective work;
- Review of professional suitability;
- Fitness to Practise procedures where appropriate.
The purpose of responding to concerns is to support development whilst maintaining professional standards and client safety.
12. Student Responsibility for Professional Development
Students acknowledge that counselling training involves personal growth and professional challenge.
Students agree to:
- Engage honestly with the learning process;
- Consider the impact of their behaviour on others;
- Take responsibility for their development;
- Seek support appropriately;
- Work towards becoming safe and ethical practitioners.
Student Agreement
I confirm that I have read and understood the LC&CTA Student Code of Conduct and Professional Behaviour Agreement.
I understand that counselling training requires commitment to ethical practice, reflection, professional responsibility and respectful engagement.
I agree to uphold these expectations throughout my training.
Student Name: ___________________________
Signature: ______________________________
Date: __________________________________
For LC&CTA
Name: ___________________________
Role: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________