6 Mar 2025 ● Harmonia Careers
Wellness Professions: What are the regulations?
Accredited registers for wellness professionals are typically overseen by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), meaning that practitioners listed on these registers have met specific standards of competence and ethics, providing the public with assurance when choosing a service.
What is a Wellness Professional?
A wellness professional is a trained individual who guides and supports people in improving their overall health and wellbeing by focusing on various aspects like physical activity, nutrition, stress management, sleep habits, and mental health, often through fitness and/or lifestyle coaching.
The role of a physical wellbeing professional is multifaceted, requiring a blend of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and a genuine passion for helping others achieve their health and fitness aspirations. By fostering a holistic approach to physical wellbeing, these experts contribute significantly to enhancing the quality of life for their clients, empowering them to lead healthier, more active lives.
However, trained professionals consider all aspects of wellbeing, not just physical health, and will offer personalised plans to help people achieve their individual wellness and wellbeing goals.
Are wellness professionals regulated by law?
In the UK, wellness practitioners regulated by law are governed by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The HCPC oversees a wide range of healthcare profession who could be considered 'wellness practitioners' depending on their specific area of practice including art, music and drama therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, podiatrists, and speech therapists.
Most wellness and lifestyle occupations are not regulated by UK law. However, there are many independent professional associations, and organisational bodies, that work tirelessly to maintain standards across the industries.
PSA Accredited Register
British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT)
BASRaT registers practitioners working in the field of sports and exercise based injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), which accredits registers of practitioners not regulated by law to give the public confidence in their services.
Being professionally registered and listed on a PSA accredited register serves as a formal recognition of your qualifications and competence in the field, indicating you meet high standards of practice and are committed to public protection within your profession. This provides assurance to your clients, future employers, and professional associations that you adhere to established standards of practice.
Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport & Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
Incorporated by Royal Charter
CIMSPA is incorporated byRoyal Charter in England and Wales, and is registered as being compliant with Tier Three of the UK Sport & Sport England Code for Sports Governance.
Occupations
- Exercise Referral Practitioner
- Gym Instructor
- Group Exercise Practitioner
- Personal Trainer
- Pilates Instructor
- Qigong Practitioner
- Sports Coach Practitioner
- Tai Chi Practitioner
- Yoga Instructor
"Incorporated by Royal Charter" means that an organisation has been officially established and given independent legal status through a document called a "Royal Charter," which is granted by the British monarch, signifying high recognition and allowing the body to self-regulate within the defined scope of its charter.
British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences (BASES)
Incorporated by Royal Charter
BASES is the leading professional body sport and exercise sciences, and is incorporated by Royal Charter in recognition of the quality and status for promoting excellence in .
Sport and exercise science is the application of scientific principles to sport and exercise. Divisions include:
- Physical Activity for Health
- Biomechanics and Motor Behaviour
- Physiology and Nutrition
- Psychology
- Sport and Performance
- Special Interest Groups
Lifestyle Coaching
There are many lifestyle coaches in the UK, including life coaches, health and wellbeing coaches, and fitness coaches.
These professionals aim to support individuals in achieving their personal goals, enhancing their overall wellbeing, and fostering healthier habits. With their varying approaches and expertise, lifestyle coaches provide tailored guidance to navigate life's challenges and create lasting positive changes.
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Lifestyle Coaching: What are the regulations?
