The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) mission is to serve the public interest by setting high standards of corporate governance, reporting and audit and holding to account those responsible for delivering them. We are the UK Competent Authority for audit. We also set the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes as well as UK standards for accounting, auditing and actuarial work, and monitor and take action to promote the quality of corporate reporting and operate independent enforcement arrangements for accountants and actuaries. Further information about our role can be found at www.frc.org.uk.
As the UK Competent Authority for audit, the FRC’s Enforcement Division conducts investigations and takes enforcement action into breaches of audit standards under the Audit Enforcement Procedure (AEP). As the independent disciplinary body for the accountancy and actuarial professions in the UK, the Division also undertakes professional disciplinary investigations and enforcement action under the Accountancy and Actuarial Schemes (the Schemes) in cases involving accountants, accountancy firms and actuaries which raise important issues affecting the public interest in the UK.
Many of the investigations are large, complex, and high-profile and our cases regularly require liaison with other investigators including the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Insolvency Service, and the Pensions Regulator. Examples of recent case outcomes can be found on our website.
More information on the work of the Division can be found in our Annual Enforcement Review 2025.
The Role
The role will include:
* Assisting the Enforcement Division’s Information Asset Owner and data management team with business-critical workstreams and tasks concerning data management and related policy considerations, within the context of supporting Case Lawyers and multi-disciplinary case teams to deliver complex regulatory investigations.
* Supporting the development and implementation of the Enforcement Division’s data management policy and strategy and ensure its compliance with all applicable data protection laws and regulations (including UK GDPR, the DPA, FOIA, other legislation and regulations specific to the FRC’s work and the common law).
* Understanding and demonstrating best practice in complying with applicable laws, regulations and internal policies for the protection of personal, confidential and/or sensitive data.
* Assisting the Enforcement Division’s Information Asset Owner and data management team with the provision of, and contributing your own, high-quality, practical legal advice and analysis on data management and related policy considerations.
* Leading workstreams to implement updates to the Enforcement Division’s suite of policies and procedures on data management and related topics.
* Drafting practical advice and guidance for Enforcement case teams on data management and related topics arising from new and proposed legislative changes as well as developing good practice.
* Engaging with and working alongside lawyers from the FRC’s Legal Services Team and the FRC’s IT experts where additional input is required.
* Engaging with Government Departments, other regulators and other agencies on legal and policy issues relating to data management as required.
* Preparing and delivering training and presentations to Enforcement team members.
* Instructing specialist counsel to advise on legal questions relating to data management of high complexity or risk.
You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, alongside forensic accountants, lawyers, and legal assistants on data management and related policy issues in the context of supporting the delivery of complex regulatory investigations. The role is accountable to the Enforcement division’s Information Asset Owner, the Senior Leadership team and senior lawyers.
The role will also involve collaboration and engagement with colleagues in many of the FRC’s other Divisions including the Legal Services Team.
The Person
The successful candidate will be a solicitor or barrister with significant experience (typically in excess of six years) in advising on laws and regulations for the protection of personal, confidential and/or sensitive data (including UK GDPR, the DPA, FOIA, other jurisdiction specific legislation and regulations and the common law) as well as best practice in complying with the same.
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
* Excellent analytical skills and judgement
* Excellent legal and technical skills
* Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate clearly with a range of internal and external parties and credibility to engage with senior professionals
* Proactive and effective project management and organisational skills
* Significant expertise in advising on laws and regulations for the protection of personal, confidential and/or sensitive data and best practice in complying with the same, with detailed knowledge of current issues and trends in the field
* Previous experience working or acting for a prosecuting authority, regulator or disciplinary body with an enforcement function, with an understanding of the application of data management issues in that context
* A strong team ethic
* Determination and self-motivation to pursue matters, make well-reasoned suggestions and propose solutions
* Strong legal research skills and excellent IT skills
* Ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines
1. Ability to adapt in the face of a changing regulatory and procedural landscape
The post holder should be able to work flexibly to support the team’s activities. The FRC operates a hybrid working arrangement with its workforce, with precise arrangements to be agreed between the employee and the line manager. FRC has a minimum 40% office attendance requirement equating to 2 days a week in a f/t role).
This role is based in our Birmingham Office but the role holder may be required to attend the Central London office on occasion.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, and in particular those that are currently under represented in our workforce. This includes, but is not limited to, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.
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