Head of Professional Standards

Are you ready to shape a team from the ground up, drive impactful policy change, and collaborate across a newly restructured organisation?

We are collaborating with a regulatory body responsible for the oversight of legal professionals to recruit for a Head of Professional Standards.

Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 per annum Depending on experience
Employment Type: Full time, Permanent
Working Arrangements: Hybrid Working – a minimum of 4 days per month in the office, with the option for additional days during team or organisational events.
Location: Central London

About the Role
Are you ready to build a team from scratch, set new professional standards, and shape the regulatory landscape for the barrister profession? As the Head of Professional Standards, you will take on a high-impact role to lead a newly formed team within a restructured organisation. Reporting directly to the Director of Regulatory Standards, you’ll play a key role in developing and implementing training and compliance policies that establish professional excellence and regulatory oversight across the sector.

What You’ll Do

• Leadership and Team Building: Develop a new team, including an experienced Policy Manager and a Senior Policy Officer, with plans to recruit an additional Policy Manager. Create a collaborative, motivated team culture that drives high standards and positive outcomes.
• Policy Development and Stakeholder Engagement: Lead the creation and delivery of policies for professional training and regulatory compliance. Regularly engage with internal colleagues and external stakeholders, manage the annual bar training report, organise conferences with training providers, and establish regulatory frameworks.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Collaborate with leaders across the department to ensure cohesive structures and consistent practices, playing a vital role in aligning professional standards across the organisation.
• Regulatory Oversight: Ensure rigorous regulatory oversight of professional training standards in collaboration with a dedicated supervision team, providing robust regulatory frameworks for barristers and training providers.
• Line Management: Oversee a PA (currently being recruited) who will support diary management and logistical needs, enabling you to manage external engagements and organisational responsibilities effectively.

Who We’re Looking For

• Proven Leadership Experience: A strong background in building and leading effective teams, with both strategic and operational leadership skills.
• Policy and Regulatory Knowledge: While legal sector knowledge is beneficial, it is not essential. We are looking for an experienced policy professional, ideally within education, training, or regulatory contexts, who can bring fresh perspectives to this role.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication skills, with the confidence to work closely with senior stakeholders, lead conferences, and collaborate effectively across teams.

Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, this role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Hybrid Working: A minimum of four days per month in the office, with options to work from the office more frequently and during team or organisational events.
• Annual Leave: Up to 31 days of annual leave, plus a holiday transfer scheme.
• Pension: Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution.
• Parental Leave and Flexible Working: Supportive parental leave policies and flexible working options.
• Additional Benefits: Access to a range of perks, including gym classes, discounts, and rewards.

Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: Tuesday 12th November, 12pm
• Start Date: ASAP

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.