Madison – Wisconsin regulatory board members overwhelmingly find board service and their role in public protection a positive and meaningful experience that makes a difference for the people of Wisconsin, according to results of a recent survey of those board members.
Nearly eight out of 10 members of Wisconsin regulatory boards, committees, and councils are satisfied with their work and 92% say they would recommend serving on a Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)-affiliated board to a colleague or friend.
Wisconsin DSPS, which administers the regulatory boards that oversee the state’s licensed professions, provided the voluntary survey to all board, committee, and council members in December.
“Board members serve an important public protection role, and they rely on our staff to execute their responsibilities. We wanted feedback on the job we’re doing so that we would know what is working well and what might need some attention,” explained DSPS Deputy Secretary Jennifer Garrett. “Overall, we were pleased to learn that most board members find fulfillment in board work, and the responses also helped us identify specific areas where we can augment or improve our board services.”
The survey results found 78% of those who responded either agreed or strongly agreed their board service has a positive impact, while 81% agreed or strongly agreed that serving on a DSPS board has expanded their professional skills and knowledge.
The survey also provided the opportunity to expand on their favorite aspect of board service. Responses included:
- “Collaboration with other professionals to make a difference in keeping the public safe.”
- “Ability to positively impact rulemaking in ways that reflect the current realities of practice.”
- “Giving back to the profession.”
Nearly two thirds (64%) of respondents felt satisfied with the training and development opportunities offered to board members by DSPS. However, several survey respondents indicated a desire for enhanced training and more thorough new-member orientation, which is an area the Department had also identified as an opportunity for improvement and growth.
“The feedback reinforced our thoughts about work we could do with our regulatory boards, committees, and councils to put them in the best possible position to make a positive impact,” said Audra Cohen-Plata, Administrator for the DSPS Division of Policy Development, which oversees board services.
Service on a board, committee, or council is a way to give back to Wisconsin that also provides opportunities for leadership and professional growth. There are board seats for licensed professionals and for the general public. Public members of boards are not expected to have experience in the field being regulated, and their unique perspective is important in all board functions, including licensing, policymaking, and disciplinary decisions.
Board members work with DSPS but are appointed by the governor. Not all boards have current vacancies, but applications are always accepted and kept on file for when open board seats come open.
“I would encourage anyone who is interested in public protection and good government to consider regulatory board service,” Garrett said. “People come to board service for different reasons, but our survey confirms what I had gathered from my interactions with our many boards—that it is meaningful work and a positive experience for those who do it.”
Learn more about board service options here. Applications can be submitted here.
About DSPS
DSPS issues more than 240 unique licenses, administers dozens of boards and councils that regulate professions, enforces state building codes, and maintains the Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which is a key tool in the multi-faceted public health campaign to stem excessive opioid prescribing. A fee-based agency, DSPS is self-sustaining and receives no general fund tax dollars for its day-to-day operations. With two offices and roughly 250 employees, DSPS collaborates with constituents and stakeholders across a wide range of industries to promote safety and advance the economy.
