Formation and development of the Aromatherapy Organisations Council Sylvia Baker

Aromatherapy is increasingly used alongside orthodox medicine in hospitals and via GP referral. However, doctors and other health professionals are concerned about training standards, codes of conduct, and standards of practice. These concerns were the focus of a Working Party established in 1990 to promote a single body for the practice of aromatherapy.

Today the range of training courses available may seem confusing and this is compounded by aromatherapy massage courses run by many further education colleges under the health and beauty umbrella, which claim to offer recognized qualifications in aromatherapy.

So what is a 'qualified aromatherapist'? What are the recognized training standards for the profession? Which professional associations are recognized? Is there a self-regulating and governing body for aromatherapy and what is its remit? What is happening on the European front?

This paper describes the role and remit of the Aromatherapy Organisations Council (AOC) who are committed towards identifying unified training standards and maintaining a register of training establishments.

Sylvia Baker SPDipA, MISPA, MGCP, MIFA, AOC Secretary, Aromatherapy Organisations Council, 3 Latymer Close, Braybrooke, Market Harborough, Leicester LEI6 8LN, UK. Tel/Fax: 01858 434242

(Requests for offprints to sB)

W H A T IS THE A R O M A T H E R A P Y O R G A N I S A T I O N S COUNCIL?

The Aromatherapy Organisations Council (AOC) is the UK governing body for the complementary ther- apy of aromatherapy. It is composed of both aro- matherapy associations and training establishments but does not have individual membership. The AOC has its own Constitution and is democratically gov- erned. It represents the interests of both aromathera- pists and the public. The AOC's membership cur- rently comprises 12 professional associations, 24 training establishments, and a further 67 affiliated training establishments represented through the associations. All AOC training establishments have equal status. They must be accredited by one of the AOC professional associations, which are responsi- ble for ensuring that the AOC's training standards and other criteria are met. The AOC indirectly repre- sents the interests of some 5000 aromatherapists through its professional associations. It has an elected Executive Committee to make recommenda- tions, although these cannot be implemented until full Council approval is given.

H O W D I D THE A O C EVOLVE?

The AOC evolved from a meeting of interested parties which took place on 1 June 1990 and was facilitated by the then National Consultative Council for Alternative & Complementary Medicine (NCC) (now the British Complementary Medicine Associ- ation (BMCA)). The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the existence of, or the need for, a governing body for the Complementary Therapy of Aroma- therapy within the framework of suggested Govern- ment guidelines. These guidelines had been taken from quotations from a Parliamentary debate in 1987 in the House of Lords and had been confirmed in a letter to the NCC (now the BCMA).

The NCC itself had evolved from the 1988 British Congress of Complementary and Alternative Practitioners (BRICCAP), a forum for practitioners of natural therapies. The Government had indicated that they expected complementary therapies to pre- sent a unified front if they wished to be taken seri- ously. It was therefore recognized that the stage had been reached where complementary therapies could no linger survive as they had in the past: valuable,

Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery (1997) 3, 77~0 �9 t 997 Pearson Professional Ltd

78 Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery

The BCMA today represents some 78 therapy organizations comprising more than 26 000 practitioners.

but divided and largely unorganized. In January 1990, the NCC was officially established to provide a consultative body fox" complementary therapies. It sought, from the beginning, every opportunity to consult with, and to co-operate with, all the other bodies (including the Government and Parliament) on matters of common interest, and it offered a con- sultative service to therapies to join together in single therapy groups to act collectively. In June 1992, the NCC changed its name to better reflect the nature of its work and the British Complementary Medicine Association was officially launched at the House of Commons.

The BCMA today represents some 78 therapy organizations comprising more than 26000 practi- tioners. It is the only organization with a Code of Conduct common to all member organizations, including all members of the AOC. The Code takes into account both Civil and Criminal Law and was written alongside The General Medical Council's Rule Book. It is supported by disciplinary pro- cedures as a safeguard for the public.

W H Y WAS THE AOC FORMED?

The AOC was formally established in 1991. Its aims are"

�9 to unify the profession through bringing together its various organizations

�9 to establish common standards of training, and to ensure that all organizations registered with the Council provide appropriate standards of professional practice and conduct for their members

�9 to act as a public watch-dog �9 to provide, for all organizations within the

complementary therapy of aromatherapy, a collective voice through which to initiate and sustain political dialogue with Government, civil, and medical bodies, in order to enhance the best interests of professional aromatherapy

�9 to offer a mediation and arbitration service in any disputes involving aromatherapy organizations

�9 to initiate, support, or sponsor research into aromatherapy.

H O W HAS THE AOC DEVELOPED?

There has been rapid progression since 1991. The AOC has succeeded in unifying the profession, and has formulated Objectives, Constitution and Rules. It has developed a core curriculum through consulta- tion with the profession, and implemented training standards in January 1994. The core curriculum has, over the last 2 years, been developed into a Competence-Based Framework and common accre- ditation procedures have also been put in place.

The core curriculum defines a training standard for aromatherapy of 180 class hours. This comprises 80 hours of aromatherapy, 60hours of massage, and 40 hours of anatomy and physiology. In addition to this, 10-15 case studies are examined over 50 treat- ment hours, over a period of no less than 9 months.

W H A T IS THE COMPETENCE F RAM EWO RK FO R ARO MATH E RAPY?

The core curriculum has been expanded into a Competence-Based Framework, along NVQ lines, to help schools and colleges develop training pro- grammes and to standardize their assessment proce- dures. It is not a set of National Standards but an interim set of competences, which will help organi- zations pave the way for eventual NVQs in the com- plementary therapy of aromatherapy. A dual-track option for the development and implementation of training standards in aromatherapy has been at the heart of educational policy from a very early stage in the AOC's development. It was agreed that whilst standards would be developed within a competence framework alongside NVQ competencies, they would not be limited by that and would be set as appropriate to the needs of the profession. This would not preclude the AOC from following other routes, such as statutory registration of title, royal charter, or the educational route (GCSE/degree) in parallel with the competence or NVQ route. The dual track option safeguards the traditional educa- tion route currently favoured by many schools and at the same time, offers the opportunity of developing the competence-based standards which have the support of Government, including cash funding.

A DEGREE COURSE IN AROMATHERAPY

Highly constructive discussions have taken place between the AOC and Middlesex University and agreement has been reached in principle for the devel- opment of a joint programme leading to a BSc degree in Aromatherapy.

The staged proposal will initially provide for the accreditation of the AOC' s Competence Framework for Clinical Aromatherapy. This will be followed by the development of an intermediate award at Middlesex University (Certificate or Diploma level), and a University Advanced Diploma for AOC advisers/assessors. The final joint programme will be at degree level.

The proposal will be facilitated by the National Centre for Work Based Learning Partnerships at Middlesex University. The Centre is able to deliver customized programmes and develop specialist path- ways which capitalize on the learning that people already have. It is therefore an excellent vehicle for the development of AOC training programmes.

Formation and development of the AOC 79

The A OC is working to raise public awareness about all aspects of aromatherapy and its practice.

There are benefits for everyone. The students/ practitioners could eventually progress on to masters level if they so wish, or simply stay at prac- titioner level; the tutors could capitalize on their work and go on to the Middlesex University Advanced Diploma; the schools' courses are the springboard for everything and can offer an identi- fied progression route for all students; and, finally, the associations will have the backing of an academic institution.

THE AOC'S ACTIVITIES

Public awareness

The AOC is working to raise public awareness about all aspects of aromatherapy and its practice. It is in the process of setting up a single Directory of British Aromatherapists, which will be a compilation of the individual directories currently held by the profes- sional associations.

Research

The AOC's Research Committee is committed to developing communication amongst aromathera- pists. It will facilitate the setting up of groups in order to establish a network for exchange of infor- mation and to assist in research. A list of research references is available and a list of databases is cur- rently being compiled which could be accessed by aromatherapists seeking information on a broad range of topics.

Conferences

The AOC holds annual conferences on subjects of interest to the profession as a whole. These have included 'Essential Oils & Public Safety' (1992), 'Aromatherapy Education - The Way Forward' (1993), 'Aromatherapy in Modern Health Care' (1994), and 'Essential Connections - Information, Communication & Research in Aromatherapy' (1995) and 'Breathing Space' 1996. This year's Conference 'Legislation & Regulation within Aromatherapy' will be held at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in London on 20 September 1997.

The AOC actively participated in the work of the UK Forum for Alternative & Complementary Medi- cine to address the Lannoye Report. This Report, commissioned by the European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health & Consumer Protection, charged Paul Lannoye, a Belgian MP, to report on the state of complementary medicine in Europe, with a view to standardization and harmonization. The primary objective of this Report is to 'guarantee' patients' freedom of access to the treatment of their choice, whilst ensuring their safety and, at the same time, allowing practitioners freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services. The UK Forum, brought together by The Natural Medicines Society, presented a Position Paper to Lannoye to ensure that nothing in the Report will curtail the unique freedom which exists in the UK. Lannoye has now presented his report to the Environment Committee and has incorporated almost all of the recommendations of the UK

Forum. The AOC regularly liaises with The Parliamen-

tary Group for Alternative & Complementary Medicine, an All-Party Group based in the Palace of Westminster. It was set up in 1989 as a response to the inadequate briefings MPs and Peers received on the practice and use of natural therapies.

THE AROMATHERAPY TRADE C O U N C I L

The Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC) was formed by responsible essential oil suppliers, ini- tially under the umbrella of the AOC, as a result of a seminar held in 1992 on 'Essential Oils and Public Safety' to address common issues of public safety. It is now an independent body, currently comprising some 31 members. The ATC has been appointed Advertising Code Administrators for the aromatherapy trade by The Medicines Control Agency (Department of Health), and advises to Trading Standards. The AOC is committed to maintaining dialogue between the aromatherapy profession and the essential oil trade and the ATC Chairman has a seat on the AOC's Executive

Committee.

Political dialogue

The AOC keeps abreast with political developments in both the UK and Europe, partly through its close links with the BCM. The success of the Campaign to Save Herbal Medicines in November 1994 was due in no small part to the AOC's organization and structure. This enabled professional associations to immediately notify individual practitioners of the impending legislation and the need to respond with speed.

THE USE OF AROMATHERAPY BY NURSES

Many nurses have trained as aromatherapists and many are also members of AOC professional associ- ations. The use of aromatherapy within the profes- sional nursing role has become very popular, but there are areas of concern regarding the safe use of aromatherapy within nursing practice by those who have not received adequate training. The UKCC has stated that it does not and cannot ' recognize' , in the

80 Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery

Aromatherapy within the Health Service must be a

safe, professional practice...

strict sense of the word, courses other than those

that are either pre-registration courses leading to

registration as a nurse, midwife, and health visitor

or post-registration courses for the same profes-

sional practitioners which can be regarded as sup-

plements to their entries in the register. Therefore,

neither the Counci l nor the National Boards that

work in association with it in the matter of profes-

sional education and training, will maintain a list of

' recognized courses ' that are not able to be directly

seen as concerned with nursing, midwifery, and

health visiting. That is not to say that the Counci l is

not interested in the appropriate development and

application of a wide range of supplementary thera-

pies. The Counci l ' s position in 'The Scope of

Professional Practice ' is that attention must focus

entirely on meeting the needs and serving the inter-

ests of patients. It is for this reason that both the

theme and the title of the document urge the

' scope ' of practice rather than its l imitations or

boundaries. '

Aromatherapy within the Heal th Service must

be a safe, professional pract ice and this can only

be achieved with dedicated, ful ly-qual i f ied practi-

tioners. Nurses are, after all, deal ing with patients

who put their trust in the fact that the person

working on them knows what they are doing.

Therefore, it is impera t ive that this is ref lected in

aromatherapy training, in the attitudes to the

profess ional use of aromatherapy, and in safe

practice.

THE AOC PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Each has its own individual membership criteria and all require training to at least the AOC's stan- dards as set by the profession. All have a Code of Ethics and Practice and require, and offer, insur- ance cover for Malpractice, Public, and Products liability.

USEFUL ADDRESSES

For the AOC's General Information Booklet: A5 sac to The Secretary, 3 Latymer Close, Braybrooke, Market Harborough, Leics LE16 8LN, UK.

For the AOC's Core Curriculum a cheque for s payable to the AOC, address as above.

AOC' s Professional Associations: Aromatherapy & Allied Practitioners' Association, 8 George Street, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1PA, UK. Tel: 0181 680 7761. Association of Holistic Therapists, 8 Llys, Soar Court, Scott Street, Tynewyld, Rhondda CF42 5NA, UK. Tel: 01443 77 t 804. Association of Medical Aromatherapists, Abergare, Rhu Point, Helensburgh (384 8NF, UK. Tel: 0141 332 4924. Association of Natural Medicine, 27 Braintree Road, Witham, Essex CM8 2DD, UK. Tel: 01376 502762. Association of Physical & Natural Therapists, 72 Leghorn Road, London NW10 4PG, UK. Tel: 0181 965 9691. English Societe de l'Institut Pierre Franchomme, France, Belmont House, Newport, Essex CB 11 3RF, UK. Tel: 01799 540622. Guild of Complementary Practitioners, Liddell House, Liddell Close, Finchampstead, Berks RG40 4NS, UK. Tel: 01734735757. Holistic Aromatherapy Foundation, 65 Bradenhara Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2JQ, UK. Tel: 0181 303 8019. International Federation of Aromatherapists, Stamford House, 2-4 Chiswick High Road, London W4 1TH, UK. Tel: 0181 742 2605. International Society of Professional Aromatherapists, ISPA House, 82 Ashby Road, Hinckley, Leics LE10 1SN, UK. Tel: 01455 637987. Register of Qualified Aromatherapists, PO Box 3431, Danbury, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 4UA, UK. Tel: 01245 227957. Renbardou Institute, Acorn House, Cherry Orchard Road, Croyden, Surrey CR0 6BA, UK. Tel: 018l 686 4781.

Research Research Council for Complementary Medicine, 60 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JF, UK. Tel: 0171 833 8897.

Aromatherapy Journals The International Journal of Aromatherapy, PO Box 746, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3XA, UK. Tel: 01273 772479. Aromatherapy Quarterly, 5 Ranelagh Avenue, London SW13 0BY, UK. Tel: 0181 392 1691. The Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Green Library, 9 Rickett Street, Fulham, London SW6 1RU, UK. Tel: 0171 385 0012.