In 2015, the Professional Standards Authority published support for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by a range of organisations, including several Accredited Registers, the Royal College of GPs and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The MoU recognised that the use of conversion therapy to change or alter sexual orientation was unethical and potentially harmful.
Subsequently, this MoU has been updated with the definition of conversion therapy expanded to include both sexual orientation and gender identity. Signatories to this version include many Accredited Registers, NHS England, NHS Scotland and NHS Wales.
The Authority is committed to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We support the expanded definition in the MoU, which includes any model or individual viewpoint that demonstrates an assumption that any sexual orientation or gender identity is inherently preferable to any other or seeks to suppress an individual's expression of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Research undertaken by the Government as part of its consultation on proposals to ban conversion therapy in England found that practices used in conversion therapy in relation to gender identity are similar to those used for sexual orientation. There is robust evidence that both are potentially harmful. The Authority therefore does not accredit any Register that permits conversion therapy in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity. We expect any Registers which see evidence of registrants practising conversion therapy to take the necessary actions to protect the public.
The Authority commits to monitoring legislative developments, which are currently at different stages across the four UK countries.
Alan Clamp, Chief Executive of the Professional Standards Authority said: ‘We are pleased to support this updated MoU which protects the public through a commitment to end the harmful practice of conversion therapy.’
ENDS
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
Email: media@professionalstandards.org.uk
Notes to the Editor
- The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care oversees 10 statutory bodies that regulate health and social care professionals in the UK.
- 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.
- We also set standards for organisations holding voluntary registers for health and social care occupations and accredit those that meet them.
- We share good practice and knowledge, conduct research and introduce new ideas to our sector. We monitor policy developments in the UK and internationally and provide advice on issues relating to professional standards in health and social care.
- We do this to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of users of health and social care services and the public. We are an independent body, accountable to the UK Parliament.
- Our values are – integrity, transparency, respect, fairness and teamwork – and we strive to ensure that they are at the core of our work.
- More information about our work and the approach we take is available at www.professionalstandards.org.uk