Skills Matrix

Has a basic awareness of the principles of regulation and why it exists. Understands that regulation is intended to achieve specific policy outcomes and that regulators operate within a statutory framework.

Understands and can apply the principles of proportionate, consistent, transparent, accountable and targeted regulation. Can explain the statutory basis for regulatory activity and apply this in their work.

Has an advanced understanding of regulatory principles and can apply these in complex cases. Can advise others on regulatory principles and challenge approaches that are disproportionate or inconsistent with the statutory framework.

Has deep expertise in regulatory principles and can lead the application of these across complex and novel cases. Shapes organisational policy and approach in line with regulatory principles. Mentors others in applying the principles.

Sets the strategic direction for the application of regulatory principles across the organisation. Ensures the organisation's regulatory approach is proportionate, transparent and aligned with statutory obligations. Leads sector-wide discussions on regulatory principles.

Is aware of the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct in regulation. Understands that regulatory decisions must be made impartially, with integrity and in the public interest.

Acts professionally and ethically in carrying out regulatory functions. Manages conflicts of interest and maintains impartiality. Understands the impact of regulatory decisions on regulated entities and the public.

Demonstrates high standards of professional conduct and ethical decision-making. Can identify and manage complex ethical issues and competing interests. Supports others in understanding and applying ethical standards.

Embeds professional and ethical standards across their area of practice. Leads on complex ethical and professional issues. Acts as a role model for regulatory professionalism and contributes to sector-wide professional standards.

Leads the organisation's approach to professional conduct and ethics. Sets the cultural tone for ethical regulatory practice. Engages with sector-wide professional bodies and contributes to the development of professional standards in regulation.

Is aware that regulation has costs and benefits and that these need to be considered when making regulatory decisions. Understands that poorly designed regulation can create unnecessary burdens.

Can identify and explain the costs and benefits of regulatory decisions. Understands the impact of regulation on economic growth, resilience and societal outcomes. Applies basic impact assessment in their work.

Can lead on and contribute to impact assessments. Has an advanced understanding of how regulation affects economic growth, innovation, resilience and societal outcomes. Can challenge disproportionate or poorly evidenced regulatory proposals.

Has deep expertise in regulatory impact assessment. Leads complex cost-benefit analyses and advises on the implications of regulatory proposals for economic growth and innovation. Shapes organisational approach to impact assessment.

Sets the strategic framework for how the organisation assesses and manages the costs and benefits of regulation. Leads on sector-wide engagement on the economic and societal impact of the regulatory framework.

Has a basic awareness that different models of regulation exist, including prescriptive, principles-based, risk-based and co-regulation.

Understands the different models and approaches to regulation and can apply these appropriately in their work. Can explain the rationale for different regulatory approaches.

Has an advanced understanding of different regulatory models and approaches and can advise on their application in complex situations. Can critically evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches.

Has deep expertise in regulatory models and approaches. Leads on the design and application of regulatory approaches across complex areas. Advises others and contributes to sector-wide thinking on regulatory models.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's regulatory model and approach. Leads sector-wide engagement on the development and evolution of regulatory models.

Has a basic awareness of how legislation is made and how this provides the legal basis for regulation.

Understands legislative processes and the statutory basis for regulatory functions. Can identify the legal framework that applies to their regulatory work.

Has an advanced understanding of legislative processes and can advise on the legal basis for regulatory decisions. Can identify and address gaps or inconsistencies in the legislative framework.

Has deep expertise in legislative processes and the legal framework for regulation. Leads on legislative engagement and advises on the development of new or amended regulatory legislation.

Leads on the organisation's engagement with legislative processes. Represents the organisation's interests in the development of regulatory legislation and advises ministers and senior officials on legislative matters.

Is aware that regulators operate casework systems to manage their regulatory functions.

Can operate effectively within casework systems. Manages cases in accordance with regulatory procedures and timescales. Maintains accurate records and case documentation.

Has an advanced understanding of casework systems and can advise on their design and operation. Can identify improvements to case management processes and implement changes.

Has deep expertise in casework system design and operation. Leads on the development and improvement of casework systems. Advises on the use of data and technology to improve case management.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's casework systems. Ensures systems are fit for purpose, efficient and support effective regulatory outcomes.

Is aware that regulatory frameworks set out the rules and structures within which regulation operates.

Understands the components of regulatory frameworks and can contribute to the development or review of frameworks within their area of work.

Can lead on the design and development of regulatory frameworks. Has an advanced understanding of how frameworks interact and can advise on complex design issues.

Has deep expertise in regulatory framework design. Leads on the development of complex frameworks and advises on sector-wide framework design issues.

Sets the strategic direction for the design and evolution of the organisation's regulatory framework. Leads sector-wide engagement on framework design and engages with government on regulatory reform.

Is aware that new technologies create regulatory challenges and opportunities and that regulators need to keep pace with technological change.

Understands the regulatory challenges posed by emerging technologies in their sector. Can apply existing regulatory frameworks to novel technologies where appropriate.

Has an advanced understanding of how to regulate emerging technologies. Can develop regulatory approaches for novel technologies and advise on the application of existing frameworks.

Has deep expertise in regulating emerging technologies. Leads on the development of regulatory approaches for novel and disruptive technologies. Contributes to sector-wide and cross-regulatory thinking on technology regulation.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's approach to regulating emerging technologies. Leads sector-wide and government engagement on the regulatory challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies.

Is aware that regulators use data, evidence and intelligence to inform their work and that decisions should be based on evidence.

Can collect, analyse and use data, evidence and intelligence to support regulatory decisions. Understands the limitations of data and applies appropriate quality assurance.

Has an advanced understanding of how to use data, evidence and intelligence in regulation. Can design data collection and analytical approaches and advise on the use of evidence in complex cases.

Has deep expertise in the use of data, evidence and intelligence. Leads on data strategy and the development of analytical approaches. Contributes to sector-wide thinking on the use of evidence in regulation.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's use of data, evidence and intelligence. Leads on data governance and ensures the organisation has the capability to generate and use high-quality evidence to support regulatory decisions.

Is aware of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the regulatory landscape.

Understands how artificial intelligence is being used in their regulatory sector and the opportunities and risks it presents. Can apply existing regulatory frameworks to AI applications where appropriate.

Has an advanced understanding of the regulatory challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Can develop regulatory approaches for AI and advise on complex AI-related cases.

Has deep expertise in the regulation of artificial intelligence. Leads on the development of regulatory approaches for AI and contributes to sector-wide and cross-regulatory thinking on AI governance.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's approach to regulating artificial intelligence. Leads engagement with government and sector stakeholders on AI regulation and governance.

Is aware that regulators set and promote standards to achieve regulatory outcomes.

Understands how standards are set and promoted within their regulatory area. Can apply and communicate standards effectively to regulated entities.

Has an advanced understanding of standard-setting processes and can advise on the development and application of standards. Can lead on standard-setting activity in complex areas.

Has deep expertise in setting and promoting standards. Leads on complex standard-setting activity and contributes to national and international standards development.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's standards framework. Leads sector-wide and international engagement on regulatory standards.

Is aware that some regulatory systems require authorisation (such as licences or permits) before activities can take place.

Understands authorisation processes and can manage authorisation casework within established procedures. Assesses applications against relevant criteria and makes sound decisions.

Has an advanced understanding of authorisation frameworks and can advise on complex cases. Can lead on the development and improvement of authorisation processes.

Has deep expertise in authorisation systems. Leads on complex authorisation decisions and the design of authorisation frameworks.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's authorisation framework. Oversees the performance of authorisation systems and ensures they are proportionate and effective.

Is aware that regulators monitor and assess compliance with regulatory requirements.

Can carry out compliance monitoring and assessment activities within their area of work. Applies risk-based approaches to prioritise monitoring activity.

Has an advanced understanding of compliance monitoring and assessment. Can design and implement monitoring programmes and advise on complex compliance issues.

Has deep expertise in compliance monitoring and assessment. Leads on the design of compliance programmes and contributes to sector-wide approaches to compliance monitoring.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's compliance monitoring and assessment framework. Leads on sector-wide and cross-regulatory engagement on compliance approaches.

Is aware that regulators have enforcement powers and that these may be used when regulatory requirements are not met.

Understands the enforcement tools available and when they should be used. Can manage enforcement cases within established procedures and make proportionate enforcement decisions.

Has an advanced understanding of enforcement frameworks and can advise on complex enforcement decisions. Can lead on the development and review of enforcement policies.

Has deep expertise in enforcement. Leads on complex enforcement matters and the development of enforcement strategy. Contributes to sector-wide thinking on proportionate enforcement.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's enforcement approach. Leads on enforcement policy and ensures the organisation's approach is proportionate, consistent and legally sound.

Is aware that regulators evaluate the effectiveness of their regulatory interventions.

Understands evaluation methods and can contribute to evaluation activity within their area of work. Can use evaluation findings to improve regulatory approaches.

Has an advanced understanding of evaluation methods and can design and lead evaluation programmes. Can advise on the use of evaluation evidence to improve regulatory effectiveness.

Has deep expertise in regulatory evaluation. Leads on complex evaluation programmes and contributes to sector-wide evaluation methodology.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's evaluation framework. Ensures the organisation systematically evaluates its regulatory impact and uses evidence to drive continuous improvement.

Is aware of the importance of clear, accurate and accessible communication in regulation.

Communicates clearly and accurately in carrying out regulatory functions. Tailors communication to different audiences and uses appropriate channels.

Has an advanced understanding of regulatory communication and can advise on communication approaches. Can lead on complex communications and develop communication strategies for regulatory activities.

Has deep expertise in regulatory communication. Leads on high-profile and complex communications and contributes to the development of the organisation's communication strategy.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's communication approach. Represents the organisation publicly and leads on sector-wide communication on regulatory matters.

Is aware that regulators work with regulated entities and that this relationship is important to achieving regulatory outcomes.

Can engage effectively with regulated entities in carrying out regulatory functions. Builds constructive relationships while maintaining regulatory independence and impartiality.

Has an advanced understanding of how to work with regulated entities and can manage complex stakeholder relationships. Can advise on engagement strategies and handle difficult situations.

Has deep expertise in engaging with regulated entities at a senior level. Leads on complex stakeholder relationships and contributes to sector-wide approaches to regulated entity engagement.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's approach to working with regulated entities. Leads senior-level engagement and represents the organisation in high-profile regulated entity relationships.

Is aware that regulators work collaboratively with other regulatory bodies to achieve shared outcomes.

Can engage effectively with other regulatory bodies in carrying out their functions. Understands the roles and responsibilities of other regulators in their area.

Has an advanced understanding of the regulatory landscape and can manage complex inter-regulatory relationships. Can advise on joint working and co-regulatory arrangements.

Has deep expertise in inter-regulatory working. Leads on complex joint working arrangements and contributes to sector-wide regulatory collaboration.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's engagement with other regulatory bodies. Leads on cross-regulatory partnerships and represents the organisation in senior inter-regulatory forums.

Is aware that regulators operate within a framework set by government and that they have a relationship with their sponsoring department.

Understands the relationship between regulators and government and can engage effectively with government officials in carrying out their functions.

Has an advanced understanding of the regulatory-government relationship and can advise on complex policy and governance issues. Can manage relationships with sponsoring departments and other government bodies.

Has deep expertise in working with government. Leads on complex policy engagement and contributes to government regulatory reform and policy development.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's engagement with government. Represents the organisation at the highest levels of government and provides strategic advice to ministers and senior officials.

Is aware of the importance of public engagement in regulation and that regulators have a duty to be transparent and accountable to the public.

Can engage effectively with the public in carrying out regulatory functions. Handles public enquiries and complaints professionally and maintains public confidence.

Has an advanced understanding of public engagement in regulation and can design and lead engagement programmes. Can manage complex public-facing issues and crises.

Has deep expertise in public engagement. Leads on high-profile public engagement activity and contributes to the organisation's public-facing strategy.

Sets the strategic direction for the organisation's approach to public engagement. Represents the organisation publicly and leads on sector-wide transparency and accountability initiatives.