Why are these changes coming?

Until now, the aesthetics sector in the UK has operated with very little formal oversight. Anyone could perform many cosmetic procedures without demonstrating any formal qualification. This has led to an increasing number of complications and inconsistent training standards. The upcoming reforms aim to professionalise the sector and improve patient safety.

England – Licensing under the Health and Care Act 2022

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed the introduction of a licensing system for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. In its Government response to consultation (7 August 2025), it stated that only practitioners with appropriate, regulated qualifications will be eligible for a licence.

• Legal framework: Section 180 of the Health and Care Act 2022 empowers the Secretary of State to set training and qualification standards for NSCPs.
• Qualification standard: Ofqual-regulated qualifications (e.g. VTCT, Qualifi, City & Guilds, CIBTAC) at RQF Levels 4–7, depending on the risk of the procedure.
• Oversight: High-risk procedures will fall under the Care Quality Commission (CQC), while lower-risk ones will be licensed by local authorities.

Scotland – The Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Bill

In December 2024, the Scottish Government launched its consultation on the regulation and licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The consultation analysis (June 2025) confirmed that practitioners will need to demonstrate competence through regulated or recognised qualifications mapped to the SCQF.

• Qualification standard: SCQF Levels 6–9 (equivalent to RQF Levels 4–7 in England).
• CPD: Short, unregulated training courses will not qualify practitioners for licensing.
• Risk categories: The upcoming Bill will classify procedures into Groups 1–3, with varying training and supervision requirements.

What is a “regulated qualification”?

A regulated qualification is one that:

• is formally approved and monitored by a national education regulator (Ofqual or SQA/SCQF);
• has an assigned Level (e.g. RQF 4–7 / SCQF 6–9) with defined learning outcomes;
• undergoes regular quality audits of its delivery, teaching, and assessment standards;
• is legally recognised by employers, insurers, and government bodies.

In practice, this means qualifications from VTCT, Qualifi, City & Guilds, and CIBTAC will form the recognised educational route for practitioners seeking an aesthetic licence.

What does this mean for practitioners and training centres?

• CPD alone will not be enough — only regulated qualifications will satisfy future licensing requirements.
• Higher professional standards will build public trust and accountability within the industry.
• Curricula alignment: Courses should include anatomy, aseptic technique, infection control, client consultation, and adverse event reporting.
• Competitive advantage: Practitioners holding regulated qualifications will be licence-ready once the legislation comes into effect.

Official and Government Sources

• GOV.UK – The Licensing of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in England (Government Response, 7 Aug 2025)
• Health and Care Act 2022 – Section 180 (legislation.gov.uk)
• GOV.UK – Crackdown on Unsafe Cosmetic Procedures (UKHSA/DHSC, 6 Aug 2025)
• House of Commons Library – Briefing CBP-10331 (2025 update)
• Scottish Government – Consultation: Regulation of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures (Dec 2024)
• Scottish Government – Consultation Analysis & Response (June 2025)