AAPCI Complaints & Disciplinary Policy

1. Introduction

The Association of Adolescent Psychotherapists and Counsellors in Ireland (AAPCI) is committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards. This policy outlines the process for handling complaints against AAPCI members, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.

This policy aligns with:

  • BACP Professional Conduct Procedure (BACP Complaints Process)

  • IACP Complaints Procedure (IACP Complaints Process)

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • AAPCI members (including accredited therapists, supervisors, and trainees).

  • Complaints from clients, colleagues, organisations, or the public.

  • Issues relating to ethical breaches, misconduct, or professional incompetence.

This policy does not cover:

  • Complaints against non-members (these should be directed to the practitioner’s accreditation body).

  • Legal disputes such as contractual disagreements or financial claims.

3. Grounds for a Complaint

A complaint may be made if an AAPCI member has:

  • Breached the AAPCI Code of Ethics.

  • Violated confidentiality without proper justification.

  • Acted unethically or unprofessionally in their practice.

  • Neglected professional responsibilities, leading to harm or risk to clients.

  • Failed to uphold safeguarding responsibilities, particularly when working with young people.

4. Complaints Process

4.1 Lodging a Complaint

  • Complaints must be submitted in writing to the AAPCI Ethics and Complaints Committee.

  • The complainant must provide:

    • A clear description of the issue.

    • Supporting evidence (e.g., emails, session notes, witness statements).

    • Any previous attempts at resolution.

    • What resolution they are seeking (e.g., an apology, review of practice, disciplinary action).

4.2 Initial Assessment

  • AAPCI will assess whether:

    • The complaint falls within AAPCI’s jurisdiction.

    • The complaint relates to professional misconduct or ethics.

    • There are grounds for informal resolution.

  • If the complaint is outside AAPCI’s remit, the complainant will be advised accordingly.

5. Informal Resolution

Where appropriate, AAPCI may attempt to resolve the complaint informally. Possible resolutions include:

  • A written response from the member explaining their actions.

  • A facilitated discussion between the complainant and the member.

  • Additional supervision, CPD, or training for the member.

If informal resolution is not possible or inappropriate, the complaint proceeds to a formal investigation.

6. Formal Investigation

6.1 Investigation Panel

  • If the complaint warrants further review, AAPCI will appoint an independent panel of three professionals.

  • The panel will include at least one senior accredited AAPCI member and, where necessary, an external expert.

6.2 Investigation Process

  • The member under investigation will receive a formal notification and be given 14 days to respond.

  • The panel may request:

    • Further statements from both parties.

    • Supervision records (where relevant).

    • Clinical records (with appropriate consent).

  • The investigation should be completed within 60 days, where possible.

7. Outcomes & Sanctions

After reviewing all evidence, the panel may decide:

7.1 No Further Action

  • If the complaint is not upheld due to lack of evidence or no breach of ethics.

7.2 Remedial Actions (For Minor Breaches)

  • Additional CPD or ethics training.

  • Increased supervision requirements.

  • A formal written warning, recorded on the member’s file.

7.3 Disciplinary Actions (For Serious Breaches)

  • Suspension of AAPCI membership for a defined period.

  • Termination of AAPCI membership, with reporting to other professional bodies if required.

  • Referral to statutory safeguarding authorities, if the complaint involves child protection concerns.

AAPCI will keep complainants informed of the outcome, but full details of sanctions may remain confidential.

8. Appeals Process

  • Members have the right to appeal a decision within 30 days.

  • Appeals must be based on:

    • New evidence not available at the time of investigation.

    • Concerns about procedural fairness.

  • Appeals will be reviewed by an independent appeals panel.

9. Confidentiality & Data Protection

  • All complaints will be handled confidentially in line with GDPR.

  • Only those involved in the investigation will have access to case details.

10. Policy Review

  • This policy will be reviewed biennially to ensure compliance with best practices.