<p>We, the undersigned, ask the Vice Chancellor to rescind the suspension of recruitment to person-centred counselling courses at University of Strathclyde and the current freeze on the search for replacement posts following the loss of two members of staff in the Counselling Unit. The Counselling Unit at Strathclyde as a decades-long international reputation for excellence in training, community-based practice and research. Recruitment is still strong. We further ask the Vice Chancellor to institute an immediate consultation with all stakeholders including staff, students, local mental health service providers supported by the course trainees, professional bodies, and academics in humanistic psychotherapy and counselling. To not hold a wide-ranging consultation and act upon its findings, would mean the university is disregarding its responsibility to the local community, counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland and the United Kingdom, and the person-centred therapy approach worldwide. This at a time when mental health services nationally are under considerable pressure.</p>
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