Professional Standards Authority

15/04/2026

Episode 100 of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation revisits one of the podcast’s most enduring questions: what does it mean to be a good regulator? Bringing together a diverse panel of global regulatory leaders, this milestone episode reflects on how the role has evolved amid rapid technologi...

15/04/2026

We were delighted to take part in the 100th episode of 'Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation', a podcast by the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR).

This milestone episode explores what it means to be a good regulator, with PSA CEO Alan Clamp reflecting on the importance of “staying on mission”, particularly if operating in a politically pressured environment. He also discusses how his approach to regulation has evolved over his career — from an initial focus on setting standards and checking compliance, to working with a broader and more complex understanding of regulation.

“I now see regulators not just as enforcers of rules, but as stewards of systems.”

This approach remains grounded in core regulatory principles such as proportionality, while also emphasising agility, prevention and a stronger focus on regulatory outcomes. Alan also explores the balance between public protection and the wider public interest, highlighting Right-touch regulation as a key framework for navigating this trade-off.

We have been working with CLEAR for more than a decade, through conference presentations, keynote speeches, podcasts, and more. From a presentation on standards of good regulation at the 2014 CLEAR conference, to Alan's 2023 keynote address on refocusing regulation in Salt Lake City, and more recent presentations on the barriers and enablers to making a complaint to a regulator, we have been delighted to continue sharing our work.

Follow the link below to listen to the full episode.

https://www.clearhq.org/podcast

14/04/2026

🔥Would AI guidance and regulation for healthcare professionals be helpful?🔥

In a recent webinar we hosted with Dr Helen Smith and Professor Jonathan Ives of the University of Bristol, potential issues with adopting AI were raised.

But which potential risk of AI most highlights the need for guidance and regulation for healthcare professionals?

1) A lack of transparency meaning that we can’t necessarily immediately spot and mitigate for issues such as bias
2) It could hallucinate
3) It could create hidden environmental issues such as high energy or water consumption

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.

Find out more about the webinar here:

We recently hosted a webinar, in collaboration with Dr Helen Smith RN and Professor Jonathan Ives

13/04/2026

We recently updated our Standards for Regulators and Accredited Registers.

For the first time, professional regulators and Accredited Registers are brought together under one set of Standards. Together, they cover more than two million registered practitioners.

Although these organisations work in different ways, the message is the same: everyone should receive the same high level of public protection.

The new Standards are clearer and easier to understand. We’ve reduced duplication, introduced six clear categories, and added new Standards on Governance.

Find out more about what’s changed and what it means in practice on our website 👇
www.professionalstandards.org.uk/publications/standards-regulators-and-accredited-registers-2026

13/04/2026

The latest minutes from the Nursing and Midwifery Council - NMC Independent Oversight Group meeting are available on our website.

The meeting covered a range of issues, including safeguarding. This involved discussion on the strengthening of the safeguarding team, updated training for staff, and safeguarding referrals.

Read the full minutes here:
https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/publications/nursing-and-midwifery-council-independent-oversight-group-updates

10/04/2026

📢 We're hiring 📢

We are looking for a Scrutiny Officer to join our Performance Review team within the Regulation and Accreditation Directorate.

In this role, you will lead the annual performance review of one of the ten professional regulators we oversee.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop skills in regulatory scrutiny, evidence‑based assessment and report writing, while contributing to public protection.

This role will suit someone who can:
- Plan and lead projects
- Identify and analyse qualitative and quantitative information
- Manage stakeholder relationships
- Write reports for internal and external audiences

If this sounds like you, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Click to apply: www.professionalstandards.org.uk/about-us/work-us/scrutiny-officer-maternity-cover

Deadline: 4 May 2026 (11:59pm)
Salary: £49,180
Contract: One‑year fixed term

10/04/2026

It is week two of our AI hot topic month, and we are sharing our first read of the week. Throughout the month, we will be highlighting recommended reading to support discussions around AI in health and social care.

Government plans for NHS reform rely heavily on technology and AI. But how do the public and NHS staff feel about this shift?

Our read of the week, from The Health Foundation shares survey findings on attitudes to technology and AI in health care, based on responses from the public and NHS staff across the UK.

The research shows broadly positive views towards technology but there is caution around AI, particularly among the public.

It also highlights important differences in perspective between NHS staff and the public, and across different groups. For example, women, younger people and those most likely to be on low or no income, tend to be less positive about the use of technology and AI in healthcare.

Regulation is also a key area of focus. When people are asked to weigh up safety and effectiveness, most favour stronger checks and safeguards over potential benefits like speed or economic growth.

This article offers valuable insight into why understanding attitudes towards AI will be critical if technology‑led reform is to succeed.

👉 We recommend giving it a read: https://www.health.org.uk/reports-and-analysis/analysis/attitudes-to-technology-and-ai-in-health-care?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Weekly_Newsletter_260309&dm_i=4Y2,95YQK,NF4GVL,12EV2E,1,0,0,0

09/04/2026

We want to support a more preventative approach to regulation as we carry out our statutory duties and respond to the challenges of a rapidly changing health and social care landscape.

Today, we are pleased to announce the publication of our Strategic Plan 2026–29. The plan reaffirms our commitment to protecting the public and is built around five themes: oversight, prevention, reform, governance and collaboration.

It sets out three key aims:
• Delivering highly effective oversight of regulation and registration
• Driving continuous improvement across regulators and Accredited Registers
• Working with others to help make the overall system more cohesive, supportive and preventative

As PSA Chair Caroline Corby put it:
“Our priority is clear: to protect the public. This plan sets out how we will use our independence and expertise to maximise our impact at a time of significant change.”

Read the Strategic Plan here: https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/news-and-updates/news/psa-publishes-strategic-plan-2026-29-focused-driving-preventative-regulation

08/04/2026

We introduced a single, clearer set of Standards for regulators and Accredited Registers — designed to strengthen public protection and improve outcomes for patients and service users.

Which area do you think will make the most difference? Comment below your thoughts.

1) Clearer expectations and consistency across regulators
2) Stronger governance and leadership requirements
3) Improved safeguarding and risk‑based decision‑making
4) Better collaboration and information‑sharing

Read our new Standards here:

An updated set of combined Standards for our work overseeing regulators and Accredited Registers.

06/04/2026

If you missed it last month, we have published a guest blog from David Hopkins of 39 Essex Chambers, on a recent Section 29 appeal: PSA v NMC and Tchampet.

The case centres on a nurse who slept while providing care to a vulnerable child and later acted dishonestly to conceal what had happened — despite having previously received a warning for similar behaviour.

👉 Read the full blog to explore the case and the role of our Section 29 powers.

In this guest blog, we take a deep dive into a recent appeal. David Hopkins of 39 Essex Chambers who acted on the PSA’s behalf, explains more about the appeal and its outcome.

02/04/2026

Last week, our Policy and Communications Director, Melanie Venables, spoke at an All-Party Parliamentary Group event at the House of Lords, contributing to the discussion on the renewal of the Women’s Health Strategy.

In this short clip, Melanie highlights why regulation must remain central to the conversation on women’s health.

01/04/2026

Introducing…PSA Hot Topics

As we step into a new month, we’re also launching something new. Each month, we’ll spotlight a key issue in health and care regulation – sharing helpful reading, videos, and insights from our work.

This month’s focus: Artificial Intelligence.
AI is rapidly reshaping health and care – from diagnostic tools and digital triage, to how regulators analyse data to protect patients. As the oversight body for 10 statutory regulators and the Accredited Registers, we’re closely watching how these technologies are introduced and used.

AI brings opportunities to strengthen public protection. For example:
• spotting emerging risks
• supporting more consistent decision‑making
• enabling a more preventative approach to regulation

But it also raises important questions about transparency, legal and ethical responsibilities, equity, and accountability when technology influences care.

Our work in this area is about understanding both the opportunities and the risks, convening expertise, and supporting a coordinated approach across the regulatory sector.

👉 Find out more about our work on AI and regulation:
https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/improving-regulation/our-policy-work/artificial-intelligence-and-regulation