Since its appointment, the Board has undertaken detailed work to understand and review Propertymark’s existing case handling and decision-making arrangements, laying the foundations for a more robust, credible, and independent regulatory framework that strengthens professional standards, protects consumers, and supports members.
Chaired by Melanie Carter, the eight-strong Board combines extensive experience of regulatory leadership and independent oversight with first-hand knowledge of the property profession. Its members have held senior positions across organisations including the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Defra, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, General Optical Council, and National Trading Standards.
Together, they bring the expertise needed to strengthen the credibility, independence and effectiveness of Propertymark’s regulatory arrangements, ensuring Propertymark is equipped to meet the demands of a changing regulatory environment while remaining grounded in the practical realities of the property sector.
The Board is central to Propertymark's ongoing commitment to strengthening professional standards and building public confidence in qualified, accountable property agents.
Experience that inspires confidence
Melanie Carter, Chair
Melanie is a Partner and Head of Regulation at Stone King LLP and a leading specialist in professional discipline and regulatory governance. With more than 20 years' experience as a Judge, alongside extensive work with professional regulators, she is recognised in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame for professional discipline.
She is joined by five fellow members bringing considerable expertise in regulation, governance and consumer protection:
Alongside this independent regulatory expertise, two highly experienced property professionals ensure the Board benefits from a strong understanding of the sector and the realities members face:
Building on strong foundations
Propertymark's work to strengthen its regulatory arrangements began ahead of the latest UK Government developments, reflecting its own commitment to maintaining high professional standards and protecting the public interest.
With UK Government plans progressing for independent regulation of sales agents across the UK and letting agents in England, including licensing and appropriate qualifications, this work has taken on even greater significance.
Since its appointment, the Board has developed a deeper understanding of Propertymark’s existing regulatory arrangements, the challenges facing property professionals and the expectations of consumers. Drawing on this insight, it is now helping shape the future of Propertymark’s regulatory framework, including reviewing compliance and disciplinary procedures to ensure they reflect regulatory best practice.
Regulation that supports professionalism
The Board's role is not simply about enforcing rules or responding when things go wrong. Its ambition is to support a regulatory approach that encourages good practice, identifies risks early and helps members continually improve.
Independent oversight will sit alongside Propertymark's established audit programme, specialist compliance expertise, education and practical guidance.
Crucially, members will have a voice in how the framework develops. Their experience will help ensure that future rules, codes and guidance are proportionate, practical and relevant to businesses of different sizes and disciplines.
By combining respected regulatory expertise with the knowledge of experienced property professionals, Propertymark is strengthening the foundations on which its professional standards are built.
The aim is to give consumers greater confidence in the agents they choose, support members in meeting high standards and ensure Propertymark continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of a trusted, accountable property profession.
Good regulation should be seen as an opportunity for the profession, not simply an additional obligation. When consumers know that the agents they deal with are qualified, accountable and held to high professional standards, it builds trust and gives them greater confidence in the decisions they make.
Our ambition is to ensure Propertymark’s regulatory arrangements are independent, credible and effective, providing meaningful protection for consumers while recognising and supporting the professionalism of members.
Stronger regulation benefits everyone: it raises standards, reinforces the value of choosing a Propertymark member and helps build the public confidence on which a successful property sector depends.
