Independent evaluation 2023

Following is a brief summary of the key findings, conclusions, and recommendations from the evaluation.

Independent evaluation of G-REG

In 2022, G-REG's Chief Executives' Oversight Group commissioned Martin Jenkins to undertake an independent evaluation to identify the value the Initiative has delivered for regulatory practitioners and their organisations since it was established in 2015.

The findings of the evaluation were used to inform a business case which presented the Chief Executives with options for future, and sustainable, funding, and operating models for G-REG.

Brief summary of findings

Finding:

G-REG is valued and supported by the regulatory community, but it lacks clarity on its role and focus.

Conclusion and recommendation:

G-REG needs a strategic reset to determine its unique value proposition.

Finding:

G-REG has helped lift basic foundational knowledge and instil a common language, but is still developing as a workforce professionalisation initiative.

Conclusion and recommendation:

Focussing on supporting ongoing professional development through communities of practice may be a more effective model.

Finding:

G-REG lacks a mechanism for staying up to date, and for understanding and responding to the needs of its audience.

Conclusion and recommendation:

G-REG needs to be more connected and responsive to emerging best practice, and the needs of its audience.

Finding:

Questions exist around the effectiveness of G-REG's qualifications programmes in lifting regulatory practice.

Conclusion and recommendation:

Practitioners value participatory and active learning approaches, and peer learning.

Finding:

The funding model is not fit-for-purpose or sustainable.

Conclusion and recommendation:

G-REG requires sufficient and stable funding in order to be effective.

Response to the findings

In June 2023, G-REG's Chief Executives Oversight Group agreed that G-REG would focus on lifting the understanding and application of regulatory practice through focusing on common needs at both organisational and individual levels. This was informed by the findings of the Evaluation, and a business case and strategic road mapping process.

In the medium term this option will deliver a robust knowledge base to the sector. Strategic choices in the longer term could see G-REG evolve either towards the delivery of professional development or towards a centre of excellence.

In practice this means that G-REG will:

• Establish and maintain a knowledge base for regulatory practice, including the coordination and development of guidance, frameworks and tools and case studies.
• Develop and maintain a suite of foundational learning materials (in a way that agencies are able to easily and flexibly deliver to their staff).
• Conduct ongoing environmental scans to understand common needs and knowledge gaps
• Facilitate communities of practice and peer advisory activities in support of building the knowledge base.

This approach will:

• Retain flexibility for G-REG around its future focus.
• Support the development of workforce and organisational capability and practice, which will have the effect of:
  • supporting improved regulatory outcomes
  • reducing the risk of regulatory failure.
• Create a focussed offering that enables G-REG to out in place a more sustainable operating model with a higher likelihood of funding certainty.

To support sustainability regarding funding, the Chief Executives Group (made up of current funders) agreed to increase their annual contributions and commit to funding for a 3-year term. G-REG will also seek funding from a wider number of government regulatory organisations.

G-REG funding agencies