Maximising the contribution of regulatory bodies’ registers to public protection

Background

Registers are a valuable tool for public protection. They allow members of the public and employers to identify professionals who are qualified and fit to practise. Our 2007/08 performance review highlighted variation in the level of detail provided by the regulators’ online registers and the way the information is presented to the public. In particular, there was variation in what current and past fitness to practise outcomes they made available, and how that information could be accessed. 

Summary

We have consulted widely with the public, stakeholders and the regulators, and commissioned an online research study to gauge public perceptions of registers and to test their usability. This research confirmed our understanding that if a member of the public is going to the trouble of checking a regulator’s register, this should be straightforward and the information should be useful.

Cases of struck off individuals continuing to provide services to the public under different, unregulated titles, illustrate the value of publishing past fitness to practise sanctions long after the determination has been issued.

Research with the public confirmed that if someone is going to the trouble of checking a regulator’s register, this should be straightforward and the information should be useful. 

The report makes recommendations on the features of a good online register, including fitness to practise information, navigation and presentation, search features and glossaries.