Our research

We believe that regulation should be used only when it is the most effective means of protecting the public. We asked, ‘what evidence is there that regulation works?’ We could not find the answer - little research had been done and so we began working with researchers and regulators to develop evidence-based regulation.

An image showing dots in lilac and purple used in PSA section on improving regulation

Our current interests in regulatory research include:

  • Researching the influence regulators have on the behaviour of people on their register
  • Understanding the inter-connection between workplaces and people’s behaviour
  • Promoting understanding of different approaches to regulation internationally
  • Developing a library of knowledge about regulation.

The key themes and current topics we are focusing on include:

Dishonesty: Read our recent research:

We found that, in many of the final fitness to practise panel decisions about practitioners we review (and then go on to appeal), dishonesty has not been properly taken into account. We decided to take a closer look at it and commissioned research.

Sexual misconduct: Read our recent research:

We believe that sexual misconduct by health professionals can seriously undermine the public's confidence and trust in them.

The other resources

Our research work in practice

Find out more about how the research work we do can contribute to improving regulation. Read this case study and find out the answer to the question 'Does crossing sexual boundaries with colleagues put patients at risk?'

Read our most recent research:

PSA’s view on a Common Code of Conduct for Health and Care Professionals

Latest research

See all the research papers