Monika Jephcott, the Chief Executive of Play Therapy UK

“The quality mark will give extra peace of mind for anyone looking for a Play Therapist letting them know that anyone who holds the mark is committed to high standards. Play Therapy UK is pleased to offer the quality mark to our members who meet the far reaching standards of our register, as approved by the Professional Standards Authority. It recognises the hard work of our members over the past 10 years in raising the standards of clinical governance, training and clinical supervision.  Our Register is the only one at the moment that specifically covers therapeutic work with children up to the age of 12.”

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There are a wide range of health occupations and social care occupations in England where practitioners are not required by law to be on a statutory professional register, including Play Therapy and its derivatives. Many of these occupational groups have formed organisations – such as Play Therapy UK – whose role is to develop and maintain standards of professionalism in their area of practice. Frequently, these organisations hold registers of practitioners who meet certain standards of conduct and competence. Many of these organisations act as representative bodies, promoting the interests of their occupational group.

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The Professional Standards Authority’s Accredited Voluntary Registers scheme exists to provide assurance that accredited registers are well run and achieve its high standards in the following areas: governance, setting standards for registrants, education and training, managing the register, complaints and information. Accredited registers require their registrants to meet standards of personal behaviour, technical competence and, where applicable, business practice.

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Since December 2012, the Authority has been inviting organisations holding registers of health and care occupations to apply for accreditation. Play Therapy UK participated actively in the consultative process leading up to the definition of the standards and was one of five professional organisations chosen to test the accreditation processes.  The Play Therapy UK Register was formally approved on the 11th April 2013.

Harry Cayton, Chief Executive of the Professional Standards Authority

“We are very pleased to accredit Play Therapy UK’s register of Play Therapists and related practitioners.  Bringing these professionals into a broad framework of assurance is good for children, their parents, carers and teachers and is the best way to promote quality. The scheme offers enhanced consumer protection to anyone looking for health and social care services, and gives Play Therapy UK’s Registrants the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment.”

Accredited organisations are able to display the Authority’s registered AVR symbol and are listed on the Authority’s website. Organisations or registers not listed on the Authority’s website have not been accredited by the Authority.