IFA Gains Professional Standards Authority (PSA) Approval of its Register

The International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) is proud to be the largest and longest standing, single-discipline, body for Aromatherapists to have its register approved as an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for Health and Social Care. This highly sought-after accreditation and prestigious kitemark of professionalism takes effect from March 2020.

The Professional Standards Authority is an independent body accountable to Parliament and oversees the UK’s nine statutory health and care regulatory bodies, including the General Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council. It launched its Accredited Register programme under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, to accredit voluntary registers of professionals working in a variety of health and social care occupations that are not currently statutorily regulated, such as aromatherapy.

Patients and GPs need to be assured as to the competence and safety of practitioners when choosing the services of a professional Aromatherapist and PSA accreditation of its register provides external assurance that IFA registered Aromatherapists meet that high standard. Furthermore, due to the increase in awareness of the dangers of self-governing bodies setting their own standards of training and insurance companies selling policies to those who have completed 1-2 days training and advocating the internal use of essential oils; only aromatherapist who belong to a PSA regulated register may be able to work within the NHS in the future and those who don't may have difficulty finding work within the UK medical framework.

We are delighted therefore, that the IFA’s register has been approved by the Professional Standards Authority for the protection of the public. Having independent quality assurance of our register not only gives confidence to those seeking the services of an Aromatherapist, but it will also help the advancement of integrated healthcare as a whole. With the Accredited Registers programme being widely promoted within the NHS and private healthcare providers, we believe this will give IFA registrants greater opportunity to demonstrate the important role aromatherapy has alongside conventional medical care, especially in the areas of mental health, back pain, cancer and palliative care. 

When the public are seeking an Aromatherapist who is of a professional standard, the choice will be that much easier now knowing that an IFA registered Aromatherapist has the backing of the PSA.

All IFA UK registrants (UK FULL, PEOT and Associate members) may now use the PSA Accredited Logo, provided by the IFA on their promotional material. However, importantly, the PSA logo must not, under any circumstances be used by any IFA Member or School outside of the UK - the PSA has strictly forbidden this, and it is one of the terms of our accreditation. As such, we must ask our overseas schools and members to respect this instruction. Sanctions will be applied for misuse. Nevertheless, with or without the PSA logo, this is a huge boost to the status of the IFA in the UK and overseas.