Sue and Paul founded Inspira Academy in the 1990s under the AoR, who at the time played a major role in UK reflexology training alongside BRA and IIR. At the time, qualification levels and diplomas did not exist.

A pivotal moment came with the Reflexology Forum, where leading educators collaborated on a Core Curriculum, edited by Clive O’Hara. Though underutilised, its high standards influenced the development of Centralia’s Level 5 training program. Recognising gaps in existing curricula, CAREA later created its own to better reflect the needs of students and graduates.

Following a 2000 House of Lords report recommending independent examinations, AoR partnered with AQA for theoretical exams. Over time, Awarding Bodies assumed greater authority, leading AoR to step back from qualification development, focusing instead on its role as a membership organisation.

In 2010, a rush to revise the Level 3 Diploma introduced units, levels, and credits. However, Inspira Academy sought a higher-level qualification beyond school-based education. England’s reflexology organisations had limited time to align with Bologna Agreement standards, whereas Wales had already adopted the framework in 2002. Approaching Agored Cymru, Sue Alma Evans collaborated to develop Level 5 units, later approved under the Health Skills Sector—a milestone positioning reflexology alongside nursing and allied health professions.

Initially designed for Inspira Academy, the qualification attracted interest from other providers. Agored Cymru permitted expansion under Sue and Paul’s leadership, leading to the formation of Centralia. As the Recognised Centre, Centralia oversaw the syllabus, curriculum, assignments, and quality assurance, while the Awarding Organisation ensured educational governance. This collaborative model balanced regulatory oversight, professional expertise, and training centre input.

Unlike many unregulated institutions, CAREA Centres uphold rigorous standards, welcoming scrutiny to protect learners, the profession, and the integrity of reflexology training.

The development of Level 5 brought challenges that shaped Centralia and its Partner Centres, leading to the creation of NEPIP and the Agored Cymru Level 5 Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology.

Transitioning to Ofqual required a full unit rewrite, but Sue, experienced in developing reflexology modules for HND and degree programs, was well-prepared. Between 2010 and 2016, she led updates to keep pace with legislation, education, and industry advancements.

As Partner Centres expanded, Centralia parted ways with Agored Cymru after 12 supportive years, as they couldn’t accommodate centres outside the UK—particularly with Belfast looking to expand into Dublin. Centralia remained the Recognised Centre until late summer 2024 to ensure all learners completed their qualifications.

Partner Centres then had a choice: revise their syllabus and content or embrace a new vision for reflexology training with OTHM.

Duopody, NEPIP, and CALM had long been established in some Academies but not all. However, with a renewed focus on a whole-person approach to health, all Academies eagerly embraced the opportunity to excel in evidence-based treatment protocols. This holistic framework integrates:

Mental → Physical → Emotional

Mind → Body → Spirit

enhancing both learning and teaching programs.

With a forward-thinking approach and a willingness to embrace new ideas, it became clear that relying on external associations or therapy listings was no longer ideal for our practitioners. In response, new avenues are now being developed to better support their needs.

Recognition as L5+6 Licensed Practitioner

Excellence Rewarded

Partner with other Health Practitioners

Whole Person Approach

More information on who can apply for entry in the Directory / Register will be issued shortly.