Raising standards through ratings

Introducing the Salon Hygiene & Safety Rating Scheme: an initiative to elevate standards & ensure good practice in the nail & beauty sectors

In an era where consumer safety and confidence are paramount, the beauty industry is undergoing a transformation with the launch of the Salon Hygiene & Safety Rating Scheme (SHSRS). Set to define hygiene standards, the idea emerged in 2017 and has been developed by Hygenisys Environmental Health Consultancy under the leadership of technical director, Sandra Moore CEnvH MCIEH, alongside strategic consultant, Samantha Maxwell MCIEH, and the Federation of Nail Professionals (FNP).

The SHSRS launch is scheduled as a pilot project to begin next month, and draws inspiration from the successful and established food rating system. It aims to provide consumers with transparent information regarding the hygiene standards of nail and beauty businesses.

The driving force behind the SHSRS is a commitment to empowering consumers to make informed choices about their beauty services. By partnering with local authorities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the scheme seeks to ensure accountability and transparency within the industry. Similar to the food rating system, the SHSRS will operate Bronze, Silver and Gold ratings, in place of the 0-5 scale. This will offer consumers a snapshot of the hygiene standards observed during inspections. Each comprehensive evaluation covers aspects such as premises cleanliness, sterilisation procedures, waste management, skill levels, qualifications, product compliance and overall operational systems. With ratings displayed both online and at business premises, the scheme aims to instil confidence and trust among clients.

The genesis of the SHSRS lies in recognising the challenges faced by the nail industry, particularly concerning allergies and consumer trust. Just as the Food Hygiene Rating has bolstered consumer confidence in the food industry, the SHSRS aspires to achieve a similar feat in the beauty sector. Despite the challenges it will uncover, the SHSRS is designed to acknowledge, celebrate and promote the dedication of the beauty professionals that strive to deliver exceptional service to their clients.

Marian Newman BEM

Highlighting why this initiative has been devised, Marian Newman BEM, chairperson of the FNP, comments: “The allergy situation has knocked the nail industry sideways, and the horror stories that abound have made clients wary of trusting salons and nail professionals.

We’ve all seen how the Food Hygiene Rating system has given consumers confidence on where to buy or consume food, so it was logical that the beauty industry follows suit to raise its standards.

“There are many excellent nail technicians and artists working hard to run their businesses in a professional manner, while taking care to improve the nails of their clients. These people need to be recognised in order for confidence to be instilled in their safe and efficient services and salon operations.”

Beyond consumer confidence, the SHSRS emphasises continuous improvement and professional development within the industry. Rated professionals are encouraged to pursue regulated qualifications and engage in ongoing training (CPD hours) to maintain high standards. Collaboration with law enforcement agencies underscores the scheme’s commitment to combatting illegal practices, including modern slavery, within the industry.

Following the three-month pilot scheme from June 2024, improvements will be made through discussions with relevant parties before nationwide implementation. Boroughs with licencing systems aim to make this scheme mandatory.

Salons keen to participate in the scheme can apply for a rating through the FNP and Hygenisys websites. While there will be a nominal fee of £49.99 to apply for the assessment, additional costs may apply if consultancy support is required. The assessment process is envisaged to occur every two years, ensuring a continued adherence to hygiene standards.

Sandra Moore

Sandra Moore, the driving force behind the initiative, emphasises that the primary focus of the SHSRS is not to find fault, but to enhance businesses and elevate industry standards. With the industry currently largely unregulated, the SHSRS aims to raise standards, facilitate business growth and reduce the prevalence of rogue traders within the sector.

By prioritising health, safety and consumer confidence, the Salon Hygiene & Safety Rating Scheme strives to create a safer and more professional environment for both businesses and consumers. Through collaboration, continuous improvement and a commitment to transparency, the SHSRS seeks to set a benchmark for hygiene standards, ensuring the wellbeing of all stakeholders in the nail and beauty sectors.

For more information, email marian@the-fnp.com or sandra.moore@hygenisys.com www.the-fnp.co.uk /TheFNPUK @the_fnp_ www.hygenisys.com /HygenisysEnvironmentalHealth

The Salon Hygiene & Safety Rating Scheme announcement at Olympia Beauty, October 2023.

How the Salon Hygiene &Safety Rating Scheme will work:

1. Salons or individuals apply to the scheme via a website created by Hygienisys, a professional health & safety organisation with extensive experience.

2. A minimal fee will be charged to keep it accessible.

  3. Applicants receive a self-assessment document covering various protocols and products online.

4. Fact-finding teams will visit salons to quality check self-assessment answers.

5. If standards are not met, advice will be given, and serious issues will be referred to enforcement agencies. Collaboration with the Met Police on modern slavery detection ensures vigilance against illegal practices in salons.

6. All information and expected standards will be available on the FNP website, written by a panel of experts:

Marian Newman BEM, Sandra Moore, Sam Marshall, Kim Ford, Andrew Hansford, Liza Smith and Sam Blake.

7. On completion, a rating will be awarded via a window sticker (Gold, Silver or Bronze) and certificate for display, instilling confidence in clients when choosing a service provider.

8. Individuals will be encouraged to achieve a regulated Level 2 qualification, with ongoing CPD for skills maintenance.