Continuing professional development
There is a requirement to clearly define the parameters and standards expected of those delivering CPD training activities and propose processes that are required to be implemented to monitor these.
The JCCP is currently working with the CPD Standards Office, an accreditation and research service established within the ‘Professional Development Consortium’ Continuous learning beyond formal qualifications is a cornerstone across all sectors and professions. At the beginning of November 2023, the CPD Standards Office has been registered at Companies House as the official CPD Standards organisation for the UK, setting us apart from other accreditation providers. This status was granted due to our tenure, cross-industry presence, and a formal recognition that our robust assessment processes consistently deliver high-quality standards. As of 2024, this organisation will set the National Standards for CPD approval and accreditation services. This could include specific CPD Standards (policy and practice) for the new aesthetics practitioner license.
It is recommended that members become familiar with the FAQs found here.
The JCCP has also worked historically with another CPD accreditation organisation, CPD Certification Service Ltd. to endorse the following statements of principle of best practice that they have published to ‘ensure we are not inadvertently being seen to condone poor practice or place anyone in danger’ (CPD Certification Service Guide for Invasive Treatment Submissions, 2020). The JCCP supports fully the following principles included in their position paper/advisory statement:
It is important to understand the difference between basic training and continued professional development (CPD). CPD should be delivered to those with prior demonstrable qualifications and experience in the applied area for which they are seeking to undertake CPD training. CPD exists to enhance skills throughout a person’s working life and may well be unsuitable for those with no prior experience in a subject. The holding of a CPD certificate is intended to enhance competence, not replace primary qualifications.
Persons offering CPD must themselves be appropriately qualified and competent.
We expect to see trainer CV’s and qualifications as part of the material submission we assess. Members are recommended to ensure their delivery qualifications are up to date.
As an aid you can use the complementary sites operated by other UK Devolved Administrations, where courses delivered outside the UK are concerned the same applies. As well as:
VISIT GOV.UK
Course materials should refer to the regulatory framework approved by the PSA (Professional Standards Authority) who authorise the JCCP (Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners) and Save Face particularly where invasive treatments under their definition of the term are being delivered.
Confirmation where appropriate, the course offered conforms to the qualifications competence framework (2018) issued by the JCCP, which incorporates CPSA Clinical Practice Competences.
JCCP Competency Framework
The essential point that practitioner insurance post completion is a matter for insurers as CPD certification covers the learning value of the course, and is not a guarantee of competence for the trainee.
Health and Safety aspects at both the training venue and for the treatment(s). Premises requirements, infection control and layouts generally, including but not limited to the legal requirements associated with clinical waste, sharps disposal and, where tattooing or piercing is taking place the relevant licencing requirements.
CPD CERTIFICATION GUIDE
What action to take if any treatment goes wrong; Emergency First Aid (including psychological first aid) and, in the case of Botulinum injections how the prescriber will meet their supervisory obligations should anything untoward occur. Materials should reference, where medicines and medical devices are to be used, to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme:
Report a problem with a medicine or medical device
identify the minimum standards of CPD provision and practice to ensure with compliance with the new aesthetic license in England
develop systems to make sure the standards remain relevant and are updated in line with industry changes
determine and ensure a consistent understanding of professional standards for continuous learning
agree and promote a clear definition of what constitutes ‘good CPD’ and appropriate ‘procedural-related’ learning activities
implement arrangements for ongoing quality assurance of approved CPD activities
confirm the approach that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) might elect to take to support the proposals included in this paper
