Special Interest Groups

Our community network, creating a safe space for peer support, lies at the heart of Institute of Regulation.


We support a small number of special interest groups for corporate members, supporting those actively working in regulation in the UK, Channel Islands, and Ireland.

Our groups meet on a regular basis, providing a ‘safe space’ to discuss the professional challenges of the regulator and share some of the latest good practice, with a highly supportive community.

Institute of Regulation special interest groups cover core strategic and  operational areas:

  • A particularly popular group which meets quarterly, exploring emerging digital and technology solutions for regulators today.

    Led by Mark Sutton, Chief Digital and Data Officer at Care Quality Commission (CQC), recent sessions have focused on Artificial Intelligence and the rise in ‘regtech’ i.e. digital technologies for regulation.

  • This group considers the very heart of effective regulatory practice.

    Led by Dr. Russell Richardson, General Counsel, and Sonnal Fatania, Principal Case Officer, at North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA)

  • A new interest group, Chaired by Joanne Edgeler, North Sea Transition Authority, was established to explore issues of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG).

  • Exploring current issues in promoting inclusivity in regulatory public service this popular group is led by Naomi Nicholson, Institute of Regulation trustee.

    This group is likely to appeal to organisational and functional leaders.

  • Legal practitioners are likely to find appeal in participating in this special interest group. This group is led by Lydia Waine, Ofqual.

  • A new interest group, Co-chaired by Emma Leary, City and Guilds, and Vicky Howes, Care Quality Commission (CQC), was established to support peers in policy development roles, grappling with some of existing and emerging challenges facing regulators today.

  • Meeting bi-annually, this group is co-chaired by Paul White, Ofqual and Sarah Moss, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency .

  • Exploring professional development in regulation and regulatory practice, this popular group meets quarterly and is chaired by Meg Matthews, Office for Students.

    Participation in this special interest group is likely to appeal to leaders in people services and organisational development functions.

Join a special interest group

By joining a special interest group you will benefit from:

  •    Access to the latest research and developments

  •     Exclusive invitations to special events and seminars

  •     Learning together with peers from a wide range of regulatory fields

  •     Opportunities to participate in new continuing professional learning and development

If you are interested in joining a special interest group, we invite you to contact us, sharing some details about you and your current role, outlining your specific interests to participate.

Please get in touch via email info@ioregulation.org