industry bodies

Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council

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 for the CNHC Sports Massage register can be found in the SMA members area here

The General Council for Massage Therapies

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