Episode 101: Public Understanding and Recruitment in Professional Regulation

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey speaks with Jennifer Garrett and Richard Woolf about what happens when regulators step outside traditional channels to better understand how the public perceives professional regulation. Drawing on Jennifer’s direct outreach to civic groups and Rich’s national perception data, the conversation reveals a significant awareness gap. Most individuals have little to no understanding of regulatory boards or their role in public protection. Yet, once informed, public support for regulation is strong. The discussion explores how this disconnect impacts recruitment for board service, highlights the importance of effective onboarding and training for public members, and underscores the need for regulators to communicate more clearly and consistently about their role. From leveraging community networks and social media to empowering current board members as ambassadors, the episode offers practical insights for strengthening public engagement, improving recruitment pipelines, and building more resilient regulatory systems.

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Then, engage in further discussion on CLEAR's Regulatory Network (members-only, join here).

• What untapped community networks or civic groups in your jurisdiction could serve as a pipeline for future board or committee members, and how might you begin building relationships with them? 
• What barriers, either real or perceived, might be preventing qualified, service-minded individuals from pursuing board appointments in your jurisdiction, and how could you better communicate the value and accessibility of these roles?