Highlights from the 2025 Institute of Regulation Annual Conference

On 27 March, over 270 regulators, policymakers, and regulatory practitioners gathered at BMA House in London for the third annual Institute of Regulation (IoR) conference. With its theme of “Good regulation—protecting citizens, supporting growth and building trust,” the event served as both a forum for insight and an energising community touchpoint for the UK's regulatory sector. 

Hosted by the IoR, the flagship one-day event featured a mix of plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and networking opportunities, offering a platform for learning, reflection, and collaboration. With support from headline sponsor Objective RegWorks, the conference—the UK’s largest annual gathering on regulation—explored how regulators are responding to modern pressures with innovation, leadership, and a renewed focus on trust. 

Setting the tone: Community, scrutiny, and opportunity 

Michael Hanton, deputy chief regulator at Ofqual and IoR Board member, opened the event by acknowledging the increased scrutiny faced by regulators and the mounting challenges of limited budgets, evolving remits, and emerging technologies like AI. But his remarks also struck an optimistic note, calling on attendees to treat the day as a “gift of time” for reflection and reconnection. 

“This is an opportunity for all of us who are committed to the idea of good regulation,” Hanton said. “Good regulation as a force for protecting citizens, including the most vulnerable... as an enabler for growth, and as a tool for democracy.” 

He reminded attendees of the IoR’s founding purpose: to bring together a community dedicated to understanding and delivering good regulation. That community, now comprising more than 50 regulator members and hundreds of individual and affiliate members, has become the UK's largest professional network for regulators. 

Keynote insight: Digital transformation with perspective 

Kirsty Dusting, Global VP of regulatory solutions at Objective RegWorks, provided a brief but thought-provoking address linking the UK’s current digital transformation efforts to the broader theme of good regulation. 

Drawing on research Objective recently published—based on structured interviews with 20 UK regulators and a survey of 24 more—Dusting outlined several recurring challenges in regulatory technology projects. She compared the journey of digital transformation to climbing Mount Everest, noting that success often hinges not on the climbers, but on the quality of the guides and equipment. 

“The good news,” she said, “is that all of you have taken the perfect first step. You're here today, connecting with each other and learning from one another.” 

Copies of the research report were made available at the event, and Dusting encouraged attendees to engage further with the insights and tools shared. 

Recognising excellence: The first IoR Awards 

This year’s conference also marked the launch of the Institute’s first-ever awards programme, recognising excellence in regulatory practice. Pauline Stephen, CEO and registrar of the General Teaching Council for Scotland, presented the inaugural Collaboration in Regulation award, celebrating joint efforts that exemplify the spirit of community. 

Later in the morning, Tom Vincent of the UK’s Food Standards Agency was named the winner of the Rising Star in Regulation award. The recognition celebrates emerging leaders making a tangible impact in the field. Mary Jervis, Group Manager at the Information Commissioner’s Office, received the Innovation in Regulation award. 

Breakout sessions: Innovation, leadership, and trust 

Attendees had the opportunity to join breakout sessions, each aligned to one of the conference’s core themes: 

• Innovating regulatory practice focused on the practical steps regulators can take to transform their operations through AI, data, cooperation, and new funding models. 

• Regulatory leadership explored the evolving demands on regulatory leaders and shared new research into the skills and behaviours shaping the next generation of leadership. 

• Trust in regulation addressed public perceptions of regulators and strategies for building transparency, accountability, and mutual trust. 

Each session featured panels of expert speakers from across sectors, providing practical insights and real-world examples. 

Panel reflections: Changing regulatory practice 

The afternoon plenary session brought together senior figures to discuss the evolution of regulatory practice. Professor Julia Black of Nuffield College, Oxford, was joined by Sir Julian Hartley, CEO of the Care Quality Commission; Jen Smith, CEO of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority; and Joe Montgomery CB, a former civil service commissioner. 

Panelists reflected on their experiences navigating change in highly visible, high-stakes environments. From healthcare to creative industries, they emphasised the importance of engaging stakeholders, staying values-driven, and taking measured risks to innovate. 

A political perspective: Ministerial remarks 

Justin Madders MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, delivered a keynote that underlined the government's interest in regulatory effectiveness and efficiency. 

He emphasised the dual role of regulation in both supporting growth and protecting the public, acknowledging that regulators operate in complex environments that require both independence and accountability. 

“We want regulators to feel confident in making the right decisions for the public,” he said, while also stressing the need for transparency and continuous improvement. 

Closing thoughts: Vision and action 

Marcial Boo, CEO of the Insolvency Practitioners Association and chair of the Institute of Regulation, delivered the closing plenary titled "A vision for good regulation.” 

He encouraged attendees to develop their own institutional visions of good regulation, supported by clear principles and actionable goals. Boo’s message emphasised practicality as much as aspiration. 

“If you want good regulation, you have to work at it,” he said. “You need leadership, courage, and a community around you to get there.” 

Looking ahead 

As attendees filtered out of BMA House after a full day of learning and connection, one thing was clear: the regulatory community is more energised than ever. With big challenges ahead—technological disruption, evolving public expectations, and shifting political priorities—the IoR’s annual gathering offers a vital space for honest conversation, collaboration, and inspiration. 

For those who couldn’t attend, now’s the time to get involved. And for those who did: see you next year. 

Interested in learning more about digital transformation in regulation? Download Objective’s new Digital Change in Regulation report or get in touch with our team.