ALL THINGS LICENSING
Better informed regulators generally lead to better informed decision-making. That provides benefits not only for authorities but also for the trade itself, creating greater consistency, transparency and confidence in the regulatory process.
A professional conduct framework
For taxi licensing specifically, it could provide officers with a stronger grounding in areas such as:
l Driver suitability assessments l Enforcement powers l Safeguarding l Disability awareness obligations l Licensing policy development l Committee processes l Evidence gathering l Regulatory decision-making l Public law principles
A structured qualification framework would also support recruitment and retention, which remains a significant challenge for many local authorities.
If licensing becomes a recognised professional career with clear development pathways, it becomes easier to attract talented individuals into the sector and provide them with opportunities for progression.
Continuing professional development
The strategy also places significant emphasis on Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The Institute intends to introduce a formal CPD framework and has set a target of achieving 90% CPD compliance among its members. For many professions, mandatory continuing development is simply accepted as part of maintaining competence. Licensing arguably has an equally strong case.
The legislative landscape changes continually. In the taxi world alone, recent years have seen developments around safeguarding expectations, national standards, immigration checks, disability access duties, infor- mation sharing, medical standards, vehicle emissions, fraud prevention and emerging technologies.
No licensing officer can rely solely on knowledge acquired years earlier. Likewise, drivers and operators benefit when licensing authorities are supported by well-trained officers who remain current with legislation, case law and best practice.
PHTM NOVEMBER 2026
Alongside qualifications and CPD, the strategy proposes the introduction of a professional conduct framework. Although details will develop over time, the principle is significant. Licensing professionals exercise considerable influence over matters affecting liveli- hoods, businesses and public safety. Public confidence depends not only upon technical competence but also integrity, objectivity and ethical conduct.
The introduction of recognised professional standards helps reinforce those expectations. Importantly, this should not be viewed as something that exists purely for practitioners.
High professional standards within licensing authorities help drive higher standards across the industries and sectors being regulated. If we expect taxi drivers and operators to meet rigorous standards of conduct, professionalism and compliance, it is entirely reasonable that regulators hold themselves to similarly high standards.
A stronger voice for licensing
Another notable aspect of the strategy is the Institute’s commitment to expanding its policy and research role. Plans include increased engagement with govern- ment, parliament and stakeholders alongside the production of annual State of Licensing reports.
This matters because licensing professionals frequently find themselves at the sharp end of emerging public policy challenges.
The taxi sector provides numerous examples. Issues such as vehicle accessibility, safeguarding, vehicle standards, cross-border hiring, operator models, autonomous technology and national consistency continue to generate debate across local and national government.
The profession benefits from having a strong, credible and respected body capable of bringing practical frontline experience into national policy discussions.
The IoL’s ambition to strengthen that voice should therefore be welcomed by licensing practitioners and responsible members of the trade alike.
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