At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance efforts, ensuring the firm meets all regulatory and legal obligations.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking law firm committed to compliance and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, private healthcare, and enhanced pension contributions.
- Other info: We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping compliance culture in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in compliance within legal or professional services is essential.
Head of Compliance
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Compliance to lead and develop our firm’s compliance function. This is a key leadership role, combining strategic oversight with hands‑on delivery, ensuring the firm meets its regulatory, legal and professional obligations while supporting continued growth.
This position is full-time permanent with office presence 3-4 days per week, and ideally you will be based in or within a short commute of Peterborough or Cambridge. There will be regular travel for business needs.
What we’re looking for
A confident and credible leader who can combine technical expertise with commercial awareness—ensuring compliance supports the firm’s success rather than hindering it.
The Role
You will be responsible for maintaining a robust compliance framework, providing clear and practical advice to the Board, partners and staff, and ensuring day‑to‑day compliance activity is delivered consistently and effectively.
You’ll play a central role in promoting a strong culture of compliance, risk awareness and client protection—balancing regulatory rigour with pragmatic, business‑focused decision making.
Key Responsibilities
- Regulatory & Governance: Oversee compliance with SRA Standards & Regulations, Accounts Rules and wider obligations; support the Board and COFA; act as COLP, MLRO and/or DPO if required.
- AML & Financial Crime: Lead AML framework, risk assessments, due diligence processes and firm‑wide training.
- Data Protection: Manage GDPR compliance, data breach responses and information governance controls.
- Audit & Quality Assurance: Deliver a risk‑based file audit programme, identify trends and drive continuous improvement.
- Client Care & Conduct: Oversee complaints handling, conflicts, professional conduct and client protection priorities.
- Policy & Training: Develop policies, deliver training and embed compliance into firm systems and processes.
- Risk Management: Maintain risk registers, identify emerging risks and provide clear Board‑level reporting.
- Leadership: Lead and develop the compliance team, building strong relationships across the firm and promoting best practice.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in compliance, risk or regulatory management within a legal or professional services environment.
- Strong working knowledge of SRA Standards & Regulations, SRA Accounts Rules, AML, data protection and professional conduct obligations.
- Experience in file auditing, compliance monitoring and breach management.
- Track record of advising partners, senior leaders and fee earners on compliance and risk matters.
- Ability to produce clear, concise reports for senior management and Board‑level audiences.
- Experience developing policies, procedures, training programmes and risk‑based controls.
- Practical understanding of law firm operations, including client onboarding, matter management, supervision, billing and file closure.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a Head of Compliance, Compliance Manager, COLP, MLRO or DPO role.
- Experience within an FCA‑regulated environment.
- Background in a multi‑office law firm.
- Familiarity with legal technology, case management systems and compliance workflow tools.
- Experience managing regulatory visits, external audits or insurer reviews.
- Involvement in change initiatives or process improvement projects.
- Relevant qualifications in compliance, AML, risk, legal or data protection.
Reward and development
Buckles recognise the success of every employee; working with you to ensure you have what you need to maximise your potential and develop your career.
Alongside a host of development, professionally and personally, we offer some fantastic benefits, which include:
- 30 days annual leave + all UK Bank Holidays.
- An additional day for your birthday each year (or closest working day to your birthday).
- Additional annual leave on Christmas Eve (1 full day) and New Years Eve (half day PM) if these days fall on a contracted working day.
- Private healthcare options for you – via AXA.
- Free healthcare cash back plans for you and your family – funded by Buckles.
- Enhanced pension – 5% matched contribution by Buckles.
- Ability to buy additional holiday – up to 3 days per year.
- Group Life Assurance – 4 x your annual salary.
Equal opportunity and disability inclusive employer
We are an equal opportunity and disability‑inclusive employer and value diversity across the firm. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or parental or caring status.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in Otley
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Buckles Solicitors LLP looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in Otley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Buckles Solicitors LLP. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buckles Solicitors LLP
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Buckles Solicitors LLP’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
