industry Associations

Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)

The CNHC is the UK voluntary regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners that was set up with government support to protect the public by providing a UK voluntary register of complimentary therapists. CHNC's register has been approved as an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.  This means CNHC has met the Professional Standards Authority's demanding standards.

All CNHC Registered practitioners are entitled to use CNHC's Quality Mark which demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and high standards. The public and those who commission the services of complimentary healthcare practitioners can choose with confidence, by looking for the CNHC quality mark. General Medical Council (GMC) guidance confirms that doctors are able to refer patients to practitioners on Accredited Registers.

CNHC Registration: It has been agreed with CNHC that the SMA may verify applications for CNHC registration and we encourage members to register. Registration includes the right to use the CNHC quality mark (opposite). The eligibility criteria and application form for the CNHC Sports Massage register can be found here.

The General Council for Massage Therapies (GCMT)

The GCMT is the governing body for massage therapies and all bodyworks and soft tissue techniques in the UK. The principal aims and objectives of the GCMT are:

• To promote the adoption of high standards of practice in massage therapies and all bodyworks and soft tissue techniques thereby optimising public access to treatment of a high professional standard 

• To establish and maintain a nationwide professionally determined Standard of Training, Conduct and Competence for the protection of the public
  

• To act as a unifying body by bringing together organisations engaged in representing or teaching massage therapies, all bodyworks and soft tissue techniques
  

• To establish standards for continuing professional development of registered practitioners Establish Core Curricula in all areas of Massage Therapies, bodywork and soft tissue techniques
  

• Establish Advanced Curricula in all areas of Massage Therapies, bodywork and soft tissue techniques, as applicable
  

• Provide support to the profession in the form of Standards and expertise

Professional Associations Research Network (PARN)

The Professional Associations Research Network (PARN) is a not-for-profit membership organisation for professional bodies, founded by Professor Andy Friedman in 1998.

Offering expertise, experience and perspective on key issues in the sector, PARN develops research, provide bespoke services, networking opportunities, events and training for the professional body sector. 

They aim to conduct research that determines and promotes best practice, equip professional bodies to deal with common challenges, raise the profile of issues related to the professional body sector, promote professional bodies’ contributions to society, and support professional bodies with bespoke consultancy in areas such as strategy, governance and CPD.