NHBF Response to Government Publication of Aesthetic Practitioner Licensing Consultation

The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) has welcomed the Government’s release of the results from a consultation about licensing for Aesthetic (non-surgical cosmetic) practitioners. This follows a consultation that took place from 2 September to 28 October 2023, as part of the Health and Care Act 2022.

The government’s findings have informed a comprehensive approach to addressing safety concerns in the cosmetics industry:

Highest Risk Procedures:

• Non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts and similar high-risk procedures will be restricted to qualified healthcare professionals.
• These procedures must be performed by specialists working in Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered providers.
• Practitioners who break rules will face CQC enforcement and financial penalties

Lower Risk Procedures:

• Botox, lip fillers, and facial dermal fillers will come under local authority licensing Practitioners must meet rigorous safety, training, and insurance standards
• A new licensing system will ensure only qualified practitioners can legally operate. The licensing system will be operated and enforced by local authorities (more information is yet to be released about this).

Youth Protection:

• Age restrictions are planned for under-18s on high-risk cosmetic procedures Treatments will only be permitted when authorised by healthcare professionals Measures will be designed to protect young people from dangerous social media beauty trends

Implementation Timeline:

• Priority given to introducing regulations for highest risk procedures first
• A public consultation is due to be published early next year
• Further consultations are planned to develop a comprehensive licensing regime

Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the NHBF, said: “We are pleased to see the Government publishing the long-awaited findings from the aesthetic practitioner licensing consultation and taking decisive action to address safety concerns in our sector. This is the first step and we are looking forward to receiving further information on the implementation process.

The NHBF actively contributed to this consultation process, providing a comprehensive position statement that reflected the views and concerns of our Members and the wider beauty industry.

These findings represent a significant step forward in bringing clarity to the regulation of the aesthetic industry and protects both practitioners and the public.

We particularly welcome the tiered approach that recognises different risk levels across procedures, ensuring that legitimate, qualified practitioners can continue to operate while addressing the serious safety concerns posed by unqualified operators.

The NHBF will continue to work closely with government and industry partners to ensure the implementation supports professional practitioners while maintaining the highest safety standards.”

Jo Lancaster, NHBF Quality and Standards Manager for Beauty and Aesthetics, added:

“These new regulations will help create the level playing field we’ve long advocated for in the aesthetics sector. By establishing clear distinctions between high-risk and lower-risk procedures, and ensuring appropriate qualification requirements for each, we’re moving towards a system that protects both practitioners and consumers.

The focus on rigorous safety, training, and insurance standards will help professional practitioners stand out from unqualified operators, ultimately raising standards across the entire industry.”

Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth said:  “The cosmetics industry has been plagued by a Wild West of dodgy practitioners and procedures. There are countless horror stories of cosmetic cowboys causing serious, catastrophic damage. This government is taking action to protect those seeking treatments, support honest and competent practitioners, and root out the cowboys as part of our Plan for Change.

This isn’t about stopping anyone from getting treatments – it’s about preventing rogue operators from exploiting people at the expense of their safety and keeping people safe. We’re giving them peace of mind and reducing the cost to the NHS of fixing botched procedures.”

Looking Forward: The government has outlined a clear implementation approach, prioritizing the highest risk procedures first with a public consultation planned for early next year. This will seek views on the full range of procedures to be covered in the new restrictions.

Mark Elliott, President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, said: “We welcome the introduction of improved regulation and a new scheme of licensing. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government in order to achieve a licensing scheme that includes the full range of procedures that were to be covered by the scheme in the original consultation.”

The NHBF has been at the forefront of supporting practitioners through this regulatory development process.

“We recognised early on that our Members needed clear guidance and support as the licensing framework is being developed. NHBF membership provides businesses with crucial advance notice to adapt their practices. Our comprehensive guidance documents translate complex regulatory requirements into practical steps businesses can implement, ensuring members stay ahead of regulatory changes and continue to operate safely and legally in this evolving landscape.”

The NHBF will continue working with government and industry partners to ensure a smooth implementation that protects both practitioners and the public.”

To stay informed and ensure you are working legally and safely become an NHBF Friend or Member:  www.nhbf.co.uk

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