CODE OF CONDUCT
The Cosmetic Practitioners Databaes
The CPD is the largest Professional Association for Practitioners carrying out cosmetic treatments in the UK. It operates under a strict Code of Conduct in order to ensure patient safety across all treatments undertaken by its members.
The CPD has a dual role:
• To provide services and support to all of its Members
• To promote and support patient safety in the area of Non-Surgical Aesthetic Treatments
The Vision/Mission:
'By 2020 we will have enhanced our reputation as the leading Professional Association in the aesthetics sector supporting none medically qualified aesthetic cosmetic practitioners who are delivering high quality services to the public in an ethical way by providing education and training, advocacy and support for our membership in collaboration with our stakeholders'.
The CPD and Patient Safety
Regulation of the Aesthetics Industry
The aesthetics industry in the UK is not regulated and as such any person can offer complex aesthetic treatments.
Under the current arrangements of non-regulation, we strongly advise the following for members of the public seeking aesthetic treatments:
1. Go to a recognized medical professional who is able to show you that they are a member of a ‘Governing Body’ that regulates their behaviour via an agreed Code of Conduct – Examples would be the General Medical Council (GMC), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the General Dental Council (GDC).
2. Go to a web site like the CPD where we identify practitioners in your area that operate under the CPD Code of Conduct and are qualified and registered practitioners.
3. Ask for proof of registration, charter marks and for patient recommendations where available.
Functions of the CPD
The Cosmetic Practitioners Database was established in 2017. From a small start we have grown, by 2018, to a membership of members, all non-medically qualified with a passion for what they do and a desire to be part of a specialist community, working together with common goals.
The CPD - Key Current Functions:
• To act as an expert resource for its membership.
• To provide guidance on best practice to ensure safe and ethical practice by its practitioners.
• To provide Continuous Professional Development for members.
• To give members access to information on all aspects of the aesthetic s sector, business support, training, conferences and research.
• To facilitate networking, guidance and support to members and inform and educate the public/media.
• Organising the CPD Annual Conference and its infrastructure of regional meetings, lectures, workshops and exhibitions.
• To work effectively with all stakeholders.
• To facilitate networking.
• To influence policy making at the highest level.
Key Underpinning Statements:
• We will continue to promote the highest standards of professional and aesthetic practice standards for Practitioners in line with those required by the NMC and other standard setting bodies.
• We will continue to provide high level advice and policy guidance in relation to key issues affecting our members including education, training, standards and Codes of Practice.
• We will promote and clarify the agreed standards for conduct, ethics, proficiency, education and training and continuing professional development as set by all statutory bodies.
• We will hold members accountable to their professional standards and those standards set by the CPD for Membership and deal fairly and proportionally with complaints and concerns.
• We will strive to deliver a range of member services that will reflect our growing and changing membership structure.
• We will enhance our presence and profile to both attract potential new members, retain our current membership and to influence key decision makers in the sector.
• We will seek to be a key port of call for the media when seeking responses on issues regarding practitoners and aesthetic treatments.
• We will continue to work with our stakeholders and business partners to maximise benefits to the Association and its members.
• We will aim to increase our Membership by numbers and across a wider geographical area of the UK and in key overseas locations.
• We will build on our current financial strategy to ensure the future sustainability of the Association.
• We will operate in a way that reflects the terms of our constitution as well as principles of best practice in governance of professional associations.
Key Drivers of the Strategy:
Political/Environmental
• The emergence of new bodies, structures and regulations associated with the aesthetic sector.
• Growing public and press/media reaction to the practice of aesthetics.
• Growing debate on standards, competences and rights to practice.
• Competing Associations.
• Increasing demand from the public for clear guidance on which practitioners to use.
• Confusing regulatory frameworks for aesthetics.
• New European Directives on non-surgical treatments
• Increasing litigation in the world of aesthetic practice
• Establishment of Voluntary Registers for aesthetic practitioners.
Education, Training and Standards
• Establishment of Voluntary Registers for aesthetic practitioners
• The emergence of an industry agreed set of educational, clinical and practise based standards from the newly established Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA).
• Issuing by the NMC of a new Code of Conduct for practitioners and cosmetic interventions.
• Consistent approach to education, training and qualifications in the field by academic institutions, private training companies and Awarding Bodies.
• Major debate over the requirement for training at different levels and how it is delivered.
• Emerging accreditation systems.
Membership Changing Needs and Requirements
• Increasing membership numbers
• Designing services that meet different profiles of members.
• Members making greater and more complicated demands on the Association.
• The delivery by other players in the aesthetic sector of services and support to Practitioners.
Membership Changing Needs and Requirements
• Growing demand on the Association to do more with only limited resources.
• Increasing cost of the delivery of services
• Increased competition from other bodies in the sector offering services to CPD members.
Core Strategic Objectives:
The CPD Core Strategic Objectives have been derived from the Vision Statement, key underpinning statements and key drivers:
1. To develop and agree a clear set of values and a remit for the CPD that meets the changing environment in which it operates
2. To improve, develop and grow high quality support services and programmes that provide value for all CPD members
3. To develop and enhance the reputation and importance of the CPD as the voice of aesthetic Practitioners and as a major influencer within the sector.
4. To grow membership numbers.
5. To grow and enhance the support infrastructure provided for CPD Practitioners at national and regional levels.
6. To establish and maintain high quality partnerships and relations with external partners and sponsors to benefit the CPD.
7. To develop the CPD education, training and CPD functions.
8. To deliver an effective CPD Communication Plan for our members and the wider aesthetic industry utilising the latest digital technology in addition to existing traditional methods of communication.
9. To provide a sustainable business model to deliver financial sustainability for the CPD.
10. To improve and update the governance of the CPD.
The Strategic Plan 2017/20 contains the key actions, target dates and Lead Responsibilities for implementing the Plan.