LR-301d · Module 3

Building the Regulatory Function

3 min read

Regulatory mapping that depends on one person's initiative stops when that person is unavailable. A regulatory function with defined roles, documented processes, and scheduled activities operates independently of any individual. The function does not need to be large — a single person with documented processes and clear ownership is sufficient for most organizations. What it needs is continuity.

Do This

  • Document the regulatory mapping process so anyone with legal training can execute it — process documentation is the continuity plan
  • Assign regulatory monitoring to a named role, not a person — when the person changes, the role continues
  • Schedule regulatory review activities on the organizational calendar — scheduled activities happen, ad-hoc activities are deferred

Avoid This

  • Keep regulatory knowledge in one person's head — organizational knowledge must survive personnel changes
  • Treat regulatory mapping as a project with an end date — regulation is continuous, and so is the mapping
  • Assume the regulatory function will sustain itself — without scheduled activities and accountability, it atrophies