Learning Pathways
Five structured learning pathways aligned to the five development levels. Each pathway sets out the themes and skills covered, expected capability outcomes, suggested evidence and reflective prompts.
Awareness Pathway
For civil servants and professionals who require an understanding of regulation and the role of regulators. Those beginning a professional career in regulation would normally commence at Working Level.
- Regulation theory
- Regulatory communication, collaboration and engagement
- Regulatory principles
- Regulatory professionalism and ethics
- Communication
- Working with regulated entities
- Working with government
- Understands why regulation exists and the role of regulators.
- Is aware of the statutory basis for regulatory activity.
- Can explain the importance of proportionate, transparent regulation.
- Understands the public interest obligations of regulatory work.
Completion of an awareness review checklist against the DBIST framework. Reflection on how regulatory awareness applies in your current role.
- 1.Can you explain what regulators do and why regulation exists?
- 2.Do you understand the key regulatory bodies relevant to your work?
- 3.Are you aware of the legal basis for regulatory decisions in your area?
Working Level Pathway
For entry-level regulatory roles applying knowledge, skills and networks independently.
- Regulation theory
- Regulatory system design and casework
- Regulatory tools and interventions
- Regulatory principles
- Understanding legislative processes
- Casework systems
- Setting and promoting standards
- Monitoring and assessing compliance
- Enforcement
- Can apply regulatory principles independently in casework.
- Understands the full range of regulatory tools and when to use them.
- Can manage regulatory cases within established procedures.
- Builds professional relationships with regulated entities while maintaining independence.
Structured evidence portfolio demonstrating independent application of regulatory skills. Case study review against the DBIST framework capability wording.
- 1.Can you demonstrate independent application of regulatory principles in your casework?
- 2.Do you understand the legal framework that applies to your regulatory work?
- 3.Can you explain your regulatory decisions clearly with reference to the statutory framework?
Practitioner Pathway
For experienced regulators developing deeper professional capability and stronger regulatory judgement.
- All five themes
- Costs and benefits of regulation
- Regulatory models and approaches
- Designing regulatory frameworks
- Using data, evidence and intelligence
- Enforcement
- Evaluation
- Working with regulators
- Working with government
- Has an advanced understanding of regulatory principles and can advise others.
- Can lead on the design and development of regulatory frameworks.
- Uses data and evidence to support complex regulatory decisions.
- Has effective professional networks in regulation.
- Can manage complex stakeholder relationships across regulators and government.
Evidence portfolio with complex casework examples and documented decision rationale. Reflective professional discussion demonstrating advanced regulatory judgement. Self-assessment against the DBIST Practitioner capability wording.
- 1.Can you advise colleagues on complex regulatory matters with confidence?
- 2.Have you contributed to the development or review of regulatory policy or frameworks?
- 3.Do you have effective professional networks in regulation?
- 4.Can you lead on standard-setting, enforcement or evaluation activity?
Advanced Practitioner Pathway
For highly experienced regulators who influence policy, shape regulatory practice, provide expert judgement and operate across organisational boundaries.
Note: Advanced Practitioner is the highest professional practice level. It is distinct from the Leader level — Advanced Practitioners improve regulation, while Leaders determine regulatory direction. The Senior Leadership Programme sits exclusively within the Leader level.
- All five themes at Advanced Practitioner level
- Regulatory principles (specialist domain)
- Regulating emerging technologies
- Using artificial intelligence
- Enforcement strategy
- Evaluation at strategic level
- Public engagement
- Working with government (ministerial level)
- Leads on complex regulatory investigations and sector-wide guidance.
- Shapes organisational policy and approach in line with regulatory principles.
- Contributes to national and international standards development.
- Acts as a mentor and role model for regulatory professionalism.
Evidence of strategic regulatory judgement, organisational influence and professional authority. Portfolio of complex regulatory work with documented decision rationale.
- 1.Are you influencing regulatory policy and shaping practice across your organisation?
- 2.Do you provide expert regulatory judgement in complex or ambiguous situations?
- 3.Are you building organisational capability and supporting less experienced colleagues?
- 4.Do you operate across organisational boundaries and represent your organisation externally?
Leader Pathway
For directors, heads of profession, chief executives and senior decision-makers responsible for organisational direction, culture, capability and performance.
Note: The Senior Leadership Programme forms the development pathway for the Leader level — a facilitated executive programme distinct from Advanced Practitioner development.
- All five themes at Leader level
- Regulatory strategy
- Organisational leadership
- Executive accountability
- Stakeholder leadership
- Regulatory excellence
- Sector-wide governance
- Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's regulatory approach.
- Leads engagement with ministers, senior officials and sector stakeholders.
- Represents the organisation publicly and at sector-wide forums.
- Leads organisational change in regulatory approach and capability.
Strategic contribution review including leadership of regulatory programmes, sector-wide engagement evidence, board-level contributions and development of regulatory strategy. Professional discussion at Executive or equivalent level.
- 1.Are you setting strategic direction for your organisation at board or executive level?
- 2.Do you lead regulatory professionals and shape organisational culture?
- 3.Are you accountable for regulatory performance and outcomes at the highest level?
- 4.Do you engage at ministerial, senior government or sector leadership level?