BABTAC responds to Government consultation for UK aesthetics license scheme
The government has now closed its consultation period regarding the introduction of a new licensing scheme for aesthetic procedures in the UK. To further support the introduction of industry wide regulation, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) has responded with their suggestions regarding the parameters of licences for aesthetic treatment practitioners.
As a not-for-profit organisation and one of the UK's leading membership organisation and insurance providers set up to raise the level of professionalism in the beauty industry, BABTAC tirelessly campaigns for the introduction of more regulation, while also self-regulating their own members. All with the objective of protecting the public and giving reputable professionals the recognition that they deserve.
The new licensing scheme would mean that practitioners in England will need to be appropriately licensed to perform specific procedures and could have the potential to include age limits and restrictions for specified treatments. As one of the leading industry bodies we strongly support their inclusion of open consultation and will continue to provide insights and recommendations to ensure the scheme is valid, robust and enforceable, while allowing provision for ongoing evaluation.
BABTAC’s response outlined the following suggestions for the proposed scheme
- We agree that a national licensing scheme should be implemented for all premises where certain procedures are conducted as well as for practitioners of non-surgical cosmetic procedures to ensure that those who practise invasive procedures are competent in treating members of the public. We have however advised that the recommendations and grading classifications for each procedure do require further breakdown in terms of levels of risk, scope of treatments, technology used and degrees of oversight required in order to safeguard the public. We have recommended further consultation to ensure this is achieved.
- All practitioners providing non-surgical cosmetic procedures should hold adequate insurance
- A mandated national standard of fit for purpose training and qualifications for all practitioners should be developed.
- A system to effectively record adverse incidents should be developed and implemented to improve patient safety
- Public awareness should be raised to ensure that consumers hold adequate knowledge to protect themselves when seeking treatment
Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and Chair of BABTAC comments:
“We have campaigned tirelessly to achieve further regulation within the sector to support and promote responsible therapists and businesses through collaboration with Government, likeminded industry organisations and a diverse network of patrons and affiliates. We are grateful to be able to provide our feedback on the proposed licensing scheme on behalf of our members and the beauty industry. We hope that our long-term commitment and involvement in advocating for safe professional practice and standardised fit for purpose qualifications provides government with valuable insights in the development of the licensing scheme.”