About Us

What We Do

  • We maintain a register of practising members whose services are available to the public and other professional organisations. Contact can be made through our website and upon request to the office
  • Complaints procedures are established and publicised
  • Providing well founded insurance cover for members
  • Maintain a list of education and training providers offering professional courses in aromatherapy, therapeutic massage and bodywork. That these are recognised by the IFPA as providing a standard for IFPA membership.
  • Publish a professional journal and organise an annual conference.
  • Supports and encourages scientific research applicable to the field of aromatherapy and its practice.
  • Maintain an educational fund to assist in education and training; supporting educational ventures and activities in the UK and overseas
  • IFPA Business Plan - The IFPA business plan is new for the IFPA and clearly sets out the journey the federation would like to take over the next 3 years. The business plan is reviewed annually by council.

Who does it?

The IFPA continues to perform its key functions, its new and future work by its governing council body. This is made up of 12 member/trustees who work on a voluntary basis in a number of key roles.

Council are supported by IFPA staff in the Head office with:

  • Office Manager – Kerry Payne
  • Membership Secretary – Julie Sheffield
  • Accounts Officer – Neil Davis
  • Marketing & Conference Officer – Lisa Grewcock

The IFPA continues to strengthen ties with other CAM organisations, The Department of Health. It has an interest in the new Integrated Health Care Trust in the UK and is taking the initiative to work together on a more global scale as aromatherapy continues to be one of the fastest growing complementary therapies. The IFPA is committed to the future regulation of the profession and will work with other organisations who share that vision in order to protect the public and its members.

If you would like to find out more about IFPA, how to become a member or any of the services provided, continue on this site or contact us at head office.

Role and Responsibilities of a Trustee

Membership to the IFPA council requires its council members to be trustees of the federation and admittance is in accordance with the articles of association. Council is open to any individual who meets the professional standards set out by council for the practice of aromatherapy. For the purposes of charity law, council members take on 'Trustee' status, acting in the best interest of the charity and its aims.


Meetings – Trustees are required to attend at least 3 meetings per year; one of those should be the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Meetings take place at the Hinckley office, 3rd Tuesday every 2 months, from 10am – 4pm.


Appointments – Applications for council elections will be 40 days prior to the AGM for membership voting. Appointments are for 2 years, but retiring Council members may stand for re-election. Council may appoint a person to fill any vacancy on council until the next AGM when they cease to be in that role unless re-appointed by the election process.

Although council members have a defined role there is lots of shared work, debates and discussion; decisions made in a most collegiate and professional way. All council members work for the federation on a voluntary basis. This is well respected amongst other members of council and office staff. In compliance with charity aims and trustee responsibilities, the federation hopes trustees will work towards:

  • Ensuring that the IFPA complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  • Be aware of, and conform to the responsibilities of a charitable trustee and of a director of a company limited by guarantee.
  • Ensuring that IFPA pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
  • Ensuring the IFPA applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).
  • Attending council meetings, contributing to its role in giving firm strategic direction to the IFPA, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets; ensuring decisions are implemented and that the work is consistent with the mission and values of the IFPA.
  • Safeguarding the good name and values of the IFPA
  • Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the IFPA.
  • Helping to ensure the financial stability of the IFPA.
  • Protecting and managing the property of the IFPA and ensuring the proper investment of the charity's funds.
  • Ensuring that professional independent advice is taken by the IFPA when necessary.
  • Being aware of other trustee roles and responsibilities
  • Working closely with other trustees on IFPA/council plans, strategies and initiatives.
  • Being aware of health and safety. Fire and risk around the HQ.
  • Maintaining up to date job descriptions.
  • Produce annual targets and job reviews.
  • Work with all IFPA policies and procedures
  • Provide professional advice and support to members where applicable, in a non-judgmental, sensitive and in a reasonable time scale.
  • Encourage professionalism with members via regional group activity, conference networking and IT communications.
  • Maintain own credibility in the public arena, up dating and submitting professional CPD evidence as required for IFPA membership


Specific council chairs have additional role descriptions and these are available when applying to be elected onto Council.
There are many benefits to being on council mainly those of gaining greater insight into the federation and the field of aromatherapy, developing personal CPD and support to those new to council, via a mentorship process.

If you feel you have skills and attributes which may contribute to the IFPA, are willing to serve for a term of office and a commitment to your professional association then we need you!

For further information please contact chair@ifparoma.org or the head office on either 01455 637987 or admin@ifparoma.org

For the purpose of Insurance, IFPA is an Appointed Representative of Balens Limited, 2 Nimrod House, Sandy's Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 1JJ, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Company No. 4388652 Registered Charity No. 1091325

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