Published 2026-06-16 • Category: Placement Guide • Author: CounsellingPlacements.co.uk
Before starting a counselling placement, most organisations will require you to have several things in place. Requirements vary between providers, but here are the most common:
Professional indemnity insurance: Most placements require student PI insurance before you see clients. Major providers include Holistic Insurance Services, Howden (formerly Towergate), Balens, and Oxygen Insurance. Annual student premiums are typically £30–£80.
Enhanced DBS check: Required for any placement involving children, young people, or vulnerable adults. You can apply through your placement provider (if DBS-registered) or via an umbrella body such as uCheck or Personnel Checks. Consider subscribing to the DBS Update Service (£16/year) to keep your certificate portable.
Tutor or course approval: Most training programmes require you to notify your tutor or course administrator before beginning placement hours, and some require formal approval.
Clinical supervision: BACP guidance requires supervision at 1 hour per 8 client hours, minimum 1.5 hours per month. Confirm before accepting a placement whether supervision is provided in-house or whether you need to arrange and fund your own.
Professional membership: Some placements prefer or require BACP student membership (around £65/year) or membership of another recognised body.
Safeguarding training: Many providers require evidence of basic safeguarding awareness training, particularly those working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults.