Northern Regional College has received a highly commended recognition in the Excellence in Course Delivery category at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Member Awards 2026.
The recognition celebrates the innovative and creative approach to the design, delivery and assessment of the Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice, validated by Ulster University. It acknowledges the outstanding contribution of the College’s Counselling Team, with Minford McBride and Michelle Laverty, recognised for their exceptional teaching and dedication to student development, making complex counselling theory, ethics and reflective practice engaging accessible and relevant.
Delivered part-time over three years at the College’s Ballymena campus, the programme is awarded and validated by Ulster University and accredited by BACP. It provides a pathway into professional counselling, with students developing the knowledge, practical skills and ethical understanding needed to support clients.
Course Director Minford McBride and lecturer Michelle Laverty attended the awards ceremony in London on Saturday 10 October, representing the programme and the teaching team whose contribution was recognised by BACP.
Minford McBride, Course Director at Northern Regional College, said:
“Our starting point is what students will need when they are working with a client. Understanding counselling theory matters, but students must also learn how to apply it thoughtfully, recognise their responsibilities and make sound professional decisions.
“The course gives them opportunities to practise, receive feedback and reflect on their work as they progress. We want graduates to leave with a clear understanding of their abilities, their professional boundaries and the value of continuing to learn. This recognition acknowledges the care that goes into that preparation.
“Attending the ceremony in London was a proud moment and it means a great deal to have our work recognised by BACP.”
Developed in consultation with industry partners and professional and academic bodies, the programme responds to the need for qualified counsellors in Northern Ireland. Alongside practical competence, it places emphasis on self-awareness and the ability to reflect critically on professional practice.
Michelle Laverty, lecturer on the programme, said:
“One of the most rewarding parts of teaching this course is seeing students become more considered in their responses and more confident in their own judgement. They learn to listen carefully, question assumptions and use feedback to improve their practice.
“Those changes develop through practice and reflection over time. Our role is to offer constructive guidance and create space for students to ask questions, explore difficult ideas and learn from experience.
“It was lovely to represent the course in London and see that work recognised. I felt incredibly proud of our students and colleagues, and being part of the ceremony made the recognition especially memorable.”
Anne-Marie McAleese, Curriculum Area Manager in Health and Social Care at Northern Regional College, added:
“Having a route into professional counselling available locally is valuable for people who want to develop their skills and pursue a career supporting others. The part-time structure offers a way to undertake that training over three years, with practical experience forming an essential part of the qualification.
“This recognition is a proud moment for the College. It also gives deserved credit to Minford and Michelle for the commitment they bring to their students and to the delivery of the course.”
Successful completion of the full programme confers fitness to practise as a counsellor. Former students have progressed into counselling roles within voluntary, charitable and private-sector organisations, while graduates can continue their studies through the BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Counselling at Ulster University.
