This article discusses a not-so-obvious question of what kinds of people and organisations actually perform the role of a regulator, and why this might matter.

While there have been numerous reports on the need to regulate AI in the interests of the community, these and related new technologies also offer an opportunity for regulators to transform their internal processes.

Focussing on the importance of ‘Trust’, Marcelle-Shaw uses the lenses of regulation, consumer expectations, conduct and competence and ethics to outline the ways in which professions should act reliably and ably in our best interests.

Public trust in regulators to do our jobs competently and fairly, to protect our society, environment and economy from harm and to deliver public value is absolutely critical to social cohesion and order and to duty holders’ compliance.

The way regulation is designed, implemented and enforced can have positive or negative, equal or unequal and inclusive or exclusionary effects on individuals and communities.