The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland.
We are a growing organisation which aims to improve the mental health of people across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, through furthering research and good practice in CBT and related professions.
We have more than 25,000 members across the UK, Ireland and overseas, and a growing staff team, who work remotely. Our members are part of geographical branches and Special Interests groups.
We are looking for an experienced and legally qualified Legal Assessor to join BABCP in a senior role supporting our complaints and disciplinary framework. This is a key leadership position, providing expert legal and procedural advice to BABCP Panels, supporting the Complaints Team, and ensuring that complaints and disciplinary processes are conducted with fairness, consistency and integrity.
You will play a central role in maintaining public confidence in BABCP’s regulatory processes. This includes advising on law, procedure and evidence, overseeing casework quality, supporting hearings and panels in real time, and leading a multidisciplinary complaints team. The role would suit a confident legal professional with regulatory or disciplinary experience, strong leadership skills and a commitment to upholding professional and ethical standards.
The role is initially temporary for a 12-month period however, there is the possibility of it becoming permanent.
What you’ll be doing
* Providing legal and procedural advice to BABCP Panels and the Complaints Team, ensuring compliance with BABCP Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures.
* Advising Panels on matters of law, procedure, evidence, human rights and equality, ensuring adherence to the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.
* Providing clear, real-time procedural advice during hearings and panel meetings.
* Reviewing complaints and case files to determine BABCP remit and potential breaches of BABCP Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
* Overseeing casework quality, progress and compliance with BABCP policies, PSA standards and accreditation requirements.
* Ensuring investigations and outcomes are proportionate, consistent and aligned with best practice.
* Reviewing or drafting determinations, recommendations and legally robust outcome letters, with appropriate references to legislation and case law.
* Liaising closely with the Complaints Team, including the Complaints Coordinator, Complaints and Resolution Manager, Legal Clerk, Presenting Officer and others to support effective case preparation, including evidence and witnesses.
* Line-managing the Complaints and Resolution Manager(s), Complaints Coordinator and Legal Clerk, or other staff within the complaint team, including supervision, appraisal, workload allocation and professional development.
* Providing leadership that supports continuous improvement, high standards of service and effective team working.
* Supporting the development, review and implementation of BABCP complaints and disciplinary policies, procedures and guidance.
* Delivering training to Panel Members and staff on legal, procedural and regulatory matters.
* Supporting governance arrangements and the work of the Standards and Ethics Committee.
* Ensuring compliance with data protection, confidentiality, equality and safeguarding requirements.
* Monitoring compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory standards and proactively identifying areas for improvement.
* Taking accurate minutes where required and undertaking ad-hoc governance and compliance duties as necessary.
What we’re looking for
* Qualified lawyer in England and Wales (Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive), regulated by a recognised professional body (SRA, BSB or CILEx Regulation).
* Proven experience working in a legal, regulatory or disciplinary context.
* Experience of UK regulatory, disciplinary or tribunal processes, including complaints handling or professional misconduct investigations.
* Experience managing, supervising and developing staff, including performance management and professional development.
* Demonstrable team leadership experience.
* Strong legal drafting, analytical and written communication skills.
* A strong understanding of data protection, confidentiality and professional ethics.
* Sound knowledge of human rights legislation, equality law and safeguarding principles in regulatory or disciplinary contexts.
* Strong IT skills, including Microsoft 365.
* Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and to give and receive constructive feedback.
* At least five years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) (desirable).
* Experience working with professional regulators (e.g. HCPC, GMC, NMC or other PSA-accredited registers) (desirable).
* Experience within psychotherapy, counselling or mental health regulatory environments (desirable).
How to apply
Send an up-to-date CV and covering letter no more than two pages no later than 11th January 2026. Interviews will be likely held within w/c 26th January 2026.
The covering letter should set out how you would meet each of the criteria from the person specification that are marked “Application”.
If you have not heard from us by 22nd January 2026, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to keep an eye on our future vacancies and apply again, as we are always looking for talented individuals to join us.