Professional ethics and code is the one foundation condition that every therapist needs to work to, and every client has a right to expect. Professional ethics underpins every activity and relationship we have within the workplace. To foster a healthy relationship between client and therapist, professional attitude and manners is a pre-requisite to build a trusting environment.
For a client to return to you, they must feel they have been treated professionally, with respect, and have experienced an excellent standard of service.
Your competence and skills levels will dictate the level of excellence that you can achieve. Clients like to trust professional staff with a reputation for high standards and quality service.
Professional standards will take time to learn. On completion of this course, you will have learned the skills and techniques to provide an exemplary service, however, to build on those skills and create an experience that is exclusive to you, you will need to spend time to develop your skills, and ensure your CPD for future best practice is kept up to date.
Ensure you have the correct insurance to carry out the treatments you are providing. Insurance can be obtained from the Guild of Beauty Therapists, which will be explained to you at the end of this course.
Your clients will look to you, to be knowledgeable and informed, and not to put their health at risk. If in doubt, do not treat.
The following code is recognised within the beauty and holistic industry.
- Professional behaviour – work within the law.
- Do not try to treat or advise on a medical condition. Refer any concerns to a GP.
- Refer clients to an appropriate medical professional where appropriate, ie doctor, chiropodist, physiotherapist.
- Respect all professionals, including other therapists and medical staff.
- Always respect client confidentiality.
- Therapists must manage health and safety in their work environment and follow all relevant health and safety legislation.
- Therapists must protect their client’s modesty and sense of dignity.
- Clients must be treated fairly and without discrimination, at all times.
- Therapists must take responsibility for their own actions
- Maintain and develop core personal development, skills and competencies.