Head of Department (PSR Policy)

Requirements of the role

The work of the PSR/Payment Systems Directorate has a significant impact on millions of consumers and businesses as well as UK and international markets. We use a range of regulatory tools to ensure firms have the interests of their clients and the integrity of the market at the heart of how they run their business. This includes setting the standards we expect firms to meet, exploring and analysing identified risks within firms in our sectors through firm specific and cross-firm work; ensuring firms behave appropriately when detriment arises. We also work closely with trade bodies and other third parties to help determine and communicate trends, forward views and gauge the horizon of risks in the market.

The team/department

The Department has undergone a period of significant change in the last few years, including the restructuring of existing departments and the establishment of new teams and capabilities. The emphasis of the role is now on ensuring effective cross-team delivery alongside focused external engagement and stakeholder management. Playing a key role in building relationships with senior industry stakeholders, the job holder will need to represent the PSR/FCA within the industry as well as delivering on a portfolio of projects that have an external impact and a significant domestic profile. The Policy team’s role is fundamental to delivering impact in multiple key areas of our updated Strategy. This includes completing our critical work on card fees, variable recurring payments and Authorised Push Payment fraud.

This will involve taking a lead during a time of significant change and innovation in the PSR/FCA and the payments arena. The role requires an individual who will be able to lead a team of both experienced colleagues and new recruits to understand and incorporate expert legal and economic advice into policies that reflect our strategic priorities and statutory responsibilities to promote competition and innovation, while demonstrating our reputation as a leading regulatory body. In essence, we are looking for someone who can take a pragmatic approach to using the PSR/FCA’s powers to protect people in the payments space through robust, creative policy development and excellent stakeholder engagement.

What you will be doing (the role)

The Head of Policy leads this team and is a member of the Payment Systems Regulator’s Executive Team. The role-holder will be responsible for making decisions that influence and impact the organisation and the UK’s payments systems, as part of the PSR’s Executive Team. They will also be responsible for leading the development and delivery of policy for the PSR and providing high quality advice to the PSR Executive. They will also represent the PSR at Board level and with executive levels of major banks and payment firms; the Bank of England and FCA; and will engage with Parliament (MPs and Select Committees).

As a member of the Executive, the job holder will be a key contributor to the delivery of our current strategy and in developing our new strategy, as well as the PSR’s Annual Business Plan. Therefore, the job holder will not only need to lead and give direction within their department (circa 40 people) but to embrace responsibility for working with the PSR leadership team to set direction for the wider organisation. Reflecting the changing payments landscape the nature of the responsibilities will develop over time to reflect new issues and challenges.

• Leading on regulatory policy for the PSR and being open to a wide variety of approaches to improve outcomes for people and businesses using payments within our remit. Actively working with the Deputy Managing Director and wider PSR Executive Team to lead and advise the MD, Board members and on regulatory policy matters.
• Sponsoring key policy initiatives and projects, working across organisational boundaries to develop a unified PSR approach to our work. Taking a confident, collaborative approach towards stakeholders and delivery partners to ensure high-quality outcomes. These initiatives include taking action to address harm, to support improvements in payment systems and to take steps to increase choice and competition.  The role may also involve leading market reviews or investigations into market disputes or competition issues.
• Establishing strong, working relationships with our external stakeholders as one of the key ‘faces’ of the PSR, based on mutual respect and open dialogue. Building effective relationships with key senior stakeholders internally and externally that generate visibility of and support for our work. These may include stakeholders from payment system operators, HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Particularly close and collaborative working with the Financial Conduct Authority will be a core part of this role .
• Contributing to the PSR’s vision and strategy.
• Developing and implementing plans to implement the recent Strategy update  (https://www.psr.org.uk/media/saoofhsk/psr-strategy-review-jan-2025.pdf).
• Provide exceptional leadership and management of the Policy Department, developing and supporting a high performing management team, and encouraging team working and collaboration across all areas of the PSR. Being an active role model for PSR colleagues across the organisation and a visible member of the PSR Executive leadership team.
• Building a strong and inclusive division that attracts and develops diverse talent.

What will you get from the role?

• Joining the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at the PSR during an exciting and challenging time in financial services and its regulation
• Leading a department of talented and committed people through significant, high profile, projects whilst also delivering on business-as-usual objectives
• Exposure to strategic issues and key players in the world of finance and regulation, both nationally and internationally.

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