Education and training

Answers to frequently asked questions relating to education and training requirements

Education and training

In this chapter we will cover the frequently asked questions relating to practitioner related issues.

What will the degree/level of qualification requirements be for me to operate with a licence?

At this time, we are unable to confirm which level/qualification requirement will be set down by the DHSC as part of its mandated licensing standards. However, we consider that the level of qualification required in the future will depend on the level of invasiveness associated with the procedures being offered. The JCCP recommend alignment with the JCCP Competency Framework (2018) which incorporates both the Government’s HEE qualification framework (2015) and practice standards approved by the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority, so that, for instance, injectable procedures are performed at level 7.

I offer training courses, what will I need to be accredited to offer such courses?

If the courses are for the purposes of obtaining a license, and if the government sets a mandate for approved qualifications (in the form of a new ‘industry standard’), then the training organisation must comply with the requirements set by an Ofqual approved awarding body or those approval standards set by a UK University or by an approved Apprenticeship provider organisation.

Will the new legislation require a level 7 qualification?

At this time, we are unable to confirm which level/qualification requirement will be set down by the DHSC as part of its mandated licensing standards.

However, we consider that the level of qualification required in the future will depend on the level of invasiveness associated with the procedures being offered. The JCCP recommend alignment with the JCCP Competency Framework (2018) which incorporates both the Government’s HEE qualification framework (2015) and practice standards approved by the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority, so that, for instance, injectable procedures are performed at level 7.

Qualification requirements where practitioners are experienced but have no formal training, such as the level 7 or a nursing/medical/
dental qualification - concerns about costs of retraining if needed?

As part of the JCCP and CPSA’s decision to align its own 2018 Education and Training standards to the HEE qualifications framework (2015), a determination was made to recommend that specific groups of experienced practitioners should be afforded access to a process of independently verified ‘grandparenting’. The JCCP intend to move forward with this recommendation which would permit experienced and regulated individuals to continue with evidence of competence, rather than a qualification. The JCCP have put in place a number of options which we will recommend to DHSC as being ‘equivalent’.

What courses should I be looking at taking now, in readiness for the new legislation?

This will depend on your personal circumstances and in any event, we advise caution before taking any qualification which may or may not meet future DHSC mandated requirements. Qualifications achieved through JCCP’s authorised training providers meet the robust criteria set out by HEE and which now meet the JCCP’s standards as guardians of the HEE framework. We cannot however (at this time) confirm that these standards will be sufficient to meet any future education and training standard that the DHSC might set as part of its new Practitioner licence requirement.

Who will provide the qualification?

Whilst the exact level and content of the national mandated standard is yet to be determined, the intention is that only practitioners who meet an agreed standard will be able to carry out those procedures that are defined as being within the scope of the new licence. The JCCP recommend that qualifications should be regulated, by Ofqual or provided by a university. We also consider that a new aesthetics Apprenticeship Pathway should be included in the portfolio of qualification options. The JCCP also recommend that qualifications – both the awarding body and the training provider - should be ‘industry approved’ by an independent body. Some Ofqual approved awarding bodies facilitate the highest standards of education, but this may not necessarily follow through to the organisations providing the teaching. Other forms of ‘accreditation’ may also be relevant in the future, but it is important to note that they do not lead to regulated qualifications. CPD accreditation has value for ongoing development but is not relevant for licensing purposes. Accreditation from others such as associations would only be appropriate where it has been assessed.

I am a trainer; will I need specific qualifications to train?

Yes, you will be required to demonstrate that you have appropriate teaching and assessment experience and qualifications. The requirements for teaching and other qualifications will be set out by the awarding body as part of Ofqual conditions or by your local university education provider.

What training will officers receive to be able to enforce the new legislation?

I am afraid that we are not at all clear about the training implications or requirements that will be determined to enable Officers to acquire the knowledge and standards of proficiency to apply and operate the license. We envisage that some form of training will be required. We expect these details to be clarified over the next eighteen months.