Standards
For more than 30 years, we have been the government-recognised Standard Setting Organisation (SSO) for the hair and beauty sector.
We develop standards and are the custodian of the UK’s National Occupational Standards (NOS).
We’re at the forefront of all the education developments across the industry, championing high standards and excellence in the industry.
What are National Occupational Standards (NOS)?
National Occupational Standards specify the standards of performance that people are expected to achieve in their work and the knowledge and skills they need to perform effectively.
NOS are developed by Standard Setting Organisations such as HABIA, in consultation with employers and stakeholders across all four UK nations - Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. This ensures the standards are suitable for use across the UK.
When developing NOS, we create an Expert Working Group (EWG) made up of sector specialists. NOS are approved on a four-nation basis and developed as individual measures of competence, grouped into suites.
NOS are used to support:
Vocational and other qualifications
Training programmes
Workplace competence
Appraisals
Job descriptions
Inform content for CPD courses
Inform industry best practice protocols
Regulated qualifications
At HABIA, we promote government-regulated qualifications and always advise individuals to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
In England, qualifications are regulated by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), an independent government department that sets strict frameworks, approves Awarding Organisations and audits assessments to ensure they are credible and consistent.
Approved Awarding Organisations in our sector include:
VTCT
City & Guilds
Qualifi
OTHM
Qualifications Scotland
CIBTAC
To check whether an Awarding Organisation is recognised, visit www.ofqual.gov.uk
We strongly encourage individuals to research widely and choose very wisely when selecting a training provider.
Achieving a regulated qualification is essential. Cheap, fast training often does not provide sufficient time to develop the knowledge and practical skills required, which can impact both career progression and public safety.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a key part of being a professional.
Achieving a regulated qualification is not the end of your education journey - it is the start. CPD allows you to continue developing your skills, knowledge and expertise throughout your career.
It is important to understand that CPD is designed for those who are already qualified and working in the sector. These courses are not intended for those entering the industry without a regulated qualification.
There is often confusion where short courses are offered to individuals without prior qualifications. These courses are not designed to provide the foundation knowledge and skills needed to become a professional and can lead to gaps in understanding and unsafe practice.
Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with regulated qualifications, particularly where there is uncertainty around "accredited" courses.
To keep it simple:
Training organisations - offer regulated qualifications
Learners - study a regulated qualification
Employers – recruit those with regulated qualifications
Our sector is creative and entrepreneurial, which is a real strength. However, it is vital that we maintain a well-respected qualification structure to ensure high standards and protect client safety.
Although the sector itself is not regulated, regulated qualifications do exist and it is important that these are recognised and valued across the industry.
Testimonials
“I was delighted to be asked to join the Expert Working Group (EWG) to offer my perspectives as an experienced working therapist in Holistics and skin therapy. It was quite an eye opener. I gained some self development, listened to perspectives very different from my own and started to understand the depth and complexity of the work that goes on behind the scenes to develop our industry qualifications’’
Kathy Scott
Ginger Tree Holistic Skin Clinic
"Being part of the Expert Working Group (EWG) supporting the development of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Beauty Therapy qualifications is incredibly important. It enables experienced professionals to contribute directly to the standards that shape education, regulation and professional practice across the UK. Bringing together educators and practitioners helps ensure that qualifications remain relevant, safe and aligned with the highest professional standards.”
Louise Caithness
Founder and Managing Director, The Edinburgh School of Beauty
"Being part of the Expert Working Group (EWG) for developing the National Occupational Standards (NOS) in Beauty Therapy is incredibly important to me as Curriculum Quality Manager. It gives me the chance to share real curriculum and industry insight, ensuring the standards genuinely reflect current practice. Having Scottish representation in this process is vital so that our SVQs stay relevant, credible, and aligned with what learners and employers need."
Peggy Morgan
Curriculum Quality Manager, Ayrshire College
HABIA Endorsement
CPD is a very important part of being a professional, helping individuals stay up to date and continue developing their skills.
At HABIA, we endorse high-quality CPD courses. These courses are designed for professionals - those who are already qualified and working in the sector - and are not intended for those entering the industry. We have a robust assessment process to ensure courses are of a high quality and aligned with the most recent National Occupational Standards.
The HABIA endorsed logo is a well-recognised mark of quality, showing that the course content has been reviewed and that the training can be trusted. We promote HABIA endorsed courses through our website, newsletters, Education Forums and social media, helping individuals find high-quality training and avoid sub-standard courses.