Aesthetics Regulation: Licensing Scheme Announcement Delayed

The industry has been on tenterhooks waiting for the Government’s aesthetics regulation announcement.

Details of the proposed aesthetics licensing scheme were initially promised “by July” 2023. However, we’ve learned that this announcement will now be in late summer. Most likely, it will come at the end of August 2023.

So, whilst there is a delay, it appears to only be a short one.

Latest statement on the licensing scheme announcement

Former Minister of State for Health, MP Maria Caulfield gave the following response when asked about this during Parliamentary Questions…

“The Government intends to publish a public consultation on proposals for the scope of the treatments to be included within the licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures later this summer. The Department continues to meet regularly with stakeholders to discuss the scope and development of the licensing scheme. As part of this work, I held a roundtable discussion with a broad range of stakeholders on 14 June. The Department will also work with stakeholders to determine the education and training requirements that practitioners will have to meet, alongside hygiene, cleanliness and indemnity requirements, to demonstrate that they can practise safely.”

This statement was made on 14 July 2023.

Aesthetics regulation – what happens now

Whilst we are largely still in the dark as to the exact details, we do know that a licensing scheme will be introduced. This will require aesthetics practitioners to hold a licence to practise the non-surgical cosmetic procedures defined within the regulations.

It will also mean injectors need a mandatory licence for their premises, to ensure they are fit for purpose and meet necessary requirements.

The forthcoming announcement will set out the Government’s aesthetics regulation proposals for this licensing scheme. This will include details of the minimum standard of education and aesthetics training required to obtain the necessary licence to practise.

Once these proposals have been released, there will be a consultation period during which the public, including the industry, can feedback.

The length of this consultation process has not yet been confirmed.

Preparing for the incoming aesthetics licensing scheme

As you can appreciate, at Harley Academy, we’re especially interested in the Government getting the minimum standard of education requirements right.

Whilst it has not been confirmed, the Level 7 in injectables has been widely spoken about as being a solid marker of safety and competency for medical aesthetics practitioners. The reason for this is that it was originally created to conform to the Health Education England guidelines for aesthetics training.

Furthermore, it is an Ofqual-regulated, Master’s level qualification in botox and dermal filler – two of the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Many employers also now look for a Level 7 qualification when hiring injectors for their clinics.

As a result, we’ve seen an increase in the number of doctors, dentists and nurses seeking to undertake our industry-leading Level 7 in Botox & Dermal Fillers.

Where established medical aesthetics practitioners wanting to prepare for incoming legislation are concerned, we’ve also seen a rise in those taking our Fast Track Level 7 qualification. 

Looking to get a head-start on formalising your aesthetic medicine education? Contact our Courses team today. 

In the meantime, we’re immersed in the ongoing aesthetics regulation discussions and will bring you updates as they happen.