The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has released its 2024/25 Annual Report, detailing developments in non-surgical aesthetic regulation, public protection and the organisation's advocacy for a statutory licensing scheme in England and Scotland.
The report, which covers April 2024 to March 2025, outlines the JCCP’s influence as a Professional Standards Authority (PSA)-accredited self-regulator and reaffirms its core mission to safeguard patient safety in the aesthetic medicine sector.
Aesthetic licensing: JCCP renews call for urgent Government action
A major focus of the annual report is the JCCP’s ongoing campaign for national aesthetic licensing, building on the Government’s 2023 consultation.
The Council has urged the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to expedite its response, warning that delays are contributing to a “governance vacuum” exploited by unqualified and unethical practitioners.
The JCCP advocates for a licensing scheme that mandates:
- Minimum training and education standards
- Fit and proper person assessments
- Prescribing supervision rules
- Safe, hygienic premise
- Public-facing registers and complaints systems
In particular, the JCCP supports the urgent classification of Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) and liposuction under “red” procedures, meaning they should only be carried out by GMC-registered doctors due to their invasive nature and associated risk profile.
Practitioner registration surpasses 1,130 as JCCP promotes safer aesthetics
By the end of 2024, the JCCP Practitioner Register grew to over 1,130 members, driven in part by its ongoing insurance partnership with Hamilton Fraser.
The organisation continues to restrict Level 7 registration for injectable procedures and hair restoration to regulated healthcare professionals only.
The report confirms the JCCP will offer free membership for a further two years to professionals insured through Hamilton Fraser who meet registration criteria.
The Council believes this pathway supports alignment with upcoming licensing requirements in England (2026/2027).
Raising standards in aesthetic education and training
The JCCP has stepped up efforts to ensure education and training providers meet the JCCP/CPSA Competency Framework. Notable achievements include:
- Approval and reapproval of Level 7 qualifications through providers such as Acquisition Aesthetics, Interface Aesthetics, VTCT and OTHM
- Development of Fast Track Assessment Centres for experienced practitioners
- Launch of a simplified online application portal for training provider approval
- Collaboration with the CPD Standards Office on continuous professional development frameworks
In June 2024, the JCCP published its recommendations on future standards and qualifications, which will inform the development of Government-endorsed training standards.
Data-led improvements, public outreach and political campaigning
The JCCP has invested heavily in its technological infrastructure, including:
- New online complaints portal
- Redesigned public-facing website
- Data integrity audits and improvements to the practitioner register
Its Marketing and Communications Committee launched targeted campaigns to promote patient awareness, particularly around invasive procedures and rogue training providers.
Regular webinars, media appearances and political briefings have kept aesthetic professionals and the public informed.
Additionally, the JCCP has co-produced safety campaigns with corporate partners like Galderma and Church Pharmacy, furthering its goal to create safe and ethical supply chains for dermal fillers and prescription products.
Continued collaboration to support future regulation
The JCCP remains an advisor to the UK and Scottish Governments, working closely with:
- The MHRA on adverse incident reporting
- The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) on ethical marketing
- The Care Quality Commission (CQC) on expanding inspection powers for high-risk procedures
The Council has also signed updated memoranda of understanding with key organisations including sk:n, Optical Express and BAMAN, building unified support for enhanced public protection in aesthetic medicine.
