The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) and British Beauty Council (BBCo) further contributed towards the government’s inquiry into the potential safety impacts of cosmetic procedures at a parliamentary evidence session, conducted by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) with government representatives and the beauty industry’s key opinion leaders.
The parliamentary session came as a result of the ongoing Government consultation exploring the risk surrounding surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, where the evidence is being collated as part of a continued consultation, now expected to roll into 2026.
CEO and Chair of BABTAC, Lesley Blair MBE, was invited to give evidence as a long term contributor and and advisor to the UK government and playing a crucial role in the development of the licensing frame work for regulation of non-cosmetic procedures in England and also in Scotland as a member of Cosmetics Informed and Empowered Public Sub-Group, part of the Scottish Government's Interventions Expert Group.
Chief of Policy of the British Beauty Council, Victoria Brownlie MBE, was also invited following her ongoing work to introduce a licensing scheme for anyone offering aesthetic treatments since achieving a ban on Botox and Fillers for under 18s back in 2021 (the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act).
Both provided evidence and counsel to the WEC on the risks and implications surrounding non-surgical cosmetic procedures, with the aim to encourage future regulation in England.
The session discussed the recommended guidance from industry leaders to implement schemes including:
- A mandatory national licensing scheme for all premises and practitioners offering non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
- A commitment that only competent, trained and insured professionals may carry out invasive or high-risk aesthetic treatments.
- A risk-based tiering system that details level of risk, with a view to provide stronger consumer protection.
Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and Chair, BABTAC comments:
“It is encouraging to have had the opportunity to provide evidence and spotlight the very real issues that the current lack of regulation is having among our industry, and we are hopeful that it acts as a further catalyst for tangible next steps to be introduced, as seen recently in Scotland.
Our recommendations - particularly around fit-for-purpose training, adequate insurance, incident reporting, and public awareness - are central to ensuring that consumers are protected, the strain on the NHS is reduced and that quality, credible professionals are recognised and championed.
As we await the outcome of the consultation in 2026, we are hopeful to see the introduction of a proportionate, risk-based system that could help eliminate rogue practitioners, strengthen public trust, and uphold the integrity of our industry. This is an opportunity to safeguard the future of our sector and protect the public. Every delay risks lives and damages confidence in the profession. BABTAC stands ready to work alongside Government and industry partners to bring positive change to the industry.”
Victoria Brownlie MBE, Chief of Policy & Sustainability, BBCo comments:
“The inquiry currently underway by the Women & Equalities Select Committee is an important vessel to ensure that the Government remains laser focussed on moving forward with licensing on non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The British Beauty Council welcomed the Department of Health & Social Care’s announcement this summer regarding red, high risk procedures being classified as surgical and a firm commitment to prioritise legislation in this area.
However, we urgently need a clear timetable on the implementation of a licensing scheme, which is vital in regulating all practitioners offering injectables and other non-surgical cosmetic procedures which are arguably much more common and in need of regulatory intervention.
This is especially important with the demand for aesthetic and non-invasive procedures increasing year on year. Oxford Economics data within the British Beauty Council’s Value of Beauty report shows consumer spending on services reached £10.1bn last year, up 15%, while the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recorded 27,462 procedures in 2024 from medical practitioners alone. The real figure is likely to be considerably higher with non-medical aesthetic practitioners also offering non-invasive treatments but not recorded in these figures.”
BABTAC’s and BBCo’s key recommendations
- Develop a national standard of training and qualifications aligned with National Occupational Standards (NOS).
- Ensure all practitioners hold adequate insurance that meets licensing requirements.
- Introduce a robust incident monitoring system to record and analyse adverse events.
- Increase public awareness through campaigns such as BABTAC’s T.I.M.E. Campaign (Training, Insurance, Monitoring, Evidence), which has reached 361 million people since its 2023 launch.
- Conduct further consultation to refine risk classifications and keep regulation proportionate and evidence-led.
What this means for the UK beauty & aesthetics industry
While the evidence and consultation guidance is being reviewed by the Minister and government officials as part of the consultation, tighter regulation could promise substantial benefits:
- Enhanced consumer safety and trust.
- A more transparent, accountable marketplace, reducing complications and easing pressure on the NHS.
The road ahead
The UK Government will now conduct further stakeholder consultation in 2026 on education standards, risk classification and insurance before finalising the framework. England’s proposed update from August 2025 signals progress toward phased regulation, while Scotland’s approach already integrates the two organisations’ recommendations.
BABTAC & BBCo cautioned that delays could lead to ongoing risks to consumer safety, an increase in adverse outcomes, and growing pressure on the NHS from corrective treatments.
Lesley warns, “The current lack of regulation means we have people out there operating and putting profit over standards which is really alarming. This includes poor hygiene standards that pose a risk to consumer and public safety. Not to mention the massive issue of unlicensed/counterfeit products being bought on the internet where we have no guarantee of their safety or efficacy. The NHS has already got enough on its shoulders without having to manage complications as a result of botched treatments.”
“A growing awareness both through the media and now the consultation has helped to spotlight where change needs to be introduced. We are fully supportive and ready to work alongside the Government and industry partners to ensure that tighter regulation is rolled out in a way that protects both the safety and integrity of consumers and professionals alike