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Welcome to the NRCoP regulators professional development page. On this page you will find information related to The Professional Regulator program.
Partnership with ANU RegNet
The National Regulators Community of Practice (NRCoP) has partnered with the Australian National University’s (ANU) School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) to deliver a new professional development program for regulators. RegNet is a world-class academic centre renowned for its pioneering research and education on regulation and governance.

Prof Kate Henne,
RegNet, The Australian National University
“Our School is thrilled to partner with NRCoP and ANZSOG to deliver this new and important program. The regulatory profession has grown significantly in recent years, making it an exciting but also varied space. This unique curriculum focusses on strengthening regulatory competencies and supporting robust professional development, with the first offering providing foundational knowledge in the field.
RegNet colleagues have really enjoyed the opportunity to co-develop this meaningful learning opportunity. Working with NRCoP experts has enabled us to create and innovative program that harnesses valuable academic and professional insights for application in real-world contexts. I am excited to see how The Professional regulator will not only enrich NRCoP, ANZSOG and RegNet’s existing activities, but also enhance the capacity of regulators to think, learn and lead with integrity and wisdom”

Rose Webb,
Chair, NRCoP

Adam Fennessy,
ANZSOG
“I am excited to announce that the National Regulators Community of Practice has partnered with the Australian National University’s School of Regulation and Global Governance to deliver a new world class professional development program for regulators. It is a privilege to be working alongside ANU, a university known for its excellence in pioneering research on regulation and governance, in an area that is becoming increasingly more important given the current geo-political climate”.
“The NRCoP community is responding to a well identified need for such an initiative and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the dedicated working groups that are so important to contributing to the dissemination of information that can only benefit and improve regulatory practices, not only across the nation but also throughout the wider Indo-Pacific region”
The Professional Regulator
The Professional Regulator provides professional development for regulators, regardless of regulatory sphere or jurisdiction, that results in a common foundation of current, modern regulatory practice, increasing the professionalism and capacity of regulators around Australia
The course is a practical six module online self-paced professional learning program. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to participate in a program of six seminars that will expand on the topics and themes explored in the six online modules.
The Professional Regulator: Extension
The Professional Regulator: Expert
The Professional Regulator: Leader
The Professional Regulator: Foundation commences Feb 2023 for corporate members and July 2023 for all regulators |
After completing this module you will be able to:
- explain why contemporary regulation matters
- identify who regulates in contemporary Australia
- describe the major styles, tools and concepts of regulation in use in Australia today
- know the regulatory approaches used by your organisation
After completing this module you will be able to:
- understand the legal environment in which Australian regulators work
- identify and explain regulators’ authorising environment and the use of authorising tools, including licensing, permitting, accrediting and registering
- apply these practical insights to real-life examples in complex regulatory environments
After completing this module you will be able to:
- understand different explanations for, and approaches to compliance
- consider and analyse the variety of reasons that may lead to non-compliance
- identify a range of options and strategies in the regulator compliance toolkit
After completing this module you will be able to:
- understand the many ways information can inform regulatory best practice
- identify key strategies for effectively gathering and using information, including evidence-based strategies and regulatory intelligence
- reflect on how to effectively collect and utilise information to align and support regulatory objectives
After completing this module you will be able to:
- identify the different kinds of regulatory communication and their value for regulatory practice
- understand when and how to use specific regulatory communication strategies, including lessons from case studies of successes, mistakes and failures
- refer to examples for mapping and planning regulatory communication plans and stakeholder engagement
After completing this module you will be able to:
- reflect on the specific attributes and responsibilities of a professional regulator, considering them in relation to previous modules
- develop a broad appreciation of issues related to ethics and ethical decision-making for regulators
- comprehensively demonstrate foundational professional competencies, reflecting on essential elements of effective regulatory practice
Participants in The Professional Regulator will have access to a program of 12 seminars, run in conjunction with RegNet at the Australian National University. The seminars provide an opportunity for you to learn with your peers, will be facilitated by expert regulators and delivered online. Seminars are run on a rotational basis and repeated two times a year so if you miss one you will have the opportunity to participate at a later date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your commitment to The Professional Regulator Program
Expressions of interest (open cohort)
Key dates for participating in the inaugural program:
Cohort One | Inaugural cohort consisting of one representative from each NRCoP corporate member organisation |
Enrolments open | End November 2022 |
Commences | Feb 2023 |
Duration | 6 months |
Key dates for participating in the program open to all regulators:
Open Cohort | Open to all NRCoP corporate members and non-corporate members |
EOI | Open (click here) |
Enrolments Open | May 2023 |
Commences | July 2023 |
Duration | 6 months |
Complete an Expression of Interest to enrol in The Professional Regulator in 2023.
Check your NRCoP Corporate Membership Status
To check your NRCoP Corporate Membership status or become a corporate member of the NRCoP, click here.
Stay up to date
Make sure you are signed-up to receive regular NRCoP communications.
Regular updates will also be provided via The Professional Regulator communications.