A REQUEST FOR SUPPORT – THE INDEPENDENT AESTHETIC PRACTITIONERS REGISTER (IAP)

We are the Independent Aesthetic Practitioners Register (IAP), a group of passionate aesthetic practitioners who care deeply about our work, our clients, and the standards of non-surgical cosmetic aesthetics in the United Kingdom.

At present, our livelihoods are under threat, and so is public choice. If policy changes are implemented in a way that excludes independent practitioners, many clients may lose access to their trusted providers and may face higher prices for treatments such as laser, botulinum toxin and dermal filler.

We are concerned that current proposals and lobbying in parts of the sector may lead to a “medics-only” doctor, dentist and nurse model for procedures that independent practitioners have safely provided for years. That outcome would damage livelihoods, reduce access, and concentrate the aesthetics market.

We are concerned that some influential stakeholder voices have commercial links within the pharmaceutical and prescribing supply chain; regulation must be evidence-based, proportionate and fair, and must reflect the public interest rather than a narrow set of commercial priorities.

The IAP started as a small support network. It has grown quickly because more practitioners are asking for practical help: responding to council correspondence, understanding local requirements, correcting inaccurate information, submitting FOI requests, and keeping guidance clear and evidence-based. This is detailed work and it takes time.

We are also building an evidence database connected to proposed regulatory changes, including developments in Scotland. Many practitioners are worried about losing their careers, livelihoods and long-standing client relationships if restrictions are introduced that reduce who can provide treatments, or make compliance unrealistic for small, independent businesses.

WHY WE ARE ASKING FOR SUPPORT

All operating costs have been paid personally so far. We are currently around £5,000 out of pocket, and the ongoing running costs are at least £600 per month.

WHAT DONATIONS WILL BE USED FOR

Donations will cover the essential running costs that allow the IAP to keep supporting practitioners, including:

Website hosting, maintenance, technical fixes, and directory infrastructure

Domain registrations and renewals

Email systems and campaign mailing capacity

Secure document storage and shared working tools (including Google Workspace)

Administrative support (largest ongoing cost, approximately £520 per month)

Membership administration and website management

Phone and other core operating expenses linked to running the register and support work

We do not take payment for our time. This work is carried out because we believe thousands of independent practitioners deserve fair treatment, accurate information, and practical help when they are under pressure.

TRANSPARENCY

We will post regular updates showing what work has been completed, what is currently being handled, and a clear summary of ongoing costs.

If you can contribute, even a small amount helps keep this work going. If you cannot, there is no expectation and no judgement. Sharing this page, or directing practitioners to IAP support, is equally appreciated.

If you are an independent practitioner, we also welcome practical or administrative support.

Thank you for your support.