Head of Regulation Governance

Head of Regulation Governance

Job title : Head of Regulation Governance

Hours : Full-time

Term : Permanent

Location : London City office with some home working

Reports to : Director of Regulation and Policy

Works closely with : Chief Executive, Regulation and Conduct Committee, Senior Leadership Team, and others.

About the IPA

The Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) is a regulator and membership organisation, recognised by the UK Government for the purposes of licensing and regulating members to act as insolvency practitioners. As the only body specialising solely in the regulation and improvement of insolvency UK-wide, the IPA is at the forefront of maintaining and raising professional standards in insolvency practice. This includes taking regulatory action where necessary as well as promoting good practice by creating insolvency qualifications, widening access to insolvency knowledge, and understanding and leading debate on current regulatory issues. A team of 40 staff, headquartered in the City of London, is responsible for regulating and supporting the IPA’s licence holders, members, associates and students.

The role

The IPA is an evidence-based and authoritative regulator, basing decisions on the law and our published procedures. We provide high-quality technical advice and an understanding of insolvency legislation to those we regulate. Our Regulation and Conduct Committee is tasked with making regulatory decisions following our inspection findings or investigations following complaints about our members. This new post of Head of Regulation Governance oversees all IPA work to support our regulatory decision-making, including ensuring that legal and technical advice and support is provided when required.

This is an essential role at the heart of the IPA’s decision-making. The postholder will help the IPA to remain a high-performing, efficient and effective regulator that brings benefit to the insolvency profession. In addition, over the coming years, there are likely to be changes to insolvency regulation. The postholder will be central to how the IPA takes these changes forward and responds to the challenges ahead.

The successful candidate is likely to have a strong track record in governance or legal roles involving evidence-based decision making. An understanding of insolvency is not necessary, but the successful candidate should show experience of quickly understanding complex areas of policy, the law or finance. Experience of regulation would be highly valuable.

This role will suit someone with good inter-personal and communication skills who enjoys working in roles where details matter and compliance with standards is essential.

Department

The role reports to the IPA’s Director of Regulation, working alongside the IPA’s Chief Inspector and Head of Process. This role manages the IPA’s governance team and in-house legal and technical advisors, totalling four members of staff.

Role responsibilities

• Lead all governance work, including by supporting the IPA’s Board and Regulatory Committee, advising internally on procedure, training and communications as necessary, and leading the organisation of the IPA’s Annual General Meeting.
• Oversee legal advice to the Board, CEO and IPA generally, liaising with external lawyers as necessary.
• Oversee the provision of technical advice to the sector, to support the development of high professional and ethical standards in insolvency, including through articles, handbooks and other publications, as well as through a telephone helpline, liaising as necessary with the Insolvency Service and other stakeholders.
• Ensure the IPA Board and senior staff have access to legal and technical advice as necessary.
• Support the CEO and Director of Regulation and Policy on evolving policy and regulatory change, ensuring the IPA is responsive and takes the initiative to improve insolvency regulation.
• Attend the IPA’s Senior Leadership Team, contributing to decisions on strategic, operational and staffing matters.

Person specification

Essential :

At least three years’ experience in legal or regulatory governance roles. Thorough understanding of good governance, particularly in regulators, public bodies or corporate firms where high standards must be upheld. Experience working with board members, non-executives, or decision-makers. Outstanding communication skills, and the ability to express complex issues with clarity. Excellent organisational skills and experience of managing competing issues. Good problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure to tight timelines. Good experience leading and managing a team and working collaboratively with colleagues remotely and in person.

Desirable :

Understanding of law and practice in a professional field, whether in the insolvency or financial services or legal sectors. Understanding of regulatory roles and responsibilities, particularly in the regulation of professionals. Experience of professional membership bodies and / or regulatory environments.

Applicants who can contribute to the team and play a central part in the IPA’s regulatory and governance work should apply using the details provided below.

Diversity and Inclusion at the IPA

The IPA is committed to diversity and inclusion. We believe that the insolvency profession, and our own organisation, does best when it reflects the society we serve. We value and promote diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all appointments made on merit. We positively encourage applications from people from all sections of the community, from all backgrounds and with a broad range of experience.

How to apply :

Applications should be submitted to lyng@ipa.uk.com . Your application should include a cover letter that details your suitability for the job against role responsibilities and person specification and a current CV. Please also advise your current salary in your application.

Application Terms and Conditions :

Salary : £90,000 per annum gross dependent on experience

Good Benefits Package including but not limited to private health, death-in-service and a generous pension package.

Annual Leave : 27 days, with an opportunity to purchase up to a further week.

Post : Permanent

Closing date : 5pm 30th September 2025

Feedback will only be available for shortlisted candidates. No agencies