Better by design: Rethinking interventions for better environmental regulation

► A typology of environmental policy and regulatory instruments has been refined through interviews with UK policy makers. ► Factors affecting policy makers' choices of instrument are identified. ► Direct regulation is considered necessary in many areas, to reduce environmental risks and tackle poor performance. ► Co-regulatory approaches may offer advantages for managing uncertainty, developing evidence and refining objectives. ► Policy makers' skills for effective design of policy and regulation are examined.