Reviewing Right-touch regulation - a discussion paper

Reviewing Right-touch regulation 
 

It's 10 years since we published a revised version of Right-touch regulation. A lot has happened in the intervening years and we think this anniversary provides a timely reminder of how regulation needs to evolve and adapt and so does Right-touch regulation. We have therefore produced this discussion paper and are looking for feedback and comments  to publish a revised version of Right-touch regulation in the autumn.

Right-touch regulation (RTR) is the approach we use in our work, and we encourage others to adopt it as well. This method involves assessing the level of risk of harm to the public and deciding on the most proportionate and effective response. In October 2025, we will be publishing a revised version of RTR – “RTR3” – to ensure it reflects current regulatory approaches and future trends. The purpose of this discussion paper is to invite stakeholder input to our review.
 

Why do we need RTR3?

Since our last publication of Right-touch regulation in 2015, significant global changes have impacted regulatory approaches and the role of government in ensuring safety. 

These changes include: 

• The Covid-19 pandemic, which introduced new regulatory challenges as well as innovations 
• Increasing demands on public health and care services
• The heightened awareness and understanding at a global level of issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Increasing understanding of other harms in society highlighted by movements like #MeToo
• Technological advances, including artificial intelligence 
• Questioning of the value of regulation where there have been failures in health, financial services and other regulated sectors, and of the burden placed on those regulated 
• Challenges to regulation to realise benefits and add value, as well as to prevent and respond to harm.

Given these developments, we believe it's time to update Right-touch regulation. RTR3 will address these changes and ensure regulation keeps pace with societal shifts, enhancing public safety, supporting growth, and building trust. This new version will encompass a broad range of regulatory approaches, as outlined in our 2016 paper, Right-touch assurance, including:. 

• Regulation by statute
• Accredited registration 
• Credentialling

We are open to making changes to all aspects of RTR. This discussion paper sets out some initial ideas for the changes needed, looking at regulation from a number of different angles. Please feel free to comment on these ideas and to propose any other changes you would like to see discussed in RTR3 that would make regulation more effective.

Deadline and how to get in touch

We will welcome any comment. Please get in touch by emailing  RTR3@professionalstandards.org.uk by 2 May 2025.