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Independent quality mark for Aromatherapists

31 Mar 2020

Today, the International Federation of Aromatherapists’ (IFA) register has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, an independent statutory body, accountable to Parliament. Accreditation applies to UK-based registrants only.

Under the Accredited Registers programme, UK-based practitioners on the IFA register will be able to display the Accredited Register quality mark, a sign that they belong to a register which meets the Professional Standards Authority’s robust standards.

Pauline Allen, IFA’s Chief Executive said: ‘We are very pleased that the IFA’s register has been approved by the Professional Standards Authority which gives us an independent quality mark for our register. The mark enhances confidence to those seeking the services of an Aromatherapist, letting them know the practitioner is committed to the highest standards of practice.’  

Alan Clamp, Chief Executive of the Professional Standards Authority said: ‘We are very pleased to accredit the International Federation of Aromatherapists. Bringing these practitioners into a broad framework of assurance is good for patients, service users and the public and is the best way to promote quality. The programme offers a new layer of protection for people receiving health services, and gives Aromatherapists the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to good practice.’

Accreditation does not imply that the Authority has assessed the merits of individuals on the register. This remains the responsibility of the IFA. Accreditation means that the IFA’s register meets the Professional Standards Authority’s high standards in governance, standard-setting, education and training, management of the register, complaints handling and information.

Accredited Registers encompass a growing range of occupations and organisations and the Professional Standards Authority may accredit more than one register in any particular occupation. Further information about Accredited Registers is available from our website.

In line with Government advice as of 23 March 2020, the IFA has advised its registrants that due to the current COVID-19 emergency, its practitioners should not be treating patients until the restrictions are lifted. The IFA’s statement can be found on its website.

ENDS

Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care Contact:

Christine Braithwaite

Director of Standards and Policy

Tel: 020 7389 8030

christine.braithwaite@professionalstandards.org.uk

Notes to the Editor

  1. The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care oversees 10 statutory bodies that regulate health and social care professionals in the UK.
  2. We assess their performance and report to Parliament. We also conduct audits and investigations and can appeal fitness to practise cases to the courts if we consider that sanctions are insufficient to protect the public and it is in the public interest.
  3. We also set standards for organisations holding registers for health and social care occupations not regulated by law and accredit those that meet them.
  4. Accredited registers can encompass a wide range of occupations and organisations and the Professional Standards Authority may accredit more than one register in any particular occupation. Those accredited are entitled to use the Authority’s accreditation mark so that they can be distinguished easily.
  5. Accredited registration is different from statutory professional registration. It is voluntary, not compulsory. Whilst practitioners can work in unregulated occupations without being on any register, the Authority’s Accreditation Scheme now offers people the option of seeking practitioners on a register that has been vetted and approved.
  6. We do this to promote the health, safety and well-being of users of health and social care services and the public. We are an independent body, accountable to the UK Parliament.
  7. Our values are – integrity, transparency, respect, fairness and teamwork – and we strive to ensure that they are at the core of our work.
  8. More information about our work and the approach we take is available at www.professionalstandards.org.uk