UPDATED: Derek Draper's Ethical Framework

Reply recieved, see end
Comment on reply added
Notice of investigation added

Below is an email, sent to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy about one of their members, Mr Derek Draper.

I am a journalist researching an article on Derek Draper, a member of your society, and ethical behaviour.

As you are no doubt aware, he was soliciting scurrilous stories about leading Conservatives. He was sent some by Damian McBride, including this suggestion that George Osbourne's wife was "emotionally fragile" and that David Cameron suffered from an embarrassing medical condition - a sexually transmitted disease.

He responded to these unfounded stories by saying "These are absolutely totally brilliant, Damian. I'll think about timing."

Having downloaded and read your Ethical Framework, I think that it is safe to say that Mr Draper has seriously breached it in all key regards. The sight of a member of your organisation cheerily planning to publically spread untruths about Mrs Osbourne's mental health for political gain is something many find distasteful.

Do you feel that your standards have been breached, in letter or spirit? If so, are you planning to take any action?

Here's the reply:

I can confirm that BACP has received a number of queries regarding Derek Draper to which we are responding.  Any complaints received will be treated seriously and processed according to our Professional Conduct Procedures.

Kind Regards

Alison

Alison Croft
Press & Public Relations Manager
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Comment - added 15.4.09

I think that is as complete a reply as can be expected. Now, lets take a look at the BACP Professional Conduct Procedures.

All members are bound to abide by the guidelines set out in the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. The Association relies on members of the public as well as members of BACP bringing matters of poor and unethical practice to its attention...

What we need is this:
Article 4.6 is a separate procedure to that of the Professional Conduct Procedure. It is a discretionary procedure reserved for very serious allegations and requires a higher burden of proof than the Professional Conduct Procedure; with the only sanction available being termination of membership if a complaint is upheld.

I think there's enough proof out there. Hopefully, Derek will soon be appearing on this page

Notice of Investigation - added 16.4.09

From Psychologies Magazine:

“Derek’s position is being investigated independently by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists to reveal if he really is guilty of the allegations made about him, what the background and details of the story are, and how all of this affects his standing as a therapist.”