Governance

The Accredited Practitioner Register (PSA)

The Accredited Practitioner Register (PSA) was established to ensure and uphold professional ethics and standards that prioritize the health and wellbeing of clients, service users, and the public. Its purpose is to protect individuals from harm or injury during Equine Assisted Services.

The Register not only defines best practices but also protects public interest by providing a clear process for raising concerns or complaints about services.

It serves as a public record of practitioners who deliver Equine Assisted Services and meet or exceed our recommended minimum quality standards. Choosing an Accredited Practitioner (PSA) from the Register assures clients and service users that their practitioner adheres to the expected standards of proficiency and ethical practice.

Governance and the Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is independent of Athena® and is answerable directly to the Professional Standards Authority. It provides independent oversight, ethical governance, and operational direction for managing the registration process.

Its duties include:

• Ensuring ethical and professional standards
• Providing operational direction and guidance

The full Terms of Reference for the Advisory Board can be viewed here.

The minutes of the Advisory Board meetings are available here.

Advisory Board and Sub-Committee Membership

The Advisory Board combines expert and lay members to maintain diverse and experienced oversight. It has a minimum of five members:

• Jennifer Geach and Graeme Green represent the Athena® Herd Foundation.
• The remaining members are lay members with relevant expertise.

Lay members are selected for their professional experience in:

• Equine Assisted Services
• Wellbeing, mental health, and counselling
• Psychotherapy and related practices

Sub-committee appointments follow the same selection process.

Application for Lay Membership

The Register invites skilled practitioners to contribute to public protection and governance. Applications for lay membership are invited from market practitioners and will be assessed based on individual skills, experience, and competencies. Vacancies arise through board expansion or member retirement.

• Term of Appointment: Two years, renewable for an additional two years
• Focus: Supporting the post-accreditation growth and development of the Register
• Commitment: Promoting diverse and inclusive representation within the Equine Assisted Services community

Specific roles will be published online as they become available.

Practitioners interested in joining the Board can email register@athenaherd.org