Good regulation is vital to the effective functioning of business and public services. The UK has over 80 regulatory bodies. Many have met informally for years to share knowledge and good practice. Some of these are now getting together to create an Institute of Regulation, the first professional body for the sector.

The objectives of the Institute are:

• • • To promote and provide education and training in the theory and practice of regulation.
    • To research, develop and promote good practice in regulation.

The Institute, which will launch in September 2021 with a website www.ioregulation.org, will be a forum to find the latest news on regulatory issues, build links between regulators, share good practice, and promote training and learning for those working in or studying regulatory issues. There will be events, webinars, a podcast and a jobs forum too. In time, the Institute will contribute to the development of regulatory theory and practice through research and policy work, collaborating with government and universities.

The Institute is building international links, including with groups of regulators in New Zealand, Canada, Australia, India, the United States and Italy.

The Institute has an executive board of senior regulatory practitioners and is establishing an advisory board of experts in regulation. The Institute has support from over 35 regulators, as well as from four universities (UCL, Oxford, LSE and the OU) and the UK government. The Institute will be funded by membership fees from individuals and corporate bodies.

The Institute believes that regulation will only increase in importance over time, not least through the need to develop and enforce shared rules on international issues such as the internet and the environment. Good regulatory practice is a public good. It can help to protect consumers and service users, and promote business innovation and improved public services too.

A professional body for regulators – an Institute of Regulation – will help to coordinate knowledge and information, improve training and development, and develop better ways of regulating to benefit society as a whole.

If you are interested to find out more, you can contact us at info@ioregulation.org and we will let you know when we launch the Institute formally later this year.

Marcial Boo
Executive Chair
Institute of Regulation