Head of Compliance

Job Title: Head of Compliance
Location: Ipswich, Colchester Area
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

About Us
We are recruiting for a leading law firm who are committed to delivering exceptional legal services to our clients while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance and ethical practice. As they continue to grow, they are seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Head of Compliance to lead their compliance function and ensure we remain at the forefront of regulatory best practice.

The Role
As Head of Compliance, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the firm’s integrity, reputation, and operational efficiency. Reporting directly to the Board/Managing Partner, you will take the lead in developing, implementing, and overseeing our compliance policies, procedures, and frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the firm’s compliance strategy, ensuring alignment with applicable laws and regulations, including SRA Standards and Regulations.
• Serve as the firm’s Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) and/or Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA), where applicable.
• Monitor regulatory updates and ensure timely implementation of changes affecting the firm.
• Lead on risk management, anti-money laundering (AML), data protection, and GDPR compliance.
• Deliver training and support to staff on compliance matters, promoting a culture of accountability and ethical practice.
• Handle regulatory audits, inspections, and investigations, ensuring a positive and compliant outcome.
• Act as the primary point of contact with regulatory bodies, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and other relevant organizations.
• Maintain the firm’s policies and procedures library, ensuring they are comprehensive and up-to-date.
• Oversee compliance reporting to the Board and key stakeholders.

About You
To succeed in this role, you will be a proactive and experienced compliance professional with a strong understanding of the legal sector’s regulatory landscape.

Key Requirements:

• Significant experience in a senior compliance role within a law firm or related professional services environment.
• In-depth knowledge of the SRA Standards and Regulations, AML requirements, and GDPR.
• Proven track record of managing compliance frameworks and leading teams.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• A relevant compliance, legal, or risk management qualification is desirable but not essential.

What We Offer

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the firm’s operations and success.