STAND™, MEND™ and GUARD™: ethics models for counsellors

Decisions you can stand behind. Mistakes you can put right. Concerns you can respond to.

The BACP Ethical Framework 2026 applies from 3 November 2026. It asks every counsellor to be able to explain the reasoning behind an ethical decision, to be honest and open when something goes wrong, and to protect people from harm.

These three models give you a clear route through each.

1. The STAND model™: ethical decision making
2. The MEND model™: being open when something goes wrong
3. GUARD model™: responding to a safeguarding concern

What's included

• The STAND model™ guide, worked example and fillable worksheet (PDF).
• The MEND model™ guide, worked example and fillable worksheet (PDF).
• The GUARD model™ guide, worked example and fillable worksheet (PDF), with space for your local safeguarding contacts.
• Licence (PDF). The terms on which you may use all three models.

Type into the worksheets or print them, and use them as often as you need.

Who it's for

Counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK, whether you are a student, employed or in private practice. Built around the BACP Ethical Framework 2026, and suitable for NCPS and ACC members too.

About me

I'm an accredited counsellor, psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, and founder of Place to Talk Therapies. I created STAND, MEND and GUARD to make ethical practice clear, collaborative and easy to evidence.

All three models are included in every paid Good Standing™ edition.

Refund policy

• This is a digital download.
• When you buy, you agree that you will have immediate access and lose the usual 14-day right to cancel once the download starts.
• If a file is faulty, will not open, or is not as described, please email admin@place2talk.co.uk within 30 days.
• I will fix or replace it, or give you a refund if that is not possible.
• This does not affect your statutory rights.

Disclaimer

• The STAND model™, the MEND model™ and the GUARD model™ support, and do not replace, the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions 2026, safeguarding training, statutory duties and local procedures, your supervision, your insurer's guidance or your own professional judgement.
• The GUARD model™ does not decide whether a referral is legally required or whether a disclosure is lawful.
• They are not legal or professional advice, and are not produced or endorsed by BACP.
• They are tools to support your practice, and you remain responsible for your own decisions.
• To the fullest extent permitted by law, I accept no liability for any loss arising from their use.
• This does not affect your statutory rights.

Licence

• For your own professional use as one practitioner, under the licence included in the download.
• The files may not be shared, uploaded, resold, or used in training, teaching, supervision groups, teams or organisations.
• For training or organisational use, please email admin@place2talk.co.uk.