ABSTRACT
Collectively, Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) form a significant, if sometimes overlooked, part of the quality assurance regime for UK higher education: currently, 149 PSRBs accredit or otherwise recognise over 14,000 courses. Focusing on the regulation of courses or examinations leading to eligibility to practise they have an influence on the work of most higher education institutions, as they deliver courses leading wholly or in part to practising as a professional. The education work of PSRBs sits alongside other core functions such as setting core practice standards, CPD requirements and maintaining fitness to practise regimes, all of which have had an influence on curriculum development and delivery in universities. The role of PSRBs is evolving and common themes are greater transparency, accountability and public protection: this is reshaping the relationship PSRBs have with their members/registrants but also higher education institutions, government and the public. The reach of some PSRBs is international and countries with similar approaches to the regulation of professional practice have similar PSRB sectors. Returning to the UK, PSRBs are working in, and negotiating their way through, changing quality assurance regimes in the countries of the UK.
