AAHEP - Association for Animals, Horticultural & Equine Practitioners

This policy governs the application process and conditions for registration to the Accredited Practitioner Register™ (“Register”). It covers the full process from application through to registration, including commitments to ethics and standards, provision of supporting information, proof of qualifications, and assessment of equivalence.

1. Commitments

Practitioners are bound by the declaration of compliance on the application form, as well as the following commitments to ethical and professional practice:

• The Declaration of Compliance

• The Ethical Basis for Good Practice

• The Framework of Professional Standards

• The defined levels of Continued Professional Development (CPD)

• The Duty of Candour

• The Framework for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Horses

Applicants must read and confirm commitment to these as part of their membership application and each annual renewal.

2. Policies and Procedures

Applicants must provide copies of their own policy and procedure documentation, including:

• General terms and conditions

• Data protection/privacy policy

• Data retention policy

• Compliments and complaints policy

• Safeguarding policy

• Client waiver form

• Current professional indemnity insurance

• Relevant risk assessments

• DBS checks (or regional equivalent)

• First aid qualifications, or confirmation that a qualified first aider will be present during sessions

• Confirmation of compliance with any required local authority licensing (where applicable)

• Confirmation of appropriate animal handling and training certifications (where appropriate, i.e. Dogs)

Updates to these documents must be provided on renewal.

3. Confirmations and Commitments

Applicants must confirm:

• Signed and dated Declaration of Compliance

• Client waivers and session records are maintained

• Record of supervision in the past 12 months (not required for first year)

• Statement of CPD hours completed in the past 12 months (not required for first year)

• No history of formal disciplinary findings, upheld complaints, or suspension from professional/regulatory bodies

4. Education & Training Requirements

Applicants must have completed an accredited or recognised qualification in Equine Assisted Services that meets the Register’s Standards of Education and Training.

5. Site Visits

Some applications may require a site visit. See the Site Visit Policy for details.

6. Equivalent Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice

Practitioners offering Equine Assisted Services alongside therapeutic practices (e.g., Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Therapy, or Counselling) must provide:

• Copies of relevant professional qualifications

• Confirmation of membership in any other accredited registers

7. Non-UK Applications

• Non-UK practitioners may apply for International Membership. International membership is subject to equivalent governance, however this membership does not carry the PSA Accredited Register Quality Mark.

8. Requests for Equivalence Decisions

Applicants without a recognised qualification can request an equivalence decision review under the Defining Education Standards framework.

Alternatively, the Certificate of Proficiency route is available for competent practitioners wishing to demonstrate compliance with Register membership standards.

Internet, Website, and Social Media Searches

As part of the application process, online searches will be conducted to assess public-facing communications, professional practice, and equine care.

Applicants will be informed of any concerns and given the opportunity to rectify them before a final decision is made.

Registration Process and Decisions

• All applications are reviewed by the Registrar or designated representative.

• Once documentation is satisfactory, applications are proposed for approval to the Advisory Board.

• If Advisory Board meetings are not imminent, proposals are circulated to designated members for email confirmation.

• Applicants who do not meet membership requirements will be advised in writing with reasons, and may appeal in line with the Appeals Policy.

Fees

• Application fee: £75

• Annual membership: £125

Policy Review

Owned by the Accredited Practitioner Register Advisory Board and reviewed annually or as required.