Clinical Will for Counsellors (UK): What It Is, Why It Matters, and a Free Template

If you became suddenly ill or died, who would contact clients, safeguard notes and close your practice? A concise clinical will protects clients, colleagues and your loved ones.

What is a clinical will?

A clinical will is a short written plan that instructs a trusted colleague (your clinical executor) what to do with your practice if you’re unable to work. It covers client notifications, access to diaries and records, and how to close or transfer a caseload safely so confidentiality and care are maintained.

Why it matters

• Client safety & endings: timely, compassionate information and signposting.

• Confidentiality: only the minimum necessary information is accessed to carry out essential tasks.

• Practical ease: someone can cancel rooms, software and insurance; arrange refunds; and lawfully store or destroy records.

• Peace of mind: your family aren’t left to guess about clinical responsibilities.

Want to see where this started? Read my original post from 2016:
Writing Clinical Will as a Counsellor – https://inyourcommunity.org.uk/2016/10/20/writing-clinical-will-counsellor/

Free clinical will template (PDF)

Download a blank, printable template to adapt to your practice:
Clinical Will — Blank Template (PDF): Clinical_Will_Blank_Template_Counsellors_UK

Tip: keep passwords separate — use a password manager with emergency access, or a sealed envelope held securely by your executor or solicitor.

What to include (checklist)

1. Appoint a clinical executor (and a reserve). Confirm acceptance; record contacts for both and for your supervisor or other professional.

2. Scope & authority: executor handles practical closure, notifications and secure storage/transfer — not ongoing therapy.

3. Access to key systems: where to find your diary, client list, practice email/voicemail, notes, and website controls (with credentials stored separately).

4. Client communications: compassionate scripts; who contacts whom; preferred method (email/phone/letter).

5. Records & retention: where notes are stored; retention times (e.g., adults 7 years; under-18s to age 25/26); how destruction/transfer will be documented.

6. Risk & supervision: when to consult your supervisor prior to outreach or endings.

7. Business tasks: room hire, software, directory listings; notify insurers and membership bodies (e.g., NCPS/BACP); refunds/standing orders.

8. Special contexts: children/young people, couples, EAP/insurer, court-directed work — note additional contacts or reporting.

Confidentiality & data protection (UK)

Keep client data minimal, secure and purposeful. Your executor should access only what’s necessary to notify clients and close/transfer the caseload. Make sure your plan aligns with your Privacy Notice, Confidentiality page and your professional ethical framework (BACP/NCPS).

Getting started in under an hour

• Ask a trusted colleague to be your executor (and a reserve). Confirm in writing.

• Download the blank template and fill in the key fields.

• Set up secure access: password manager emergency access or sealed credentials in a secure place.

• Calendar a review every 6–12 months or after major changes (move, new system, new supervisor).

Over to you

A small amount of planning makes a big difference. If you’d like a Word version you can type into, or you’d like me to sense-check your draft, get in touch.

About me: I’m NCPS Senior Accredited and BACP Accredited. I work to the BACP Ethical Framework and keep client privacy at the centre of my practice in Sheffield.