Overview
The Insolvency Service is a leading Government agency which plays a crucial role in providing essential services to the public and to business. The work we do is important to the proper functioning of markets, the economy in general and support for thousands of people each year who are in financial difficulty.
Inclusive and diverse teams are important to us. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups underrepresented in our workforce. The Insolvency Service strives to ensure that the agency is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for everybody to bring their true self to work and to help the agency to achieve its diversity objectives. We have 10 active employee network groups available to join or become an ally, these include, Carers Network, Disability & Health, FACES Network Group, Grass Roots, LGBT+, Mind Matters, No Limits, Part Time Workers, The Shed, and Women’s Network Group.
We offer full-time, part-time, job share and flexible ways of working. We value capability, technical skills and experience and we place great emphasis on lifetime development to support our people. We encourage our employees to become more involved in areas they feel strongly about, whether it be for the benefit of the agency, though our Engagement network or in their own local communities via volunteering opportunities.
The Insolvency Service is a great place to work, learn and grow your career!
We are seeking a talented and motivated Higher Executive Officer (HEO) to support the future implementation of a new, high-profile function: Setting standards for the insolvency profession on behalf of the Secretary of State.
The role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of insolvency regulation, deepen your expertise in insolvency, regulation and policy making; and help strengthen stakeholder engagement across the sector.
The post is in the friendly Insolvency Practitioner Regulation Section (IPRS) which sits within the Strategy, Policy and Analysis (SPA) directorate of the Insolvency Service. The team and wider Directorate are highly regarded, supportive and inclusive. Acting on behalf of Ministers, we serve as the oversight regulator for the insolvency profession. Our work is guided by statutory objectives, and we work closely with commercial regulators to raise standards and respond to issues across the insolvency sector. Our powers include issuing sanctions against regulators for poor performance.
What We Do
As part of IPRS, you’ll contribute to a wide range of regulatory functions, including:
* Monitoring the performance of the Recognised Professional Bodies (RPBs) that licence and regulate insolvency practitioners, ensuring compliance with statutory objectives and common standards
* Developing regulatory policy and leading collaborative efforts across the insolvency community to address emerging risks and challenges
* Managing public and Ministerial correspondence, including operating a vital complaints gateway for members of the public.
* Providing authoritative guidance to the insolvency profession on law and practice
* Chairing and contributing to external forums and committees, helping shape the strategic direction of insolvency regulation and amplify our influence across the sector.
Responsibilities
This is an exciting time to join IPRS. You would be joining a new team responsible for setting professional standards for the insolvency profession.
You’ll work closely with the SEO project lead and a wide range of stakeholders across the Insolvency Service, other regulators, enforcement bodies, and industry representatives. Your work will help lay the foundations and set the direction for this new function, which is central to our evolving regulatory landscape.
The post involves a variety of work in respect of our oversight regulation function and duties will include:
Policy Development & Research
* Support the SEO project lead in developing the strategic framework for standard setting, including drafting terms of reference, principles, and governance models
* Conduct research and analysis to inform decisions on whether existing standards (e.g. SIPs) remain fit for purpose or require revision
* Assist in identifying emerging risks and systemic issues that may warrant new or revised standards
Stakeholder Engagement
* Help coordinate, and sometimes lead, engagement with regulators (RPBs), advisory groups, other Government departments, and other key external stakeholders, to gather input and build consensus on proposed standards
* Support the organisation of workshops, surveys, and consultations with insolvency practitioners and stakeholders.
Delivery & Documentation
* Contribute to the drafting of the initial 12-month workplan for the standard setting function, including timelines, deliverables, and review cycles
* Maintain records of decisions, feedback, and implementation progress to support transparency and accountability.
Operational Support
* Assist in setting up practical arrangements for the function, including digital infrastructure, GOV.UK content, document templates, and internal workflows
* Support the development of internal guidance and training materials for internal and external stakeholders
* Line management responsibility.
Monitoring & Evaluation
* Help build process/infrastructure to track the implementation and impact of new standards, including post-implementation reviews and feedback loops
* Contribute to periodic reviews of the standard setting process and recommend improvements.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to:
* Build experience working with external organisations and regulators
* Gain insight into the broader policy and regulatory framework for insolvency practitioners
* Contribute to meaningful change in a dynamic and evolving sector
* Engage regularly with senior executives and experienced professionals across the insolvency and regulatory landscape, helping shape the future of the profession.
#J-18808-Ljbffr