Researcher with Lived Experience * – Disability Scoping Review

Hours: Flexible

Contract: 16 days’ work between January 2026 and April/May 2027

Role purpose and context BACP research team develop and implement programmes of research and undertake research in accordance with BACP’s strategy. The team works to facilitate and encourage research relevant to the counselling professions. We’re looking for a researcher to contribute to the work of the Disability Scoping Review project.

We’re looking for someone who considers themselves to be disabled, or who cares for someone with a disability, and who also has experience of counselling, psychotherapy or therapy-coaching.

The project is a scoping review aiming to identify and synthesise current research relating to disabled peoples’ experiences and perceptions of the accessibility of counselling and psychotherapy. The review aims to identify current gaps in the evidence base and inform how future research, practice and policy may develop and foster inclusive strategies and approaches which will support the psychological well-being of disabled clients accessing counselling and psychotherapy.

* We recognise that terminology in relation to people with lived experience (PLE) is evolving regularly and that preferred terms can vary (e.g., Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), Client Involvement, Experts by Experience, etc).

Main responsibilities

To work as part of the research team to complete a scoping review of the existing research relating to disabled peoples’ experiences and perceptions of accessibility of counselling and psychotherapy.

Specific tasks

• Attend meetings with the research team and people with lived experience (PLE) panel to plan and discuss the project (1.5 to 3-hour meetings up to 6 times during the project)
• Be involved in each stage of the scoping review process (i.e. developing a search strategy, abstract screening, making decisions on papers for inclusion, extracting relevant data, synthesizing findings and write up for publication).
• Review and integrate feedback from the PLE panel throughout the project and from disability organisations during the consultation stage.

Person Specification

Essential criteria

• Someone who considers themselves to be disabled, or who cares for someone with a disability, and either have experience of counselling, psychotherapy, coaching or mental health services or experience of conducting research in the field of counselling and psychotherapy.
• In-depth knowledge of research in the field of counselling and psychotherapy, research methodologies and experience of undertaking and disseminating research.
• Ideally holding or working towards a relevant PhD, for example in social sciences.
• Experience of conducting systematic literature searching and reviewing, ideally to PRISMA guidelines.
• Ability and experience of researching, analysing and summarising information and complex issues into a clear, concise, accurate and accessible form.
• Experience of writing for publication in the field of counselling and psychotherapy research.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills; an ability to work on own initiative, to organise and prioritise work to agreed deadlines.

Time commitment and fees

A fee of £250 per day for 16 days’ work between January 2026 and April/May 2027 worked flexibly within agreed deadlines and within the timeline of the project.

You can request a breakdown of the tasks and expected project timeline by emailing research@bacp.co.uk.

The successful candidate will need to be registered as self-employed and BACP will need confirmation of this so that we can then issue contracts for service.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a Cover Letter that showcases how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role via the 'Apply' button or email contracting@bacp.co.uk.

Shortlisting: w/c 20 October 2025.

Interviews: w/c 27 October 2025.

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