The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)'s voluntary register has been accredited under a new scheme set up by the Department of Health and administered by an independent body, accountable to Parliament. Patients and the public can have confidence in FHT's voluntary register which has been vetted and approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.

Complementary therapists on FHT's register will be able to display the Accredited Voluntary Register (AVR) quality mark, a sign that they belong to a register which meets the Professional Standards Authority's robust standards.

FHT President, Jennifer Wayte, said:

"We are delighted the FHT's register has been approved as an AVR by the Professional Standards Authority. Having independent, quality assurance of our register not only gives confidence to those seeking the services of a complementary healthcare therapist, it will also help the advancement of integrated healthcare. With the AVR scheme being widely promoted to the NHS and private healthcare providers, we believe this will give FHT registrants greater opportunity to demonstrate the important role complementary therapy has to play alongside conventional medical care, particularly in helping patients to manage chronic conditions and make small but important lifestyle changes."

Harry Cayton, Chief Executive of the Professional Standards Authority said:

"We are very pleased to accredit FHT's register of complementary therapists. Bringing complementary therapists into a broad framework of assurance is good for patients and the public and is the best way to promote quality. The scheme supports choice and offers enhanced consumer protection to anyone looking for health and social care services, and gives complementary therapists the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment."

Accreditation does not imply that the Authority has assessed the merits of individuals on the register. This remains the responsibility of the FHT. It does not mean that the Authority has endorsed a particular treatment, people will need to consider the information provided and decide if it is suitable for them. Accreditation means that FHT's register meets the Professional Standards Authority's high standards in governance, standard-setting, education and training, management, complaints and information.

As the scheme develops, accredited registers will encompass a wide range of occupations and organisations, and the Professional Standards Authority may accredit more than one register in any particular occupation, as it did for complementary therapists last year. Further information on the accredited voluntary register scheme is available at www.professionalstandards.org.uk