Safer Together conference, 11th March Llandudno, Wales

The second conference of this nature, held by the Chartered Institute of Environment Health in Wales.

The Public Health Wales Act 2017 Special licensing scheme means to bring forth a series of improvements to modernise and regenerate the current licensing system with the aim of better ensuring public protection. The Welsh government is working closely with specialist Environmental Health Officers to prepare for the roll out of the scheme in 2020
A ‘Special Procedures’ license includes body piercing, electrolysis, tattooing, acupuncture, micro blading and micro pigmentation.

All practitioners undertaking special procedures whether they are currently registered or not will need to apply for a license in 2020 and thereafter to operate in Wales.

To get an individual license you will need to:
Attend and pass an approved course in infection control (1)
Meet environmental criteria
Provide a passport style photo
Complete an application form using provided guidance
Pay an application fee (2)
Provide a passed DBS check (3)
Provide evidence of public liability insurance
Complete an interview with an EHO

(1) The course is a requirement for licensing and not competency to practice
(2) Local Authorities are prohibited in making a profit from this scheme and cost will be based on admin time and time taken to process the application
(3) Formerly CBR check, Disclosure and Barring Service

This is the first time a unifying scheme of this nature has been rolled out on such a large scale. Each county in Wales will now have the same requirements, meaning if a guest artist wishes to work in any studio within Wales, the same license can be carried.
It also means that any guest artist traveling to Wales will need a license.

Throughout this process, the UKAPP have played a large part in picking apart the existing CIEH Toolkit which was in places outdated and contained information that would no longer stand up to peer review. Also in working alongside the Royal Society of Public Health, the organization that will be providing ‘level 2 infection control’ course required for licensing. Including advising on content and required pass score.

This scheme shows no evidence of slowing down and the CIEH and the UKAPP already have their sights on the rest of the UK.
The UKAPP will be meeting with the ‘special procedures’ council in London later this year.

These efforts stand to strengthen the industry’s base level of education. Ensuring public health and safety as well as providing a minimum education level for all license holders. Something which has been previously unheard of.