A practical guide for clinicians preparing for the upcoming national licensing scheme
The UK Government has confirmed that a new licensing framework will be introduced for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England. This represents one of the most significant regulatory shifts the aesthetics sector has ever seen. Within the first 100 words, it is important to recognise that aesthetic licensing UK will soon become a legal requirement, meaning clinics and practitioners must start preparing now to ensure they remain compliant once legislation is in place.
The aim of this new system is to improve patient safety, reduce the risks associated with unregulated practice, and create clearer expectations around training, premises requirements, and professional standards. For responsible medical practitioners, this shift is an opportunity to strengthen governance, elevate clinical standards, and distinguish themselves within the industry.
This guide outlines what aesthetic licensing is expected to include, what steps clinicians should take now, and how training and accreditation can support full compliance.
Why is aesthetic licensing being introduced?
For more than a decade, the UK’s cosmetic sector has grown faster than its regulatory framework. Treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, and non-surgical skin rejuvenation have become widely accessible, yet standards of training and oversight vary significantly between providers. The Government has recognised that patient safety must be prioritised, prompting the introduction of a national licensing system.
The new licensing model is being shaped closely with input from the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP). The JCCP’s existing competency frameworks are expected to influence the final legal requirements, including standards for training, supervision, and safe practice. Clinicians can review these documents at the JCCP website for early guidance: jccp.org.uk.
Key takeaway: While the legislation is not yet active, its direction is clear. Healthcare professionals should behave as though the licensing scheme is already in force.
What will the new aesthetic licence include?
The Government is expected to introduce a mandatory licence for both practitioners and premises carrying out specific non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Although full details are pending, several core elements have already been announced publicly.
Practitioner licensing is expected to include:
- Proof of regulated healthcare qualification
- Completion of recognised aesthetic training aligned with JCCP standards
- Competency-based assessment for injectable treatments
- Evidence of ongoing CPD and complication management training
- Enhanced public liability and indemnity insurance
Premises licensing is expected to require clinics to demonstrate:
- Safe treatment environments with appropriate facilities
- Robust infection control processes
- Emergency protocols and resuscitation equipment
- Secure storage for medicines and sharps
- Clear patient records, consent processes, and aftercare procedures
These components may evolve as the licensing bill moves through Parliament, but the overall intention remains consistent: to ensure aesthetic procedures are carried out in safe, medically appropriate settings by trained professionals.
Do I need a licence to do aesthetics in the UK?
The precise legal start date has not yet been announced, but once the new legislation is enacted, you will need a licence to perform specified aesthetic treatments in England. Practitioners without a licence will not be legally permitted to carry out procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers.
Because licensing will become mandatory, clinicians should evaluate their credentials, training, and governance now. Any gaps will need to be addressed before the licensing system becomes active.
Do I need CQC registration?
Not all aesthetic practitioners currently require CQC registration; however, licensing may bring new requirements. The safest approach is to understand the distinction:
CQC registration is required when medical procedures involve diagnoses, prescribing frameworks, or treatment of disease, disorder, or injury.
Aesthetic-only clinics do not usually need CQC registration under existing rules, but this may change depending on the final licensing framework.
Given the tightening of regulation, clinics should ensure that they operate with robust medical oversight and governance even if CQC registration is not currently mandatory.
Can I do aesthetics at home?
Once regulation is implemented, it is highly unlikely that home-based aesthetic practice will meet the required clinical and environmental standards. Safe injectable practice requires appropriate facilities for infection control, medical waste disposal, sharps management, and emergency response. These are not achievable in a typical home environment.
Expect the new licensing scheme to restrict injectable treatments to licensed premises only.
For practitioners currently operating from home, now is the time to begin planning for relocation into an appropriate clinical setting.
What steps should clinics take now to prepare?
Although licensing is not yet active, practitioners can take clear steps to prepare. Early action will reduce stress, avoid last-minute compliance issues, and demonstrate commitment to patient safety.
1. Align your training with JCCP competency frameworks
The JCCP provides detailed competency standards for aesthetic injectables. Choosing training that already follows these frameworks will place practitioners in the strongest position for future licensing.
Medical professionals can explore recognised pathways such as:
Level 7 Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine
Combined Botox & Dermal Filler Training Course
Starter Practitioner Package
Advanced Practitioner Programme
2. Review your premises and clinical environment
Clinics should assess whether their current facilities meet the expected standards for infection control, equipment, treatment space, ventilation, medication storage, and emergency preparation. If not, improvements should be planned now.
3. Strengthen documentation and consent
Licensing is likely to require demonstrable evidence of documentation, including:
• Detailed medical histories
• Clear treatment plans
• Product traceability
• Evidence of informed consent
• Structured aftercare instructions
Updating these systems early ensures full readiness once audits and inspections begin.
4. Implement complication protocols
Every aesthetic clinic should have a written complication management plan, including escalation procedures, emergency kits, and referral pathways. Practitioners must be trained to recognise and respond to vascular occlusion, anaphylaxis, and other rare complications.
Why preparation matters now
Aesthetic licensing will bring consistency, professionalism, and greater public trust to the sector. Clinics that prepare early will be well positioned to transition smoothly, while those who delay may face operational disruption, financial penalties, or the need to suspend treatment activity until compliant.
The most successful clinics will use this period proactively to upgrade training, documentation, governance, and clinical environments.
Conclusion
The introduction of aesthetic licensing in the UK marks a pivotal moment for the cosmetic industry. While the final legislation is still being confirmed, the direction is clear: higher standards, mandatory qualifications, and licensed treatment premises. Clinics and practitioners who act now will be positioned ahead of regulatory change, safeguarding their practice and strengthening patient trust.
To ensure you are fully prepared, review your training, align with JCCP competencies, and update governance and clinical systems well before the licensing framework becomes law.
To support your preparation, explore Derma Institute’s full range of medically led training pathways and view all available courses here.
