Head of Department - Policy, PSR

About the FCA/PSR

The PSR is an independent economic regulator led by Managing Director, David Geale – who is also Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Executive Director, Payments and Digital Finance. The PSR is a subsidiary of the FCA. In March 2025 the Prime Minister announced that the PSR would be consolidated into the FCA, simplifying regulation of payments. The Government has made clear that payment systems must continue to be effectively regulated and so the PSR is continuing to focus on delivering its important and impactful programme of work, collaborating closely with the FCA. The transition is taking place in phases, with some teams already moving to the FCA where they continue to support PSR activity. The PSR will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary with its own Board until new legislation comes into effect. Candidates should be aware that there may be changes to their responsibilities as consolidation into the FCA progresses. All members of PSR staff are FCA employees.

The team/department has undergone significant change in recent years, including 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 and deliver 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, including 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 can lead a team of experienced colleagues and new recruits to incorporate expert legal and economic advice into policies that reflect our strategic priorities and statutory responsibilities, while demonstrating our reputation as a leading regulatory body.

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, leading the development and delivery of policy and providing high‑quality advice to the PSR Executive. They will 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 the development of a new strategy, as well as the PSR’s Annual Business Plan. The job holder will lead and give direction within their department (circa 40 people) and work with the PSR leadership team to set direction for the wider organisation.

• Lead regulatory policy for the PSR and advise the MD, Board members and the Executive Team on policy matters.
• Sponsor key policy initiatives and projects, working across organisational boundaries to develop a unified PSR approach.
• Establish strong relationships with external stakeholders, including payment system operators, HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Competition and Markets Authority.
• Contribute to the PSR’s vision and strategy.
• Develop and implement plans to implement the recent Strategy update.
• Provide exceptional leadership and management of the Policy Department, encouraging collaboration across all areas of the PSR.
• Build 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 high‑profile projects while delivering on business‑as‑usual objectives. Exposure to strategic issues and key players in the world of finance and regulation, both nationally and internationally.

The Skills And Experience You Will Have

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and therefore people or individuals with disabilities and long‑term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Minimum criteria

• Ability to lead the development of regulatory policy in a complex and fast‑moving sector, through significant policy‑making experience within a regulator, government body, or other public body, or working closely with such organisations from within a regulated firm, consumer body, think tank, consultancy, or trade associations.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience of team and corporate leadership and team development at a senior level.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience of building effective, mutually collaborative relationships and influencing senior stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills coupled with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A proven track record in overseeing the successful delivery of complex policy within tight timescales, prioritising resources as appropriate and working at pace while mitigating risk.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the PSR

As a diverse, forward‑facing organisation committed to building and sustaining an inclusive workplace, we invite people who share our openness and determination. Our commitments are inclusive of but not limited to race & ethnicity, LGBT+, disability, mental and physical health, and social mobility. We are proud signatories of the Women in Finance Charter.

Conflict of Interest

All applicants to the PSR are required to demonstrate that they do not have other interests likely to conflict with their responsibilities as an employee of the PSR. Potential conflicts should be declared early in the selection process. Any conflicts may be explored during the interview but will not prevent candidates from progressing to the interview stage.

Useful information

The closing date for this role is 23:55 on Sunday 21 June 2026. Selection will be via a two‑stage interview and psychometric assessment. The salary range for this role is £140,000 to £170,000 (London) and £126,000 to £153,000 (Nationally). If successful, you will be required to obtain and retain SC Clearance. We currently operate a hybrid working model, working a minimum of 40 % in the office each month (50 % for senior leaders) across our Stratford, Leeds and Edinburgh offices. From September 2026, FCA employees will be required to spend a minimum of 50 % of their working time in the office; our Executive Directors and Directors will be expected to be in a minimum of 60 % per month.

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a short cover letter.

The PSR has retained Odgers to advise on this appointment. To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter using this link: www.odgers.com/96139. Contact for a conversation in confidence Anne Murphy – Anne.murphy@odgers.com or Hannah Wade – Hannah.wade@odgers.com.