Head of Adjudication (Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Lawyer)

We have a compelling opportunity for an experienced lawyer (Solicitor, Barrister, CILEX lawyer or equivalent) to lead our adjudication function as Head of Adjudication.

What's in it for you

• Be the lead adjudicator bringing a high level of expertise in our most complex cases
• Play a key part in delivering against the SRA's strategic plans
• Lead an experienced team of adjudicators, supporting high quality decision making across the organisation

The role

As Head of Adjudication, you will lead an internal team of adjudicators as well as panel adjudicators that makes clear, reasoned, and proportionate decisions grounded in the relevant legal frameworks and policies, always with the public interest and regulatory risk in mind. As a mentor and role model, you will engage your team in new initiatives and foster continuous improvement.

This pivotal role involves maintaining effective oversight of our adjudication work, ensuring appropriate resourcing, and managing relationships with referring teams to improve operational handovers. You will act as a deputy to the Director when required, sharing responsibility for monitoring and appraising panel adjudicators, and contributing to the development of a high-performance culture across the organisation.

Your role also includes overseeing hearings to ensure they are conducted fairly and transparently, reviewing decisions for consistency and quality, and ensuring all written outcomes are clear and succinct.

We are keen to hear from skilled lawyers, passionate about delivering high quality regulatory decision making in a proactive, customer focused environment.

What we are looking for

• Solicitor, barrister, CILEX lawyer, or equivalent legal qualification, with a current practising certificate
• Skills and experience of managing diverse groups, using your knowledge on building and sustaining high performing teams
• Experience of applying and interpreting legislation, policy and criteria in decision making or in the provision of advice
• Ability to effectively communicate with staff and colleagues at all levels
• Understanding regulatory and operational risk and its impact upon the area
• Track record of contributing to a high-performance culture and developing others through leading and managing change

Useful and additional information

There is a Role Profile attached at the bottom of the advert on our website.

We are recruiting for this role in our Birmingham, Cardiff, and London offices. You will be based in the office nearest to your location, with the expectation of working two days a week in the office and the remainder of the week from home. Regular travel to Birmingham, at least monthly, will be required.

We are happy to discuss scope for flexible working arrangements within the full-time hours (35 hours). If you have any questions that are not answered in the advert or on our website, or would like to have a confidential chat you can contact us via: .

To apply

Please click 'apply' to complete the online application form and upload a CV and cover letter, addressing how you meet the requirements of the role. The Cover Letter should be no longer than 2 pages.

To find out more about the recruitment and selection process and how to make the most of your application, please visit our jobs pages.

Closing date for applications is 4 August at 09:00. Interviews are anticipated to take place week of 18 August in our Birmingham office.