Wolverhampton Council has introduced an initiative to improve standards in non-surgical cosmetic treatments
Businesses offering aesthetic procedures such as botulinum toxin, dermal fillers and chemical peels are being urged to sign up for a new voluntary safety standard scheme launched by City of Wolverhampton Council.
The scheme, believed to be the first council-run initiative of its kind in the UK, is designed to raise standards within the beauty and aesthetics industry and provide greater reassurance for clients seeking non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
Improving safety and public confidence in aesthetics
Under the new scheme, environmental health officers will carry out inspections at participating businesses to assess key safety and hygiene standards.
Businesses that meet the required criteria will receive an official certificate of compliance and be added to a public online register so that clients can identify verified, safe providers.
The inspections will cover a wide range of areas, including:
- Infection prevention and control
- Waste management and product safety
- Pre-consultation processes and access to prescription medicines
- Aftercare procedures and complication management
- Practitioner training and competency
- Safeguarding and protection of minors
According to the council, the goal is to help responsible beauty professionals demonstrate best practice and distinguish themselves from unregulated or unsafe providers.
Rising demand, rising risk
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said, “The popularity of cosmetic treatments has grown substantially in recent years and it has become increasingly easy to access them on the high street.
“But just because they are available, this does not necessarily mean that they are safe. Some of these treatments carry risks such as anaphylactic reactions, infection, injury to nerves and blood vessels, burns, pain and, in some cases, even death.
“Too often they are being carried out by salons and practitioners who do not have the right levels of qualification or experience. While we await the introduction of the Government’s mandatory licensing regime, we hope that as many city businesses as possible will sign up to our voluntary compliance scheme.
“The safety of residents is of paramount importance to us, as shown by the pioneering work of our environmental health team. And I would encourage as many salons, clinics and other practitioners to join with us and offer a reassuring experience for anyone considering these treatments.”
Preparing for future government licensing
In August 2024, the UK Government announced plans to introduce a mandatory national licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England.
The new regulations will aim to tackle unsafe practices and unqualified providers by requiring clinics offering botulinum toxin, dermal fillers and other high-risk treatments to obtain licences and meet strict hygiene and safety standards.
Only qualified health professionals will be permitted to carry out particularly high-risk procedures such as non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs).
However, with the government scheme not expected to come into effect for several years, Wolverhampton Council’s initiative provides an immediate framework for raising standards at a local level.
Leading the way in salon safety
Wolverhampton has previously taken a proactive approach to regulating the aesthetics sector. In 2023, the council became the first local authority in England to issue a prohibition notice against a business offering non-surgical BBLs.
Earlier this year, it also supported an investigation by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) into a clinic providing “vampire facials”.
By launching this voluntary safety scheme, the council hopes to set a national precedent for transparency and accountability within the beauty and aesthetics industry.
Businesses who would like to find out more about the scheme can visit Cosmetic Compliance Scheme or email environmentalhealth@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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