Understanding professional standards schemes and what they mean for you
When you engage a professional covered by a scheme, you benefit from a system designed to improve professional standards and strengthen consumer protection.
Professional standards schemes require professional associations to have systems in place that help their members provide safe, ethical and high-quality services. These systems are designed to identify and manage risks, reduce consumer harm and support continuous improvement in professional practice.
Information for consumers
What is a professional standards scheme?
A professional standards scheme is a legal framework approved by the Professional Standards Councils.
Under a scheme, a professional association commits to maintaining and improving professional standards among its members.
Learn moreWhat does this mean for consumers?
Professional standards schemes are designed to support better outcomes for consumers by encouraging professional associations and their members to maintain high and ethical professional standards, and ensuring there are systems in place if something goes wrong.
Learn moreHave your say
We publish a notification of a scheme whenever an association applies for a new professional standards scheme, or asks to amend its existing one.
Learn more