ACCREDITATION & REGISTRATION FRAMEWORK RFCB

RFCB Membership Standards and Eligibility Policy

Purpose

The Relationship and Family Counselling Board (RFCB) sets the minimum education, supervision, competency, and professional standards for membership.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure members possess the knowledge, skills, ethical understanding, and professional competence required to practise safely and effectively.

Membership Categories

RFCB may offer:

  • Provisional Membership

  • Full Membership

  • Associate Membership

  • Student Membership

  • Honorary Membership (where approved by the Board)

Qualification Requirements

Standard Qualification Pathway

Applicants will normally hold one of the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Counselling

  • Bachelor of Social Work

  • Relevant Social Science Degree

  • Other equivalent qualifications approved by the Board

All qualifications must:

  • Be recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA); or

  • Be assessed by NZQA as equivalent to a recognised New Zealand qualification.

Overseas Qualifications

RFCB supports the recognition of appropriately qualified overseas practitioners.

Where an overseas qualification has received NZQA recognition or equivalency assessment, it may be accepted for membership purposes.

Applicants may be required to provide:

  • Academic transcripts

  • Qualification assessments

  • Evidence of professional experience

  • References

  • Evidence of competency to practise in New Zealand

Psychology and Psychotherapy Pathway

Applicants holding qualifications in:

  • Psychology

  • Psychotherapy

  • Related mental health disciplines

may be considered on an individual basis.

Additional requirements may include:

  • Postgraduate qualifications

  • Additional supervision

  • Extended provisional membership

  • Demonstrated counselling competencies

Where required, members may complete a minimum of one additional year of approved supervision before eligibility for full membership.

Allied Health and Related Professions

Applications from practitioners in related professions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, including:

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Educational Psychology

  • Other helping professions approved by the Board

Applicants must demonstrate that their education and experience align with the RFCB Scope of Practice.

Language and Communication Competency

RFCB recognises that English language competency assessments may present challenges for some applicants.

Language competency requirements shall be applied fairly and reasonably while ensuring members can communicate safely and effectively with clients, supervisors, colleagues, and regulatory bodies.

The Board may consider alternative evidence of communication competence where appropriate.

Provisional Membership

Applicants who do not yet meet full membership requirements may be granted Provisional Membership.

The provisional membership period will normally be up to two years.

Requirements may include:

  • A minimum of one year of approved additional supervision

  • Demonstration of counselling competency

  • Case study submissions

  • Reflective practice documentation

  • Continuing professional development activities

  • Membership review requirements

The Board may vary requirements according to an applicant's experience and qualifications.

Membership Assessment

Membership applications will normally be assessed by at least two assessors.

Assessors may review:

  • Qualifications

  • Experience

  • Supervision history

  • Professional references

  • Competency evidence

  • Case studies

  • Interview responses

Where necessary, applicants may be invited to attend a membership interview.

Supervision Requirements

All practising members must engage in appropriate professional supervision.

Supervisors should normally:

  • Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience approved by the Board

  • Have supervision training or recognised supervision competencies

  • Demonstrate professional practice experience

  • Maintain their own supervision arrangements

The Board may publish additional supervision standards from time to time.

Continuing Professional Development

Members must participate in ongoing professional development (15 hours per annum).

Requirements may include:

  • Professional training

  • Workshops

  • Conferences

  • Peer supervision

  • Reflective practice activities

  • Online learning approved by the Board

Annual professional development requirements will be specified by the Board.

Professional Conduct

All members must:

  • Comply with the RFCB Code of Ethics

  • Participate in supervision requirements

  • Maintain professional competence

  • Practise within their scope of competence

  • Report legal charges to the Board

  • Cooperate with Board processes and investigations

Failure to meet these requirements may result in review under the RFCB Complaints, Disciplinary, or Fitness to Practise Policies.

 

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Cultural Competence and Responsiveness

Commitment to Cultural Competence

Members must actively develop and maintain the knowledge, skills, awareness, and attitudes necessary to work effectively with the diverse populations of Aotearoa New Zealand. Members must provide culturally safe and respectful services to people from all cultural, ethnic, religious, gender, sexuality, and social backgrounds.

Members are expected to:

  • Demonstrate respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

  • Understand the impact of colonisation and historical inequities on Māori wellbeing.

  • Practise in ways that support equity, partnership, participation, and protection.

  • Develop knowledge of Māori worldviews, values, and approaches to wellbeing.

  • Recognise the importance of whānau, whakapapa, wairua, and cultural identity in therapeutic practice.

  • Seek appropriate cultural guidance and consultation when required.

Ongoing Professional Development

Members are expected to engage in ongoing professional development relating to cultural competence and cultural safety (2 hours per annum).

This may include:

  • Māori cultural competency training

  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi education

  • Pacific cultural responsiveness training

  • Working with migrant and refugee communities

  • Diversity and inclusion education

  • Cultural supervision or consultation

 

Membership Fees

The Board may establish fees including:

  • Application and administration fee

  • Provisional membership fee

  • Full membership fee

  • Non-standard pathway assessment fee

Fees will be reviewed periodically by the Board.

Membership Certificates

Members who meet Board requirements will be issued:

  • A membership number

  • An annual membership certificate

Membership status remains subject to ongoing compliance with Board requirements.