Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy Community Interest Company

Qualified Counsellor Service Agreement

At Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy Community Interest Company, our qualified counsellors play an essential role in providing accessible, inclusive, nature-based therapy.

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to outline the arrangements for counsellors working with Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy CIC. It sets out our expectations to ensure a professional, ethical, and supportive environment for counsellors, clients and the CIC.

Terms

A counsellor is a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist who has provided evidence of their certification and meets the professional standards required to practise.

Roles and Responsibilities

As a counsellor within Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy CIC, you have primary responsibility and accountability for the provision of therapy. Your role is to facilitate client work in a way that respects each individual’s values, autonomy, and personal resources, while working within the ethical framework and values of our CIC.

What we expect from you:

At Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy CIC, we value our counsellors and have the following expectations to ensure a supportive and effective therapeutic environment:

• Client Sessions: We recommend a commitment of at least 12 sessions per client to foster continuity, unless alternative arrangements are agreed upon.

  
  

• Punctuality: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your first appointment of the day to allow for preparation and a calm transition into your client sessions. Punctuality is vital to our service delivery model.

  
  

• Session Management: Kindly manage session endings at the 50-minute mark to ensure that subsequent clients are not kept waiting. If a client arrives late, please complete the session at the originally allocated time.

  
  

• Commitment Duration: We invite you to support EWECIC for at least 12 months. However, you may withdraw your services at any time, with a minimum of 4 weeks notice.

  
  

• Supervision: Please organise and attend appropriate supervision monthly, taking responsibility for any associated costs and adhering to your contract with your supervisor.

  
  

• Holiday Notification: To ensure minimal disruption to client work, please inform the EWECIC and your clients well in advance of any upcoming holidays.

  
  

• Secure Communication: Use the EWECIC email address for all client-related communications. We encourage you to check your emails regularly, at least weekly, to avoid missing important messages.

  
  

• Professional Development: Attend EWECIC's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions . These sessions will support your growth as an ecotherapist and enhance your understanding of our clients and operational matters within the organisation.

  
  

• Confidentiality: Treat all personal information about clients, peers, and volunteers as confidential, in line with EWECIC’s Confidentiality Policy.

  
  

• Policy Adherence: Act in accordance with all EWECIC's policies and procedures, especially those related to health and safety, data protection, confidentiality, lone working, and safeguarding.

  
  

• Emergency Contact: Please provide details of your next of kin for emergency purposes.

  
  

• Administrative Tasks: Complete basic administrative tasks related to recording client sessions as needed.

Ethical Standards:

Counsellors are expected to uphold the ethical standards of Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy Community Interest Company by:

• Adhering to Ethical Guidelines: Complying with ethical standards set forth by the BACP, NCPS, or UKCP ensuring that your actions reflect the values and integrity of EWECIC.

  
  

• Engaging in Supervision and Peer Supervision: Actively participating in peer supervision and team meetings whenever possible to foster collaborative professional development and support.

  
  

• Maintaining Confidentiality: Protecting the confidentiality of our work by refraining from sharing client information with anyone (whether personally or professionally) without the explicit consent of the client, unless there are safeguarding concerns that necessitate disclosure.

  
  

• Secure Document Management: Ensuring that all client-related documents and notes are stored securely, using only a client reference number instead of personal identifiers, to safeguard client privacy.

  
  

• Disclosing Conflicts of Interest: Being transparent about any potential conflicts of interest or personal relationships that may impact your ability to work effectively with a client.

  
  

• Self-Care Responsibility: Taking responsibility for your well-being and recognising when you may need to take a break from counselling if personal resources become depleted, whether emotionally or otherwise.

  
  

• Fostering a Respectful Environment: Interacting with clients, fellow peers, and volunteers in a manner that embodies the caring, equitable, and respectful ethos of EWECIC. If at any time a counsellor is unable to adhere to this ethos, they may be asked to reconsider their involvement with EWECIC.

Administration:

• Counsellors should agree on their availability with the EWECIC team, including the days and times they will be providing counselling sessions. Any proposed changes should be discussed in advance.

  
  

• Counsellors are responsible for completing required administrative tasks after each session to ensure accurate record-keeping. This includes notifying the team of cancellations or non-attendance and documenting any client-related communications (e.g., texts or emails). Additionally, assessment forms must be completed at the start of the therapeutic process. The EWECIC team will provide access to all necessary forms.

  
  

• A portion of the fee's received by EWECIC is deducted before payment is made to the counsellor to cover administrative expenses. These deductions help cover operational costs, including but not limited to website maintenance, marketing, advertising, registration fees, accounting, insurance, repairs, and resources.

  
  

• Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy CIC compensates counsellors on a per-session basis, with payment made at the end of each month. Counsellors must submit an invoice for services rendered, and payments will be processed within 5-7 working days after invoice submission.

  
  

• Counsellor fees typically range from £40 to £50 per session, depending on available grant funding. This rate is not guaranteed and may vary.

  
  

• CIC contribution roles are currently voluntary, though we are actively seeking funding to expand paid opportunities

CIC Contribution:

At Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy CIC, we operate as a collaborative, community-focused organisation. In addition to providing therapy, all team members contribute to the ongoing sustainability and development of the CIC. This collective approach ensures that we can continue offering accessible, high-quality ecotherapy services to those who need them most.

To support this, all counsellors are expected to contribute a minimum of 10 hours per month to CIC-related tasks, as agreed. These may include:

• Community Outreach

• Funding & Grants

• Counsellor Coordination

• Partnership Development

• Administrative Support

  
  

This contribution helps maintain the CIC’s presence, secure essential funding, and uphold the quality of our services. While these roles are currently voluntary, we are actively seeking funding to create paid opportunities for team members.

As fairness is central to our approach, meeting the agreed CIC contribution is a requirement for receiving payments for client work. In cases where the agreed hours are not fulfilled without prior discussion, we reserve the right to withhold payment. This policy reflects the collective nature of our work, ensuring that all team members contribute equitably to the success of Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy CIC.

Withdrawing your services:

We recognise that life circumstances can change, and you may find it necessary to step back from your role with us. If this happens, we ask that you provide a minimum of 4 weeks' written notice, and encourage you to discuss your decision with us to ensure a supportive transition for your clients.

In such cases, the following options can be considered:

• Natural Closure: Together, we can work towards a gentle conclusion of your counselling relationships, ensuring that clients have the opportunity to process and reflect on their experiences.

• Transfer to Another Counsellor: If appropriate, you may choose to transfer your clients to another counsellor within EWECIC. We will facilitate this process and make the necessary arrangements.

• Client-Centred Approach: Throughout this process, the care and well-being of the client will remain at the forefront of all decision-making, balanced with the capacity and resources of our counselling team.

Non-Compete and Client Non-Solicitation Clause:

Non-Compete

The counsellor agrees not to solicit or accept any private arrangement, agreement, or contract with any client referred to them by Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy Community Interest Company (EWECIC) for a period of six (6) months following the conclusion of services provided under EWECIC’s arrangement. During this period, the counsellor shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in any professional relationship with such clients outside the scope of this Service Agreement unless explicitly agreed in writing by EWECIC.

Non-Solicitation

The counsellor further agrees not to encourage, induce, or solicit any client referred by EWECIC to terminate their relationship with EWECIC in order to establish a direct contractual or financial relationship with the counsellor. This restriction applies for the duration of the client’s engagement with EWECIC and for a period of six (6) months thereafter.

If a counsellor wishes to take on a client who has completed their time with EWECIC, this must be discussed and agreed upon in writing with EWECIC.

Breech and Remedies

In the event of a breach of this clause, the counsellor agrees to compensate EWECIC for any resulting loss of business. This includes, but is not limited to, the full value of any fees EWECIC would have received from the client during the six (6) month period, as well as any legal fees and associated costs incurred by EWECIC in enforcing this clause.

Intellectual Property Agreement:

Any training materials, therapeutic models, or branding developed for or by Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy CIC remain the property of the CIC. Counsellors may not reproduce, distribute, or use these materials outside of the CIC without prior written consent.

Review Period:

All new counsellors will undertake a three-month review period upon beginning client work with Earth Wisdom Ecotherapy Community Interest Company. At the end of this period, a review meeting will take place between the counsellor and the EWECIC team to reflect on the experience and ensure that all parties are satisfied with continuing the service.

EWECIC reserves the right to terminate any contract immediately should a counsellor breach policy procedure or their governing body’s ethical framework. Concerns will be discussed with the counsellor first whenever possible, except in cases of serious misconduct.

This Service Agreement outlines the collaborative relationship between EWECIC and independent counsellors operating within our framework. It does not constitute an employment contract, as counsellors remain self-employed and responsible for their own practice while working in alignment with EWECIC’s mission. It is understood that all counsellors are self-employed, and as such, are responsible for their own tax and national insurance contributions.

Please sign to acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this service agreement:

Thank you for your valuable contribution as a qualified counsellor. We deeply appreciate your expertise and dedication, and we look forward to collaborating with you in supporting our clients' journeys.