Summary
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised urgent warnings about botulism linked to unlicensed aesthetic products. Meanwhile, the British Beauty Council has lobbied for new government regulation in the aesthetics sector. This blog explains what these developments mean for practitioners, and why accreditation matters now more than ever.
We’ll cover:
- The latest safety concerns in aesthetics (UKHSA update)
- Government and NHS guidance on choosing a safe practitioner
- What accreditation means in practice
- FAQs about accredited training
Why the Spotlight is on Safety
The UKHSA reported 41 confirmed cases of iatrogenic botulism linked to cosmetic procedures between June and August 2025. Evidence points towards the use of unlicensed Botox-like products. Reported symptoms include difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, and slurred speech.
The NHS reminded the public that botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine. It should only ever be supplied through an appropriate healthcare professional. The government has now announced plans for:
- Licensing clinics that administer Botox and fillers
- Limiting high-risk treatments so that they are only performed by qualified professionals
Why Accreditation is Key
Accreditation helps practitioners demonstrate that they meet recognised standards of training and quality.
Advantage Accreditation vets and approves training providers across the beauty and aesthetics sector. Our CPD accreditation assures learners, clients, and regulators that training has been independently reviewed for:
- Safety
- Professional standards
- Competence
- Compliance
FAQs About Accreditation
What does accreditation mean? Accreditation means an external body has reviewed course content, trainer qualifications, assessments, and any other training materials. It confirms the training meets professional and safety standards.
Is accreditation compulsory? Not always, but it’s increasingly important. With government regulation tightening, accredited training puts you ahead of the curve and shows you take safety seriously.
What’s the risk of using non-accredited training? Unregulated training can leave practitioners unprepared for complications. It puts clients at risk and damages trust in the industry at large.
Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Training
| Accredited Training (e.g. Advantage Accreditation) | Non-Accredited Training | |
| Course Content | Reviewed and benchmarked against professional standards | No external review; quality varies |
| Trainer Credentials | Trainers vetted for qualifications and experience | May not be checked |
| Compliance | Checked against national regulations and guidance | May not meet minimum requirements |
| Public Confidence | Provides reassurance to clients | Clients more likely to question quality |
| Future Regulation | Already aligned with expected standards | Risk of being non-compliant |
The confirmed botulism cases this summer, paired with the updated government and NHS guidance, clearly show that safety and training matter.
Advantage Accreditation supports salons, clinics, and individuals working in beauty and aesthetics to deliver CPD-accredited training. Please contact us to discuss how we can support you.