25th February 2008
Consultation commences today on regulation of homeopaths.
The Society of Homeopaths resolves to divest regulatory framework from its membership organisation to create the UK’s first independent single register and regulatory body for homeopaths
The Society of Homeopaths, Britain’s largest professional association of homeopaths, today announced that it has begun a wide-ranging consultation as it prepares to launch the UK’s first independent single register and regulatory body for homeopaths. Following a recent meeting with the Department of Health, the Board of the 30 year old Society resolved to divest its self-regulation and governance arm from its membership and continuing professional development functions in order to create a first-class regulatory body, which will govern the professional practice of an expanding number of homeopathy practitioners.
The first UK organisation to regulate professional homeopaths, The Society has taken a leadership role in self regulation for 30 years. It was the first to form a register of members, with professional standards, a Code of Ethics & Practice with Fitness to Practise procedures and separate processes for Investigation & Adjudication, educational standards, professional staff and access to insurance for registered members. Following the reorganisation, the membership arm of The Society will continue to lead the on-going development and representation of both the profession and its practitioners.
Commenting on the Board’s resolution and the consultation process, Chair designate, Jayne Thomas said: “Today marks an important watershed in our profession. The consultation is to be widespread. We are seeking the views of patients, other homeopaths, the many colleges and universities that train the professionals, other organisations in the homeopathy field and of course politicians from all parties. Our purpose is to ensure that in moving towards one independent registering and regulatory body, we address all the issues and opportunities that our peers and our colleagues can identify”.
She continued: “The resolution approved by the Board became viable after our consultation with the Department of Health and we are convinced that this big step forward will benefit patients, their families and the profession as a whole”.
Society of Homeopaths CEO Paula Ross agreed and commented: “Our track record speaks for itself. There is no other organisation that can demonstrate the continuous commitment to professionalism that we have shown over the last 30 years. One single, independent register and regulatory body is the next natural step and we are uniquely placed to take our role as leaders in achieving this for the benefit of professional good practice across the UK”.
Notes to Editors
The Society of Homeopaths
• Established in 1978, The Society of Homeopaths is the largest body of professional homeopaths. With over 2,400 members, it represents 60% of registered homeopaths in the UK.
• Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths are fully insured and practise in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics & Practice. A copy of The Society’s Code of Ethics & Practice plus the register is available on www.homeopathy-soh.org
• In 2000, The House of Lords Select Committee on Science & Technology defined Homeopathy as a Group One therapy, commenting that “Under The Society of Homeopaths, the non-medical homeopaths have organised themselves well and their professional organisation should mean the transition to statutory regulation does not present too great an upheaval.” (House of Lords Select Committee on Science & Technology, Session 1999-2000, p52).
• A 2006 survey of Society members showed that 65% of respondents would support statutory regulation for homeopaths.
• Two-thirds of homeopathy courses in UK are signed up to and formally recognised by The Society.
Homeopathy
• The homeopathy market for 2007 was estimated to be worth £38m and projected to reach £46m in 2012. “Homeopathy is showing steady growth and this is likely to continue”. (Mintel, Complementary Medicines, April 2007).
• Homeopathic remedies are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA).
• Homeopathy has been available on the NHS since its inception in 1948 and there are 5 NHS homeopathic hospitals in Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Tunbridge Wells.
