Upcoming Changes to Reflexology Qualifications

The Association of Reflexologists have recently made an announcement relating to upcoming changes to reflexology qualifications in the UK.

As a result of the new qualifications coming into force in January 2011, some important changes are taking place at the Association of Reflexologists.

The Government, in conjunction with Skills for Health, has been reviewing the current qualifications offered for reflexology and other complementary therapies. The results of this are that, as of January 1st 2011, there will be a single set of qualifications in reflexology recognised by the government. Any awarding body wishing to offer an approved level 3 Diploma in Reflexology will be required to follow the same module structure and content.

As a result of this Government led initiative, the AoR has undertaken a thorough review of its membership policy, and has set the entry criteria at the new 7-module Level 3 Diploma. Therefore, applicants who have successfully completed the new 7-module Diploma will be accepted as full members of the AoR. Anyone who already holds an existing qualification currently accepted by AoR will be unaffected by this.

In view of the fact that the AoR will now be accepting qualified reflexologists from other awarding bodies, it is no longer appropriate to operate a separate schools accreditation scheme.

1. The AoR can no longer accredit new schools, or re-accredit existing schools, and will no longer be able to offer specific endorsements or accreditation.
2. At the AoR, we do understand that a large number of schools receive many of their student applications through our website. School entries will remain on our site, until 31st December 2010, in the form of a listing rather than a formal endorsement.
3. Any wording relating to being an AoR Accredited or Approved School or Centre will become obsolete as of 30th June 2010. All such wording will be removed from our website and other materials by that date.

Existing student members of the AoR are unaffected by these changes; in addition students starting on your existing course up until 31st December 2010, may also join the AoR as student members, and will still receive free student insurance for the duration of their course. We will be writing to all AoR students over the next few days to update them and reassure them that they will be unaffected by the changes.

We are currently investigating what we will be able to offer students enrolling on the new qualifications starting on 1st January 2011 and will let you know the outcome of this.

Carolyn Story
Chief Executive AoR

Karen King
Chair of the AoR Board of Directors

More information available at: http://www.aor.org.uk