On behalf of the Board and the wider ACI membership, Chairperson Dr James O’Shea and ACI Company Secretary Jay Collins met with CORU CEO Claire O’Cleary and Head of Strategy and Policy Catherine Byrne on Monday, 25 May 2026.

Requested by ACI, the meeting formed part of ACI’s ongoing engagement following its submission to CORU’s national consultation on the Standards of Proficiency for Counsellors and Psychotherapists and the Criteria for Education and Training Programmes (2025). Through this submission, ACI put forward evidence-informed recommendations relating to personal development, clinical supervision, scope of practice, and clinical placements.

The meeting provided an opportunity for constructive discussion on education standards and the future development of professional regulation. Engagement was positive throughout, and ACI welcomed CORU’s openness and constructive approach to the discussion. The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to supporting high standards of education, professional practice, and public protection as the profession moves towards statutory regulation.

ACI Input on 2025 Education & Proficiency Standards

ACI reiterated its priorities in relation to training and the post-training period for counsellors and psychotherapists, with emphasis on:

• Integration of personal development within initial training
• Availability of clinical supervision throughout the educational phase
• Ongoing support for practitioners in professional practice
• Recognition of specialist areas within clinical practice

CORU Clarifications and Engagement

CORU outlined the upcoming engagement process for registration and course accreditation, clarifying three key areas:

1. Education providers will be expected to implement robust supervision and assessment frameworks for trainees
2. Education providers will be required to support learners in meeting criteria relating to personal development during training
3. Registered professionals will be expected to actively engage in supervision in line with their Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics

Future considerations

ACI affirmed its commitment to advancing professional regulation, including:

• Supporting the upcoming regulatory transition
• Supporting members in adapting to the new statutory framework
• Continuing collaboration with education providers in the development of CORU-approved training programmes

ACI will continue to engage with CORU on behalf of its members to help ensure addiction professionals are recognised, supported, and meaningfully represented as statutory regulation develops.