Guidance

List of UK regulators

The list of regulators contains UK bodies that can be considered to have statutory regulatory functions.

From:
Department for Business and Trade
Published
4 March 2026

Documents

Data file of UK regulatory organisations

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Details

The list of regulators seeks to provide clarity on regulatory bodies to improve user journeys for regulated entities. For the purposes of this list, we are using a broad definition of ‘regulator’ to include bodies that exercise statutory regulatory functions. We have included bodies that perform regulatory functions in the UK: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The regulatory bodies listed exercise statutory regulatory functions that are created in legislation.  This may include the setting of standards, inspection and enforcement of compliance with regulations, licensing or granting of certification for certain activities.

The list is non-exhaustive and is provided for general information purposes only. The list has no legal status and carries no legal effect.

The version of the list of regulators was published in March 2026 and will be subject to regular review. We would welcome any feedback regarding inclusions, exclusions or corrections by email to regulation.briefings-correspondence@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

We also have a separate list of UK regulated professions and their regulators.

Regulator Purpose
Civil Service Commission Provides assurance that civil servants are selected on merit on the basis of fair and open competition to help safeguard an impartial Civil Service, and provides advice on applications from senior civil servants and special advisers under the Business Appointment Rules.
Commissioner for Public Appointments Regulates the processes by which ministers make appointments to the boards of national and regional public bodies. The commissioner aims to ensure that such appointments are made on merit after a fair, open and transparent process.
Comptroller and Auditor General (National Audit Office) The UK’s independent public spending watchdog, supports Parliament in holding government to account and improves public services through our audits.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Promotes and enforces equality and non-discrimination laws in England, Scotland and Wales.
Regulator Purpose
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Global professional accounting body offering the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. Regulatory functions delegated from Financial Reporting Council.
Association of International Accountants Global body for professional accountants. Regulatory functions delegated from Financial Reporting Council.
British Hallmarking Council (to be abolished – its functions will be consolidated to the Department for Business and Trade) Supervises the hallmarking activities of the 4 assay offices in the UK to ensure there is adequate provision of hallmarking in the UK. On 21 October 2025, the government announced that it will be abolished and its functions will be consolidated to the Department for Business and Trade, as parliamentary time allows.
Companies House Official registrar of companies, responsible for incorporating and dissolving limited companies, as well as maintaining public records of company information.
Competition Appeal Tribunal Specialist judicial body with cross-disciplinary expertise in law, economics, business and accountancy to hear and decide cases involving competition or economic regulatory issues.
Competition and Markets Authority Promotes competitive markets and tackles unfair behaviour.
Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (to be abolished – to become part of ‘Fair Work Agency’ following the Employment Rights Bill) Protects the rights of agency workers by ensuring that employment agencies and businesses treat their workers fairly.
Financial Reporting Council Regulates auditors, accountants and actuaries, and set the UK’s Corporate Governance and Stewardship Code.
Groceries Code Adjudicator Enforces the Groceries Supply Code of Practice and regulates the relationship between supermarkets and their direct suppliers within the UK.
Insolvency Practitioners Association Authorises and regulates insolvency practitioners in the UK under insolvency legislation and supervises members’ compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. It undertakes monitoring, education, professional events, and stakeholder engagement, and works with relevant authorities and professional bodies, including the Insolvency Service and the Office for Professional Body AML Supervision Regulations (OPBAS).
Insolvency Service Administers compulsory company liquidations and personal bankruptcies, investigates serious financial misconduct in companies, supports individuals who are subject to bankruptcy or debt relief orders and in companies, acts as oversight regulator for the insolvency profession, and issues payments from the National Insurance Fund to the former employees of insolvent employers.
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Global professional body for chartered accountants (also regulates insolvency practitioners in the UK, Probate Practitioners, Insolvency Practitioners,Statutory Auditors and Administers of Oaths in the England and Wales). Regulatory functions delegated from Financial Reporting Council. It also provides anti-money laundering supervision to its members to ensure compliance with regulations.
Office for Product Safety and Standards Protects people and places from product-related harm, ensuring consumers and businesses can buy and sell products with confidence.
Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies (to be abolished and merged into Companies House) Decides whether an organisation is eligible to become, or continue to be, a community interest company.
Pubs Code Adjudicator Enforces the statutory Pubs Code, which regulates the relationship between all pub companies owning 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales and their tied tenants.
The Takeover Panel (Panel on Takeovers and Mergers) Issues and administers the Takeover Code, supervises and regulates takeovers and other matters to which the Code applies.
Regulator Purpose
British Board of Film Classification Responsible for the national classification and censorship of films exhibited at cinemas and video works.
Charity Commission for England and Wales Registers and regulates charities in England and Wales, to make sure that the public can support charities with confidence.
Gambling Commission Licenses, regulates, advises and provides guidance to individuals and businesses that offer gambling in Great Britain, including the National Lottery in the UK.
Games Rating Authority Responsible for the national classification and censorship of physical copies of video games.
Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (Historic England) Champions and protects England’s historic places and provides expert advice to government to ensure our historic environment is properly understood, enjoyed and cared for.
Independent Football Regulator Protects and promotes the sustainability of English football, for the benefit of fans and the local communities that football clubs serve.
Sports Grounds Safety Authority Advises on safety at sports grounds and oversees local authorities in safety certification.
Regulator Purpose
Office for Students Sets requirements that registered higher education providers must meet for teaching quality, student outcomes, equality of access and participation.
Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) Regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and maintains qualification standards.
Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) Inspects services providing education and skills for learners of all ages and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people.
Social Work England Regulates and sets standards for Social Workers in England.
Teaching Regulation Agency Responsible for the regulation of the teaching profession, including taking action on allegations of serious misconduct.
Regulator Purpose
Mining Remediation Authority (formerly Coal Authority) Licenses coal mining in Great Britain and manages the legacy issues that have resulted from coal mining, including mine water pollution.
North Sea Transition Authority (formerly Oil and Gas Authority) Regulates industries involved in oil and gas, offshore hydrogen and carbon storage.
Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning Regulates environmental and decommissioning activity for offshore oil and gas operations, including carbon capture and storage operations, on the UK continental shelf.
Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) Regulates energy to make sure that energy customers are treated fairly and benefit from a cleaner, greener environment.
Regulator Purpose
Animal and Plant Health Agency Safeguards animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Prevents the introduction and spread of serious and emerging fish and shellfish disease by providing data and advice to the UK government and our overseas partners.
Drinking Water Inspectorate (to be consolidated into a new water regulator) Provides independent reassurance that water supplies in England and Wales are safe, sufficient and drinking water quality is acceptable to consumers.
Environment Agency Protects and improves the environment in England by regulating certain activities that have the potential to harm the environment and people. Regulatory activity includes fisheries, flood risk, agriculture and intensive farming, water resources, waste management, industrial processes, emissions trading, chemicals, control of major accident hazards, and much more.
Forestry Commission Protects, expands and promotes the sustainable management of woodlands in England.
Marine Management Organisation Protects and enhances the marine environment by enabling sustainable marine activities and development.
Natural England Conserves, manages and enhances England’s natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
Office for Environmental Protection Protects and improves the environment by holding government and other public authorities to account.
Ofwat (to be consolidated into a new water regulator) The economic regulator of the water sector in England and Wales.
Rural Payments Agency Makes payments to farmers, traders and landowners and manages schemes to ensure a healthy rural economy and strong rural communities.
Veterinary Medicines Directorate Regulates veterinary medicines, including their authorisation, sale, supply and use, in the UK.
Regulator Purpose
Information Commissioners’ Office Upholds information rights in the public interest, overseeing the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act, Environmental Information Regulations, and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, amongst other pieces of legislation.
Intellectual Property Office Operates and maintains the UK’s intellectual property system of patents, designs, trade marks and copyright. Small, specialised regulatory function overseeing 20 copyright collective licensing bodies.
Ofcom Regulates the UK’s communications industries, including broadcasting, telecommunications (broadband, mobile and fixed‑line services), postal services, and the use of radio spectrum, along with online services.
Regulator Purpose
Civil Aviation Authority UK’s aerospace regulator with functions relating to airspace, safety, security, consumer rights, spaceflight and economic regulation.
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Maintains the registration and licensing of drivers and vehicles in Great Britain and collects and enforces vehicle tax.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Improves driving and motorcycling standards, carries out theory and practical driving and riding tests and sets standards for education and training.
Institute of the Motor Industry Develops skills benchmarks and qualifications relevant to the modern automotive sector, oversees assessment and accredits individuals to operate in the sector.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Prevents the loss of life on the coast and at sea, produces legislation and guidance on maritime matters and certifies seafarers. Enforces standards for ship safety, security, pollution prevention and seafarer health, safety and welfare.
Office of Rail and Road Regulates the rail industry and monitors National Highways to protect the interests of rail and road users. Office of Rail and Road (ORR) improves the safety, value, and performance of railways and roads, today and in the future.
Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain Regulates and licenses heavy good vehicle operators, bus and coach operators, regulates drivers who hold large goods or passenger carrying vehicle driving entitlement, and registers local bus services.
Vehicle Certification Agency Approves most categories of new vehicles and components from locations in the UK and overseas and is responsible for certification under UN and UK type approval schemes.
Regulator Purpose
Health and Safety Executive Regulates workplace health and safety and prevents work-related death, injury and ill health. Responsible for chemicals regulation and building safety, through the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Office for Nuclear Regulation Regulates nuclear safety, civil nuclear security and safeguards and health and safety at the 35 licensed nuclear sites in Great Britain as well as the transport of civil nuclear and radioactive materials by road, rail and inland waterways.
Pensions Regulator Protects workplace pensions in the UK.
Regulator Purpose
Care Quality Commission Regulates health and adult social care services in England. Ensures that health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care and encourages care services to improve.
Food Standards Agency Protects public health from risks arising from the consumption of food and protects the interests of consumers in relation to food.
General Chiropractic Council Regulates chiropractors in the UK to ensure the safety of patients undergoing chiropractic treatment.
General Dental Council UK regulator for dental professionals, to protect patient safety and maintain public confidence in the dental professions.
General Medical Council Makes sure that every doctor, physician associate (PA) and anaesthesia associate (AA) has the right knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience to work across the UK. Maintains official lists of these registered professionals.
General Optical Council Regulator for the optical professions in the UK.
General Osteopathic Council Keeps the public register of osteopaths and promotes high standards of practice and conduct, setting standards for osteopathic education and training, investigating concerns about osteopaths, and protecting the osteopathic title from misuse.
General Pharmaceutical Council Responsible for the independent regulation of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises within England, Scotland and Wales.
Health and Care Professions Council Protects the public by regulating 15 health and care professions in the UK.
Health Research Authority Protects and promotes the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research.
Human Ferilisation and Embryology Authority Regulates fertility treatment and research using human embryos.
Human Tissue Authority Regulates organisations that remove, store and use human tissue for research, medical treatment, post-mortem examination, education and training, and display in public and gives approval for organ and bone marrow donations from living people.
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority Regulates medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion in the UK.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care.
Nursing and Midwifery Council Promotes high education and professional standards for nurses and midwives across the UK, and nursing associates in England. Maintains the register of professionals eligible to practise, and investigates concerns about nurses, midwives and nursing associates.
Regulator Purpose
Association of Accounting Technicians (AML supervisory function to be moved to FCA) Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) enforces a code of ethics, investigates complaints, and licenses members offering bookkeeping or accounting services to clients, making it a form of professional regulation. It provides anti-money laundering supervision to its members.
Association of Taxation Technicians (AML supervisory function to be moved to FCA) Provides anti-money laundering supervision to its members who have businesses in the tax and accountancy sector to ensure compliance with regulations.
Bank of England (including the Prudential Regulation Authority) Maintains UK monetary and financial stability, including through setting monetary policy and regulating certain financial market infrastructure firms and payment systems.  Through the Prudential Regulation Authority, the Bank of England also sets and supervises prudential standards for banks, building societies, credit unions, insurers and major investment firms.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) (AML supervisory function to be moved to FCA) CIMA acts as a professional regulator for its members, setting ethical standards, enforcing a code of practice, and having disciplinary procedures.  It provides anti-money laundering supervision to its members to ensure compliance with regulations.
Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) (AML supervisory function to be moved to FCA) CIOT provides anti-money laundering supervision to its members who are tax practitioners to ensure compliance with regulations.
Financial Conduct Authority Regulates the conduct of relevant financial services businesses in the UK, with objectives to make sure that financial markets work well, ensure appropriate consumer protection, enhance the integrity of the UK financial system, promote effective competition, and facilitate international competitiveness and growth of the UK economy.
Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers (IAB) (AML supervisory function to be moved to FCA) IAB is a membership body for bookkeepers.  It provides anti-money laundering supervision to its members to ensure compliance with regulations.
Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) (AML supervisory function to be moved to FCA) ICB is a membership body for bookkeepers.  It provides anti-money laundering supervision to its members to ensure compliance with regulations.
Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) (AML supervisory function to be moved to FCA) IFA is an accountancy supervisory body that provides anti-money laundering supervision to its members to ensure compliance with regulations.
Payment Systems Regulator (to be abolished and consolidated into Financial Conduct Authority) Regulates payment systems and participants in those payment systems, with objectives to promote competition, innovation and the interests of the users of services provided by payment systems.
Regulator Purpose
Animals in Science Regulation Unit Administers and enforces the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which protects the use of animals in scientific research.
Disclosure and Barring Service Enables organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially involving children or vulnerable adults, and provides wider access to criminal record information through its disclosure service for England and Wales.
Forensic Science Regulator Makes sure that the provision of forensic science across the criminal justice system is subject to an appropriate regime of scientific quality standards.
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (to be abolished – will become part of ‘Fair Work Agency’ following Employment Rights Bill) Investigates labour exploitation in England and Wales and works with partners to target, dismantle and disrupt serious and organised crime across the UK.
Immigration Advice Authority Regulates immigration advisers; ensuring they are fit, competent and act in their clients’ best interests.
Independent Office for Police Conduct Police complaints watchdog for England and Wales. Investigates the most serious matters, including deaths following police contact and sets the standards by which the police should handle complaints.
Security Industry Authority Regulates the UK’s private security industry and activities such as cash and valuable in transit, close protection, door supervision, public space surveillance (CCTV), security guarding and key holding.
Regulator Purpose
Defence Safety Authority The independent regulator, investigator, and assurer for health, safety and environmental protection in defence and the overarching body for the Ministry of Defence’s safety regulators. It regulates across the air, land, maritime, nuclear, medical, fire, ordnance and munitions, and environmental protection domains.
Regulator Purpose
Architects Registration Board Regulates the Architect’s Profession in the UK.
Building Safety Regulator Sets out rules to protect the design and construction of higher-risk buildings.
HM Land Registry Registers the ownership of land and property in England and Wales.
Regulator of Social Housing Regulates for a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money.
Regulator Purpose
Bar Standards Board Regulates barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales.
CILEx Regulation Regulates Charted Institute of Legal Executive (CILEX) members and firms in England and Wales.
Costs Lawyer Standards Board Regulates costs lawyers in England and Wales
Council for Licensed Conveyancers Regulates specialist conveyancing and probate lawyer in England and Wales.
Intellectual Property Regulation Board Regulates patent and trade mark attorneys.
Legal Services Board Oversight regulator of the legal services regulators in England and Wales.
Master of the Faculties Regulates the notarial profession in England and Wales.
Solicitors Regulation Authority Regulates all solicitors and most law firms in England and Wales.
Regulator Purpose
Electoral Commission Inspects the operation of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Regulates and administers the business costs and decides the pay and pensions of the 650 elected MPs and their staff in the UK.

Northern Ireland regulatory bodies

Regulator Purpose
Building Control Northern Ireland Enforces building regulations in Northern Ireland, ensuring buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with standards for health, safety, welfare, convenience, conservation of fuel and power, and prevention of waste, pollution and nuisance.
Charity Commission for Northern Ireland Regulates charities operating in Northern Ireland.
Chartered Accountants in Ireland Professional body for Chartered Accountants in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Drinking Water Inspectorate, DAERA Regulates drinking water quality in Northern Ireland, ensuring that water supplies meet regulatory standards and are safe for public consumption.
Driver and Vehicle Agency Northern Ireland Responsible for vehicle testing, driver licencing, driver testing, and enforcement of vehicle standards in Northern Ireland.
Education and Training Inspectorate Northern Ireland Provides inspection services and information about the quality of education and training provision across all sectors of education in Northern Ireland, including schools, further education, work-based learning, and youth services.
Employment Agency Inspectorate Northern Ireland Regulates employment agencies and employment businesses in Northern Ireland, ensuring compliance with employment agency legislation and protecting the rights of agency workers.
Equality Commission for Northern Ireland Provides protection against discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, race, religion and political opinion, sex and sexual orientation.
Fisheries Inspectorate, DAERA Enforces fisheries legislation in Northern Ireland to ensure sustainable fisheries management, monitors fishing activities, and conducts inspections of fishing vessels and seafood businesses.
Forest Service, DAERA Manages forests in Northern Ireland, regulates forestry activities, and enforces forestry legislation to ensure sustainable forest management.
General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland Oversees the qualification, registration, and good conduct of teachers in Northern Ireland.
Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland Promotes and enforces health and safety at work standards in Northern Ireland.
Insolvency Services, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland Administers and regulates the insolvency regime in Northern Ireland, dealing with bankruptcies, company liquidations, and administrations.
Land and Property Services Northern Ireland Responsible for mapping, land registration, property valuation, and rate collection in Northern Ireland. Maintains the Land Registry, Registry of Deeds and Statutory Charges Registry, and provides valuation services for taxation and other statutory purposes.
Law Society of Northern Ireland Professional body for the solicitors’ profession in Northern Ireland. Under the Solicitors (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, the Law Society acts as the regulatory authority governing the education, accounts, discipline and professional conduct of solicitors in order to maintain the independence, ethical standards, professional competence and quality of services offered to the public.
Minerals Service, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland Regulates the exploration and extraction of minerals and petroleum in Northern Ireland, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and environmental standards.
Northern Ireland Environment Agency Environmental regulation, protection and enforcement.
Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority Responsible for improving, managing and maintaining the three fishery harbours and harbour estates of Ardglass, Kilkeel, and Portavogie and for operating the facilities which are provided at these harbours.
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Ensures government and other public bodies protect the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Practise and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery Promotes high standards in nursing and midwifery education and practise in Northern Ireland, supporting professional development and quality improvement.
Northern Ireland Social Care Council Maintains a register of Social Workers and Social Care Workers in Northern Ireland. Sets standards for Social Workers and Social Care Workers for their conduct, training and practice. Sets standards for and regulates social work education and training in Northern Ireland.
Office of the Lady Chief Justice, Northern Ireland Provides leadership for the judiciary in Northern Ireland, ensuring the effective administration of justice and maintaining judicial standards.
Parades Commission for Northern Ireland Places restrictions on any parades in Northern Ireland it deems contentious or offensive.
Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland Registers and regulates pharmacists and pharmacies in Northern Ireland as well as providing leadership to the profession, in the public interest.
Rail Safety Authority Regulates the rail industry in Northern Ireland, issuing licences and ensuring compliance with railway regulations.
Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) Registers, inspects and encourages improvement in residential and nursing homes, and nursing and domiciliary care agencies.
Rivers Agency, Department for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland Manages flood risk in Northern Ireland, maintains watercourses, and enforces drainage and flood prevention regulations.
Single Use Carrier Bag Levy Regulator, Northern Ireland, DAERA Responsible for the administration, collection, and enforcement of the Single Use Carrier Bag levy, which requires retailers to charge a minimum of 25p for each new carrier bag supplied to customers, with the proceeds going to the Department for environmental projects.
Trading Standards Service Northern Ireland Enforces consumer protection legislation in Northern Ireland, ensuring fair trading practises and product safety standards.
Transport Regulation Unit, Northern Ireland Regulates the road freight and passenger transport industries in Northern Ireland, issuing licences and ensuring compliance with transport regulations.
Utility Regulator (NI) Regulates the electricity, gas, water and sewerage industries in Northern Ireland, promoting the short- and long-term interests of consumers.
Veterinary Services, DAERA Ensures animal health and welfare in Northern Ireland, provides veterinary public health services, and enforces animal health legislation.

Scotland regulatory bodies

Regulator Purpose
Accountant in Bankruptcy Responsible for administering the process of personal bankruptcy, corporate insolvency, recording corporate insolvencies and protecting trust deeds.
Association of Construction Attorneys Regulates Construction Attorneys.
Care Inspectorate (Scotland) Regulates and inspects care services in Scotland to make sure they meet the right standards.
Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (DWQR) Regulates the water supply and ensures accurate, impartial information is available on drinking water quality in Scotland to promote the use of robust water science.
Faculty of Advocates Independent body of lawyers who have been admitted to practise as advocates before the courts of Scotland, especially the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary.
Food Standards Scotland Protects the health and wellbeing of consumers in Scotland.
General Teaching Council for Scotland Independent regulator for teachers in Scotland to enhance trust in teachers by setting, upholding and promoting high standards.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland Inspects and regulates healthcare providers in Scotland to help them improve the quality of care they deliver, ensuring safe, effective and person-centred care.
Historic Environment Scotland Lead public body for Scotland’s historic environment, responsible for regulating works to scheduled monuments and listed buildings, and providing statutory advice on planning applications affecting historic sites.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland Professional body for Chartered Accountants in Scotland.
Law Society of Scotland Professional body for over 13,000 Scottish solicitors, with an overarching objective of leading legal excellence, understanding and serving the needs of our members and the public. As part of regulatory duties, sets and upholds standards to ensure the provision of excellent legal services and ensure the public can have confidence in Scotland’s solicitor profession.
NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage) Scotland’s nature agency working to improve the natural environment and inspire people to care for it, with regulatory functions over protected areas, wildlife management, and species licencing.
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator Independent regulator and registrar for 24,610 charities in Scotland.
Registers of Scotland Responsible for compiling and maintaining 20 public registers relating to land, property, and other legal documents in Scotland. Oversees land registration, maintains the Land Register of Scotland and the General Register of Sasines.
Scottish Biometrics Commissioner Supports and promotes the adoption of lawful, effective, and ethical practices in relation to the acquisition, retention, use, and destruction of biometric data for criminal justice and police purposes in Scotland.
Scottish Environmental Protection Agency Protects the Environment and Human Health to ensure that Scotland’s natural resources and services are used as sustainably as possible and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Provides fire and rescue services across Scotland, with regulatory functions in fire safety enforcement, inspecting premises and ensuring compliance with fire safety legislation.
Scottish Housing Regulator Protect the interests of tenants, people who are homeless, and others who use social landlords’ services in Scotland.
Scottish Human Rights Commission Recommends changes to law, policy and practice to promote human rights and conducts inquiries into the policies and practices of Scottish public authorities.
Scottish Information Commissioner Independent public official responsible for promoting and enforcing Scotland’s freedom of information (FOI) law.
Scottish Social Services Council Regulator for the social work, social care and children and young people workforce in Scotland.
Water Industry Commission for Scotland Sets prices for water and sewerage services that deliver Scottish ministers’ objectives for the water industry at the lowest reasonable overall cost to consumers by facilitating competition. Monitors and reports on Scottish Water’s performance regarding customer service, investment, costs and leakage.

Wales regulatory bodies

Regulator Purpose
Agricultural Land Tribunal for Wales Adjudicates on disputes between agricultural landlords and tenants, and related matters concerning agricultural land in Wales.
Cadw Responsible for conserving Wales’s historic environment, regulating works affecting listed buildings and scheduled monuments.
Cardiff Harbour Authority Responsible for the management and maintenance of Cardiff Bay, regulating navigation and water quality within the harbour area.
Care Inspectorate Wales Regulates and inspects social care and childcare services in Wales to ensure they meet legal requirements and standards.
FSA Cymru (Food Standards Agency Wales) Protects public health in Wales related to food, ensuring food safety and standards across the food chain.
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales Independent inspectorate and regulator of healthcare in Wales, inspects NHS services, and regulates independent healthcare providers.
Medr Responsible for funding and regulating the tertiary education and research sector in Wales.
Natural Resources Wales Regulator of the marine, forest and waste industries in Wales.
Public Service Ombudsman for Wales Independent body that considers complaints about public services and independent care providers in Wales, and investigates allegations that members of local authorities have broken their code of conduct.
Social Care Wales Regulates the social care workforce in Wales, and provides national leadership and expertise in social care and childcare, play and early years in Wales.

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Published 4 March 2026

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