Special Interest Groups

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

Led by Mike Farrington (Deputy Director for Technology, Ofsted), and Nic Granger (Chief Information & Financial Officer, North Sea Transition Authority) recent sessions have focused on Artificial Intelligence and the relationship between regulators and central government.

This group considers the very heart of effective regulatory practice.

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

Exploring current issues in promoting inclusivity in regulatory public service this popular group is led by Naomi Nicholson (Board member, Institute of Regulation).

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

The recently established legal-focused interest group gathered regulatory professionals online for its first sessions in 2025. The group is co-chaired by Miles Bake (Director & Board Member, Institute of Regulation), and Lydia Waine (Director of Legal Affairs & Governance, Ofqual).

The Policy interest group, co-chaired by Emma Leary (City and Guilds), and Vicky Howes (Deputy Director of Strategy, Care Quality Commission), was established to support peers in policy development roles, grappling with some of existing and emerging challenges facing regulators today.

The Research SIG is a new initiative for IoR members, co-led by Gemma Long (Head of Degree Awarding Powers, Office for Students) and Professor Jeroen van der Heijden (PhD; Quishi Professor, Zhejiang University & Honorary Professor, Australian National University). This group offers a supportive environment to explore regulatory theory and practice through academic literature, including journal articles and book chapters. It’s designed to be accessible and relevant to all regulators, regardless of their academic background.

The group encourages members to share their own research, suggest readings, and engage in open, accessible discussions. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of regulatory concepts or simply want to stay connected to current thinking in the field, the Research SIG offers a valuable opportunity for continuous learning and professional development.

The Risk Special Interest Group continues to grow, providing a vibrant and inclusive forum for discussing any and all aspects of risk management within the regulatory world. Meeting quarterly and sharing good practice throughout the year, this group is co-chaired by Paul White (Senior Manager Risk and Intelligence, Ofqual), and James Walker (Regulatory Manager, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). 

Regulators rely on the expertise and brilliance of their people. The Workforce SIG is an opportunity to get together with leaders from a wide range of regulators to discuss all elements of the employee experience.

If you are a leader in a people role, or have an interest in hearing from others about how we can help shape the regulatory profession, join this popular group which meets quarterly and is chaired by Meg Matthews (Head of Development & Effectiveness, Office for Students), and Nadiya Rahman (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Care Quality Commission).