Find Professional Associations (A - Z)

What is a Professional Association?

Professional associations, also referred to as professional bodies or membership organisations, represent and support professionals working in a particular field or occupation.

In the case of self-regulated professions in the UK such as counselling or complementary therapy, professional bodies promote and maintain high standards of practice, and provide a range of services such as, membership, professional development, networking opportunities, and practitioner support.

The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) helps to protect the public by improving the regulation and registration of people who work in health and care. As mot everyone working in health and care is regulated by law, it's recommended that practitioners join a register that has been accredited to improve their career prospects.