We invited everyone to support the review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS). This was the chance to help shape these standards, to ensure they are what the sector needs to ensure high standards in - hair, barbering, trichology, beauty, nails, well-being and aesthetics. The consultation stage is now closed.
NOS are statements of the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding.
HABIA develop and review NOS for the sector, these are consulted on and approved on a four-nation basis.
See the link
We're delighted to be given the go ahead to review the NOS over the next few months, the draft NOS will be available for public consultation by December 2020 and are due to be finalised by the end of March 2021
Thank you to those individuals with nationally recognised qualifications and extensive experience in hairdressing for contacting us to offer their support. ,
Thank you to those individuals with nationally recognised qualifications and extensive experience in beauty therapy for contacting us to offer their support
Habia/Skills Active have been working with industry experts and regulators nationwide to develop an updated suite of National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures.
Initial research began in February 2019. Expert working groups of industry professionals developed the standards for botulinum toxin type A, dermal fillers medium grade chemical skin peels, mesotherapy, advanced micro needling, advanced electrocautery and dermaplaning procedures.
View the standard at
'We have a debt of gratitude for the amount of voluntary contribution that industry specialists and regulators have come together to provide, ensuring the suite is compliant with regulations for elective non-surgical cosmetic procedure. There is a widespread desire to confirm the standards of practice expected in these modalities, common to all four nations, to promote public safety and a pathway for aesthetic practitioners and this suite provides the agreed standards of all relevant parties. '
This work supports the memorandum of understanding in place between Habia and the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), bringing together a number of PRSB regulators and industry organisations to consolidate the recognition of the agreed practice standards in line with the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA) from which qualifications can be aligned.
There are so many different options when looking at training in the hair and beauty sector.
Entry to the sector
If you are entering the sector and looking to start your training, give careful consideration to the training provider and the accredited courses they offer, You will want to ensure you are trained to the highest professional standards, and that your qualification is nationally recognised, so you are easily able to obtain insurance from a reputable company. High standards and professionalism ensures your clients have safe and effective treatments, that you develop an excellent reputation, and that your business is successful.
Ofqual is the Office of Qualifications and Examination Regulation, it is a government department that regulates qualifications, exams and tests. It is often referred to as the exam 'watchdog'. Ofqual recognises Awarding Organisations (AO) and only recognised awarding organisations can offer regulated qualifications. In this way, Ofqual makes sure only those organisations that have the appropriate resources, capability and expertise can award regulated qualifications.
In the hair and beauty sector there are many Awarding Organisations that are regulated by Ofqual such as CIBTAC, City & Guilds, Focus, Pearson, TQUK, VTCT.
To check if an Awarding Organisation is registered, go to.....
For England www.ofqual.gov.uk
For Scotland www.sqa.org.uk
For Wales www.qiw.wales
For Northern Ireland - www.ccea.org.uk
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
The Hair and Beauty sector is a very fast-paced, creative, ever-changing industry where new treatments, services, trends and techniques are continually developing. As a consequence of this continual change, we recommend that you frequently refresh and update your skills and knowledge. Often professionals look to undertake 30 hrs of CPD each year. If you are a Teacher/ Trainer/ Assessor check with your Awarding body so you are aware of what hours they stipulate, this will be checked by the Internal Quality Assessor (IQA) as well as an External Quality Assessor (EQA) to ensure you are up to date.
