The International Federation of Aromatherapists

Membership Welcome Information Pack

The International Federation of Aromatherapists REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 327290 20A The Mall, Ealing Broadway, London, W5 2PJ, UK Telephone: 020 8567 2243 Fax: 020 8840 9288 Email: office@ifaroma.org Website: www.ifaroma.org

International Federation of Aromatherapists

Contents
Thank you for choosing the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) as your governing body. In this pack you will find a step by step guide to becoming a member, which we hope you will find progressive and supportive. From the IFA team we wish you all the best in your career and future endeavours.

Section
What is IFA? What Does the IFA Offer? Why Join the IFA? Categories + Fees Code of Ethic Code of Practice Code of Conduct Continual Professional Development (CPD) Application Form Contact us

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3&4 5&6 7&8 9 & 10 11 & 12 12 & 13 13, 14 & 15 16 & 17 18 19

International Federation of Aromatherapists

What is the IFA? The IFA stands for expertise, experience and excellence within the aromatherapy profession. The IFA is the longest-established governing body for Professional Aromatherapy in the world. Founded in 1985, we are very proud to hold our charitable status (Registered Charity Number 327290). We have worked hard to maintain the organisation as a charity throughout the years, as we believe it ensures true integrity, openness and fairness. It also means we have to remain impartial in all our dealings, and as a nonprofit organisation, all of our revenue gets put back into increasing opportunities and benefits for our members. The IFA is now a truly international organisation with training schools and members all over the world. It is a self-governing body supported by its Members and Friends with official Codes of Practice and Ethics, ensuring that standards and quality are sustained. Since its formation, the Federation has been at the forefront of developments within the aromatherapy profession and has pioneered the use of aromatherapy in hospitals, hospices, special care units and general practice. We all work hard to set and maintain the highest standards in Aromatherapy worldwide. IFA Standards in Training Standards are set and achieved through our approved schools and tutors. IFA training establishments have to abide by our syllabus which has been very carefully formulated based on many years of experience in training practitioners to work as professional therapists. The course criteria cover all aspects of holistic health, client protocol, body massage, essential and carrier oil theory, pathology, anatomy and physiology, emergency first aid and business development. The methods of teaching and the number of training and study hours required by our syllabus are laid down with a view to producing aromatherapists who are confident, caring, competent and enthusiastic about their chosen profession.

International Federation of Aromatherapists

Standards are imposed through our exam system. Our registered schools in the UK and Overseas may hold internal exams if they wish, but it is an absolute requirement of their membership of the IFA that they hold external exams in the presence of one of our independent examiners. Students are examined on the theory and practice of Anatomy and Physiology, Body Massage, Aromatherapy Theory and Aromatherapy Massage and then marked and assessed by our examiner in order to qualify as a Professional Aromatherapist. Schools applying for registration are accepted only if the IFA standards for tutors, equipment and venues are met. These principles maintain aromatherapy as a profession and they safeguard the practitioner and their clients. IFA Standards in Practice IFA Registered Practitioners are not just people who give massage using essential oils. They are a special kind of therapist. Their confidence and experience comes from their thorough training. Their knowledge of the effective use of therapeutic aromatic oils combined with application techniques ensures maximum benefit for their clients. The IFA requires its Full Members to maintain their standards and increase their experience by completing at least 12 hours of Continual Professional Development each year.

International Federation of Aromatherapists

What does the IFA offer? As a professional organisation and governing body, the International Federation of Aromatherapists offers a helping hand to To the General Public Advice and information on Aromatherapy and its Benefits Advice on how to use essential oils safely and effectively Access to properly trained practitioners in your local area Advice on training in the aromatherapy profession

To the Media Safety advice Articles and information related to aromatherapy Guest speakers Tutors Specialised practitioners Comprehensive website facility

To Qualified and Trainee Therapists Professional training Professional Status Professional Support PR Support

International Federation of Aromatherapists

News & Information Discounted CPD & Products Exclusive Training Venue The IFA's Quarterly Journal The Aromatherapy Times Comprehensive Insurance cover The Chance to Serve Your Profession

To Schools, Tutors and CPD Providers Syllabus Support with set up and execution of training Training Venue Exam Papers Support with Exam Process and Marking Processes PR and Business Support

International Federation of Aromatherapists

Why Join The IFA? The International Federation of Aromatherapists is known worldwide for having the highest standards in the Aromatherapy Profession. As an IFA member you be known throughout the world as a practitioner of the highest standard. You will hold an internationally recognised qualification in Aromatherapy, which shows the public that you are a true professional in your field. Becoming an IFA member means being part of a prestigious organisation. The IFA, as the first and longest-established governing body in Aromatherapy has always led by example. Members of the IFA have pioneered the use of Aromatherapy in hospitals and the Aromatherapy-In-Care Scheme. In matters of education, training, research and legislation, the IFA has paved the way since 1985. Being a member of the IFA means security. You can be secure in the knowledge that as a member of a highly professional organisation you will be afforded respect in the eyes of the public. As an IFA Practitioner, you will receive international recognition. Your contact details will be promoted through the IFAs Website and International Directory. Most importantly, IFA membership offers constant support from our friendly staff who are always here to lend a helping hand. Benefits: PROFESSIONAL STATUS: The IFA certificate of membership for ALL IFA practitioners, and for FULL members the initials MIFA Reg after your name and the IFA professional badge. CORPORATE IDENTITY: The IFA Website Members Area gives free templates and downloads to help promote and manage your professional image and business practice. NEWS & INFORMATION: The IFAs Website is continually updating relevant and beneficial articles in its news, information and communication service. We are extending our discussion topics, case studies, essential oil profiles and features to support the work of IFA students, practitioners and trainers.

International Federation of Aromatherapists

PR SUPPORT: Full IFA Practitioners and Trainers can have their contact details featured on our website. Full members can also promote themselves through the IFA on other websites at a discounted price. The IFA continually promotes all its members at events and exhibitions and through relevant networks and publications. The IFA has a Press Pack facility to help its members interact with the Media. DISCOUNTED CPD & PRODUCTS: All IFA Members receive a 20% discount on our CPD workshops, conferences and Annual General Meetings and a 10% discount on products sold through our website. Full members can also take advantage of discounts from health related companies listed in our members area on proof of membership. EXCLUSIVE TRAINING VENUE: All IFA Members have access to our training, seminar and meeting venue in west London. The IFA is happy to help with the promotion and organisation of your event and with the provision of specialist equipment. THE IFA'S QUARTERLY JOURNAL THE AROMATHERAPY TIMES: gives All IFA Members the opportunity to acquire and share knowledge in the field of Complementary Therapy. PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE COVER & FIRST AID CERTIFICATION: All IFA practitioners and trainers must supply proof of insurance and first aid certification when applying for membership. We organise regular First Aid refresher courses at our London training venue and offer the IFAs highly competitive insurance cover to all our practitioner members in UK and Europe. THE CHANCE TO SERVE YOUR PROFESSION: Full Members can serve on the IFA Council, helping to shape and secure the future of complementary therapy. All IFA Members can participate in the promotion of Aromatherapy at events and exhibitions, by attending our conferences and AGMs, and by contributing to our website and journal.

International Federation of Aromatherapists

Categories & Fees Membership Category FULL PRACTITIONER Requirements To join the IFA as a Full Member you need to have attended an IFA registered course and have passed the IFA External Examinations or retained an equivalent qualification. There are two written papers covering Anatomy & Physiology, Massage, Professionalism and Business Studies (2 hours) and the Theory of Aromatherapy (2 hours). There is also a practical exam taking 3 hours and covering Personal Presentation Hygiene, Health & Safety, Client Management Consultation and communication skills Assessment of client's needs, Treatment plan A complete Aromatherapy Massage routine concluding with aftercare advice. Students attending an IFA Registered Aromatherapy Course To join the IFA as an Associate Member you need to have a qualification in Aromatherapy, Massage and Anatomy & Physiology. Therapists with the following qualifications in Aromatherapy are welcome to join the IFA as Associate Members: Cost January-December: 80.00 April-December: 60.00 July-December: 40.00 October-December: 20.00

STUDENT MEMBER ASSOCIATE PRACTITIONER

25 per year January-December: 50.00 April-December: 37.50 July-December: 25.00 October-December: 12.50

International Federation of Aromatherapists

CIDESCO CIBTAC CFA VCTC CITY & GUILDS NVQ IAAMA BABTEC ITEC IHHT BTEC NAHA

ITEC and CIDESCO therapists are exempt from having to sit the IFA Anatomy and Physiology exam but they will have to take the IFA Theory Paper and the IFA Practical Exam. To join the IFA as a carer Member CARER MEMBER you must be attending or have attended an IFA registered Aromatherapy Carers' Course. January-December: 35.00 April-December: 26.00 July-December: 18.00 October-December: 9.00 January-December: 35.00 April-December: 26.00 July-December: 18.00 October-December: 9.00

FRIEND OF THE IFA

If you are not a practising aromatherapist but if you are interested in aromatherapy and the work of the IFA, you can join the IFA as a Friend Member. NO specific qualifications are necessary.

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International Federation of Aromatherapists

Code of Ethics Any class of member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists who is in practice will be expected to follow this code of ethics and to conduct himself/herself and to practice in such a manner as to uphold and maintain the high standards of the profession of aromatherapy. This code of ethics is divided into three sections and the aromatherapist is expected to observe all three parts of this code of ethics at all times. These three sections govern the attitude and behaviour of the aromatherapist towards clients, the general public and fellow members of the Federation. 1 a) The member must recognize that the primary obligation is towards the client and at all times must practice his/her skills to the best of his/her ability for the benefit of the client. The comfort and welfare of the client must always have priority over any other requirement. b) Consultation, assessment and treatment should only be carried out with full consent of the client (or the parent or guardian in the case of minors). c) Any knowledge gained during consultation and assessment or in the course of the professional treatment must not be divulged to anyone without the client's consent, except where required by law. d) A member of the Federation must not deliberately mislead for his/her own gain a client seeking advice or treatment. e) All reasonable care must be taken to ensure adequate hygiene, quality of material supplied and safety of equipment used. f) A member shall be free to choose whomsoever he/she shall accept for professional treatment. g) A member must ensure that his/her professional practice is fully covered by substantial professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance. h) A member should not knowingly treat any person needing medical treatment without the approval of their doctor. 2 a) The member's premises or clinic should be maintained in such condition as to reflect credit on the profession of aromatherapy.

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b) A member shall be free to advertise his/her professional services in any way provided that it does not bring discredit on the profession of aromatherapy. c) Contributions to newspapers, journals, professional papers and other published works may appear over a member's name and qualifications. d) Professional stationery should be of an acceptable standard stating name, qualifications, relevant professional activities, address, telephone number and practice hours. 3 a) A member must not attempt by any means to entice a client to leave another aromatherapy practitioner to become his/her own client. b) In cases of referral of a client to a member by a colleague, no form of commission or split fee may be paid or accepted. c) Members must present a united front to the public and should not imply criticism of colleagues either in writing or verbally, before clients or the general public. Code of Practice 1. AIMS OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE To set down the basic standards the International Federation of Aromatherapists expects its members to maintain. To set down the minimum standards necessary to be a member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists. To maintain the highest professional ambience at all times. INSURANCE Adequate public liability and professional insurance must be held by all practicing IFA members. PREMISES a. Consultation and treatment rooms must be clean, adequately lit, properly ventilated and in a good state of general repair. b. All entrance ways to consultation / treatment rooms to be adequately lit. c. Toilet facilities to be clean, good repair & easily accessible. d. Sign indicating consultation / treatment room in use may be placed in relevant position if necessary.

2.

3.

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International Federation of Aromatherapists

4. PERSONAL HYGIENE The aromatherapist to ensure that his / her health and personal hygiene is such as to cause no harm to the client. The aromatherapist must not eat, drink or smoke while working. The aromatherapist must be aware of the elements of public hygiene and local safety-by-laws.

5.

FURNITURE a. Massage couches, trolleys, chairs etc. must be sturdy and safe and disinfected. b. Trolleys, table tops and work surfaces to have an impermeable surface. CLIENTS RECORD To install a record system of client information: Name, address, telephone number, date of attendance Information on clients medical history Signature of client taken at initial consultation Reports and records of any referrals or tests carried out on the client Visits to other practitioners Medication etc. OTHER PROFESSIONS AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES To liaise with medical doctors and other practitioners. To promote the aims and objectives of aromatherapy by lecturing to other professional bodies and organizations. IFA CODE OF CONDUCT

6.

7.

The following code of conduct is to guide professional practitioners and to maintain its statutory responsibilities. The Code of Conduct is in accordance with our Code of Ethics & Code of Practice in relation to a members interaction with clients, IFA members, IFA staff and the federation.

Section 1 a) Members will treat each other and the general public with respect and in a dignified manner in all dealings in their professional capacity.

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b) Members must be courteous in all dealings with the IFA including members, office staff and trustees. c) Members shall not use information gained from another member and share the information or present it as their own unless given expressed consent. Section 2 a) The therapist treats an individual on a complementary or alternative health basis and does not try to replace medicinal use as prescribed by a doctor. b) Therapists can never claim to cure ailments only assist in bringing about good health. c) Members shall not discriminate clients against age, gender, sexuality, religious or cultural grounds and not enforce their personal believes on an individual. Section 3 a) To present yourself in a truthful manner including, but not limited, to describing your qualifications and not in excess. b) Members shall present themselves in an honorable and courteous manner at all times with their clients and the public. c) Members attitude must be professional at all times to the public. Section 4 a) Members must keep all records and treatment contents confidential. b) Members must never disclose the confidential information from a client including all third parties and family members unless given expressed and written consent. c) All members must keep a record of client records for a minimum of 5 years. d) Members may only treat minors under the age of 16 in the presence of an appropriate adult or guardian. e) Members using their clients details as a case study or for research purposes must have retained the expressed consent of the client Section 5 a) Members should be registered under the IFA practitioner list to confirm that they are fully qualified and abide by the Code of Ethics, Code of Practice, Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures. b) Members should display their credentials after their name, in the public domain and in their place of practice. c) Members should provide clients with a full name and address of where to direct a complaint to. d) Members are subject to disciplinary procedures alongside their fellow members.

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International Federation of Aromatherapists

GROSS MISCONDUCT In the event that a member commits an act of gross misconduct, or fails in their duty, the Federation will be entitled to terminate the individuals membership henceforth. Section1 a) The deliberate falsifications of qualifications, documents and information Section 2 a) Abusive and threatening behaviour towards fellow members, members of the public, IFA trustees and IFA staff members b) Assault on another person c) Sexual misconduct Section3 a) Serious negligence (even a single error where the actual or potential consequences are extremely serious), which causes unacceptable loss, damage or injury. b) Drunkenness or being under the influence of illegal drugs. Section 4 a) Failure to comply with the Care Standards Act, Adult Protection Policy or Child Protection Policy b) Breach of duty regarding non-disclosure of confidential information Section 5 a) Conduct that brings the name of the Federation into disrepute b) Discrimination or harassment of a fellow worker, including, but not restricted on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, age, disability, religion or belief Other acts of misconduct may come within the general definition of gross misconduct.

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Continuous Professional Development (12 points required for each year) ACTIVITY Seminar, Workshop, conference, post graduate course on aromatherapy POINTS EVIDENCE

1 point per hour

Signed attendance form or certificate

Participation in a group of practitioners 1 point per to enhance clinical discussion hour aromatherapy competence

Signed attendance form from group leader

Being on IFA Council 12 points per year Paid subscriptions to aromatherapy journals(not including Aromatherapy Times)

Minutes attendance

2 points per subscription

Receipt of subscription

Author or joint author of a published book 24 points on aromatherapy

Copy of Book, or provide ISBN number, title & publisher

Presentation at a seminar, workshop or conference Author of article in aromatherapy times

4 points per presentation hour

Proof of presentation

3 points per 250 words

Copy of article

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International Federation of Aromatherapists

Professional development through 2 points per the purchase of purchase Aromatherapy books or CD-ROM Volunteer work in Aromatherapy for Community based agency or project including exhibitions Proof of purchase or loan of material from library

1 point per hour

Signed participation form

KEEP RECORD DATE ACTIVITY POINTS/ HOURS SUBSTANTIATING EVIDENCE

Total Points

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International Federation of Aromatherapists

IFA OVERSEAS Membership Application Form
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms First Name Surname . Membership/ Student Number.. Address .. Town/City . County Post Code Contact Numbers Email Address ..

FULL & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ONLY

Please confirm if you wish to appear on the IFA Website Directory and Practitioner Lists. If YES, please fill in the town, contact number(s) you wish to appear on the IFA Website. If you do not tick a box we will automatically regard this as a No to the website listing. YES I want to appear NO I dont want to appear

Town: Contact numbers: .. Membership Runs for 12 Months Category Professional Status Full Associate Carer Friend Student Trained on an IFA recognised course Trained on a non-IFA course Trained as IFA Carer No requirement Attending an IFA Course Please Enclose Proof of current insurance, first aid, and 12CPD points Proof of current insurance, first aid, and 12CPD points Membership Fees 12 Months 80.00 50.00 35.00 35.00 25.00 Tick Category

PLEASE FILL OUT THE SLIP BELOW OR ATTACH A CHEQUE WITH PAYMENT

20A THE MALL EALING W5 2PJ - EMAIL OFFICE@IFAROMA.ORG Name ... Address ..... Debit/Credit Card details: Solo Switch Visa Visa Electron MasterCard Card No:

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Valid From

Card Holder Name.. Issue No

Expires end Security Code .

(Last three digits)

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International Federation of Aromatherapists

Contact us Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like us to elaborate or discuss any of the above at office@ifaroma.org. The IFA like to keep in contact with all our members at all times in a supportive role. You can find us on: Facebook Twitter Linkedin We appreciate that at times being an aromatherapist can be quite a lonely business. Under the training and education section of our website www.ifaroma.org we have listed regional groups which you may wish to join. Once you have become a member you will be able to enter the members area of our website where you will find a forum which encourages members to interact with one another If you do have any contact changes such as address, numbers, email etc. please send us an email to inform us We look forward to welcoming you to the IFA in the near future

Kind regards

IFA Team

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