Episode 101: Who Knows What We Do? 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. Transcript

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