Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
Who we are and what we do
The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) was set up with government support to be the UK voluntary regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners.
CNHC’s role is to enhance public protection. It does this by holding a UK register of practitioners from 15 different therapies1. All have demonstrated that they meet national standards.
We also work to widen access to complementary therapies by influencing government policy and we publicise the benefits to clients of the care provided our registrants.
Who is on the register?
More than 5,000 practitioners have signed up so far and over 1,000 of these are massage therapists. All practitioners on the register can use the CNHC Quality Mark (see below).
Our UK wide register has received well over a quarter of a million searches since it first opened and you can search for a practitioner in your area here: Search the CNHC register.
CNHC’s register has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. This means that in addition to its regulatory role, CNHC has met the robust standards set down by that organisation. You can find out more about what this means here: CNHC Accredited Register.
Why register with CNHC?
CNHC registration can lead to:
- Recognition by employers and other healthcare professionals
- Employment opportunities (check CNHC’s facebook page or follow us on Twitter @CNHC_UK)
- CNHC resources such as leaflets, posters, GP template letters, appointment card, press release templates (where relevant)
- Being recognised by private health cash plan providers (where relevant)
You can see full details of the professional advantages of CNHC registration on our website.
What’s the difference between CNHC and professional associations?
If you are a practitioner and belong to a professional association – and CNHC strongly recommends that you do – you will most likely receive benefits such as insurance, access to training or workshops, a magazine or newsletter, tips and guidance on your therapy and a range of other supportive measures that help you work as a professional practitioner.
At CNHC we don’t provide those sorts of benefits – we leave that to your association. Instead we help you to show the public, employers and others that you meet national standards and that they can choose your service with confidence.
In the same way that the public looks for a Gas Safe plumber or an ABTA registered holiday firm, over time we hope that the CNHC Quality Mark will become the stamp of approval for anyone looking for a complementary therapist.
CNHC’s Code of Conduct, Ethics and Performance – leading the way ahead
In 2014 we published our Code of Conduct, Ethics and Performance and we have received very positive feedback from professional associations and practitioners alike. All practitioners on the register sign up to the Code to demonstrate their professionalism and commitment to standards. You can see the full Code on our website here: CNHC Code of Conduct, Ethics and Performance.
How to register
For more information about CNHC and how to register go to our website: www.cnhc.org.uk or call us on 020 7653 1971.
You can also find us…
On facebook or follow us on Twitter @CNHC_UK
1 Alexander Technique Teaching, Aromatherapy, Bowen Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Healing, Hypnotherapy, Microsystems Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Naturopathy, Nutritional Therapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Shiatsu, Sports Therapy, Yoga Therapy.
