Setting the standard for non-surgical aesthetics in the UK

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The challenges Addressing the challenges The JCCP and the CPSA About the JCCP Our core principles Why the framework matters

The challenges

However, this rapid growth has come with significant challenges:

Inconsistent regulationA lack of consistent regulation across procedures.

Limited oversightPractitioners, both clinically and non-clinically trained, performing treatments without sufficient oversight.

Rising complaintsIncreasing patient complaints, even against clinically trained professionals.

Uneven standardsUneven safety and quality standards due to the absence of mandatory inspections for many premises.

Addressing the challenges

To protect patients/members of the public and ensure high-quality care, a robust framework is essential-one that defines clear competences for each procedure alongside rigorous clinical and practice-based standards.

The JCCP and the CPSA

These efforts have culminated in the formation of:

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP)Overseeing voluntary regulation to uphold industry accountability.

The Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA)Establishing evidence-based, clinical practice standards to guide the industry.

About the JCCP

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), was formally launched in February 2018 as a ‘self-regulating’ body for the non-surgical aesthetics and hair restoration sector in the United Kingdom and is a registered UK Charity. The concept of the JCCP was envisioned and inspired by work commissioned by Health Education England on behalf of NHS England and the Department of Health (2016).

The Council’s charitable status reflects the overarching not-for-profit mission of the JCCP which is to improve patient safety and public protection within the non-surgical cosmetic sector.

Our core principles

At the heart of the JCCP/CPSA framework are five core principles that drive our mission to create a safer, more ethical industry:

Patient safetyThe foundation of everything we do.

Ethical practiceA clear code of conduct to guide practitioners.

IndependenceFree from conflicts of interest, focused solely on quality and safety.

InclusivityRecognising and addressing the equality and diverse needs of all stakeholders.

Fairness and sustainabilityEnsuring a balanced, long-term approach to standards and regulation.

Why the framework matters

The UK’s non-surgical aesthetics sector has faced several challenges over the years:

Lack of unified standardsNo universal guidelines for education, clinical practice, procedures or products.

Unregulated trainingA fragmented training market with limited ties to recognised and approved qualifications.

Limited public guidanceNo centralised resource for members of the public seeking advice on non-surgical treatments.

Rapid increase of new proceduresGrowth in innovations, often without sufficient evaluation of safety and effectiveness.

Misleading advertisingCampaigns that overpromise results while understating risks and identifying and reporting illegal advertising practice.

A turning point

The establishment of the JCCP and CPSA marks a turning point in addressing these issues and ensuring the highest standards of safety, transparency, and care in non-surgical aesthetics. Together, we’re shaping the future of aesthetics with safety, ethics, and excellence at the forefront.

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