Regulation exists in many forms, from employer-led to statutory, with a number of variations in structure and processes but with a common aim to ensure public safety. The reason for such variation is historical legal frameworks which over time, have seen changes to rules and regulations, often in relation to fitness and practice arrangements.
Current Position
We currently have three approaches to regulation including:
- statutory regulation of 32 professions across nine professional regulatory bodies
- a number of voluntary registers who are maintained by professional bodies
- an employer-led system that exists for the whole workforce, not just those who are not subject to additional layers of regulation and registration.
The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) oversees the professional regulators, working with them to improve the way that professionals are regulated. They also have powers to accredit voluntary registers and work closely with the Government by giving policy advice and encouraging research to improve regulation.
Our work
We work to ensure that employer views are represented in national consultations related to professional regulation. See below for a list of our recent responses on behalf of employers:
For more information about our consultation responses, contact regulation@nhsemployers.org