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Chartered professionalism in public service regulation

Dr David Arku CFIOSH on strengthening capability, integrity and organisational impact

How achieving chartered status can enhance professional judgement, reinforce organisational confidence and support stronger regulatory practice.

It demonstrates the wider benefits that arise when individual expertise is recognised and backed by an employer committed to professional growth.

“For me, chartered status is not about letters after my name. It is about trust. It shows I can do my job well and make sound choices when they matter most.”

Dr David Arku CFIOSH

Company
HeFRA

Background

Working in public service regulation involves navigating the space between policy, standards and front‑line delivery. Decisions made in this environment affect patients, staff and wider health systems. The ability to apply clarity, sound judgement and evidence‑based reasoning is essential.

Chartered status provided a structured foundation of skills that helped enhance these capabilities. It supported the regulator to apply professional principles consistently and to work with care, fairness and integrity.

A person wearing a red shirt and a lanyard leans over a table while using a laptop, with several other seated participants and blue chairs visible in the background. The scene takes place in a meeting or training room with documents and bottled water on the table, and the HeFRA logo displayed on the wall.
Dr David Arku CFIOSH

Employer committment

The regulator’s employer places strong value on professional development. Rather than treating accreditation as a personal achievement, the organisation views it as an asset that strengthens overall performance.

By encouraging and supporting chartered status, the organisation helps create a culture where professionalism, ethical practice and continuous learning are embedded in day‑to‑day work.

Impact on practice

The combination of individual chartered status and organisational backing has led to a number of improvements, including:

  • strengthening approaches to inspection and oversight
  • embedding quality‑improvement thinking across regulatory activity
  • providing mentorship to colleagues
  • supporting the design of frameworks that align with international standards while remaining appropriate for local needs.

This alignment between personal development and organisational intent has helped translate professional principles into tangible, system‑level outcomes.

Building confidence

One of the most significant outcomes has been the growth of confidence, both individually and across the organisation. Investing in chartered professionals supports consistent, reliable and well‑reasoned practice.

This, in turn, contributes to stronger regulatory decisions and a culture where doing things well is prioritised, even when the work is challenging.

Reflections

For this regulator, chartered status represents more than a professional designation. It reflects a commitment to applying knowledge responsibly, making ethical choices and contributing to wider organisational and societal goals.

Build confidence and capability through chartered status

Explore how chartered status can support your growth, enhance credibility and reinforce the quality of your work.