College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists

COSRT began as the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy (BASRT) in 1978.[1] In 2011 the organisation officially changed its name to the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists[2] - better reflecting its role in supporting professional practitioners.

The organisation sets and maintains standards for the interrelated professions of Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, and Relationship Therapy. The Code of Ethics and Practice provide the framework for accepted conduct for members. Whilst the Conduct Procedure and Sanctions Protocol give clear routes for member accountability via the conduct of complaints.[3]

COSRT holds two public registers indicating members who meet appropriate training and experience requirements for practice in the professions overseen by the organisation. Continued registration requires an annual relicensing process, whilst progression through Registrant grades is dependent on verified professional practice.[4] The professional standards set by COSRT and its role as a key professional body are widely acknowledged, including by numerous specialist NHS services.[5][6][7]

In 2020 the COSRTlearn training platform was launched, where professionals and the wider public can access Self-Access and live seminar training on issues related to Psychosexual and Relationship Therapies.[8]

Alongside this, COSRT accredits training provided by external organisations. This includes Professional Qualifications deemed suitable to permit an individual to enter into professional practice within the professions overseen by the organisation. Accreditation involves a rigorous process assessing policies, procedures, learning outcomes, teaching hours, placements and other key metrics.[9] COSRT's accreditation standards are referenced externally as benchmarks.[10]

The organisation has an international peer-reviewed journal - Sexual and Relationship Therapy (SRT). Published by Taylor and Francis, the journal offers a multidisciplinary forum for review and debate in the field of sex and relationship therapies. It presents original research and best practice and is a vehicle for new theory, methodology, and application. The journal's impact factor for 2021 was 1.733, whilst its Citescore (Scopus) was 3.0,[11] indicating a long-term positive trends.[12]

COSRT engages in a range of activities with other organisations to improve therapy standards and access, as well as wider issues. The organisation is a signatory of the Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK[13] and ongoing member of the associated cross-sector coalition. It is a supporter of the UK Says No More campaign to raise awareness to end domestic abuse and sexual violence.[14] And COSRT has partnered with other professional bodies on key issues such as a Covic mental health campaign, leading to changes in the terms of reference for the Independent Public Inquiry into COVID-19.[15]

COSRT is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, monitored by the Charity Commission. This ensures that the organisation's aims and operations are charitable, for the benefit of its members and wider communities served.

The governing instrument is the Articles of Association.[16] A group of trustees known as the Board of Trustees, oversee the organisation.[17]