At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy and standards for a national pensions dashboard, ensuring compliance and data integrity.
- Company: Join the Money and Pensions Service, shaping financial futures for everyone in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to influence a national digital infrastructure and build public trust.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming how millions engage with their pensions.
- Qualifications: Strong policy development and regulatory experience, with strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: National with 4 days per month in Bedford
This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to https://maps.gs-attract.com/ until the closing date of 23.55hrs 5th July 2026.
Where leadership meets lasting national impact. The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) exists to deliver a clear and compelling vision: better financial futures for everyone in need. As an arm’s-length body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, MaPS plays a central role in the UK’s financial wellbeing landscape, ensuring that people can access trusted guidance and the information they need to make confident financial decisions throughout their lives. Through its core functions of pensions guidance, debt advice, money guidance, consumer protection and strategy, MaPS brings together policy, delivery and innovation in service of a single national mission.
As part of that mission, MaPS is delivering a once-in-a-generation transformation in how people engage with their pensions. Pensions dashboards will allow individuals to see all their pensions together, securely and online, for the first time. As we move from programme delivery into live service, we are building the senior leadership capability to run a secure, trusted and enduring national platform. This is a critical role at the centre of that transition.
The role involves defining and safeguarding the rules that govern the pensions dashboards ecosystem. Reporting to the Service Owner, you will sit at the intersection of policy, regulation and digital delivery, translating complex legislation into clear, enforceable standards that shape how the service operates in practice. You will be the organisation’s authority on compliance, standards and data governance, ensuring the platform operates lawfully, ethically and in the best interests of citizens.
What you will be responsible for:
- Policy & regulatory leadership – translating DWP policy and pensions legislation into operational and technical requirements
- Standards ownership – leading and evolving the Code of Connection and wider ecosystem standards
- Regulatory relationships – acting as the senior interface with FCA and TPR
- Ecosystem assurance – approving organisations joining the platform and ensuring ongoing compliance
- Data protection & ethics – leading GDPR, DPIA and ethical frameworks for the use of pensions data
- System integrity – identifying risks to consumer protection, data quality and market confidence
Your impact:
- Operate within the law and regulatory expectations
- Deliver consistent, accurate and understandable data to users
- Maintain public trust as a national digital service
- Balance policy intent, technical feasibility and operational reality
Who we’re looking for:
- Strong policy development, regulatory judgement, strategic thinking and the ability to operate in complex, high‑profile environments
- Experience working within or alongside UK regulators (e.g. FCA, TPR)
- Experience developing standards or compliance frameworks for complex services
- Ability to translate policy or legislation into operational delivery
- Experience leading data protection and information assurance in regulated environments
- Strong stakeholder leadership across government, regulators and industry
- Ability to navigate legal, political and reputational complexity
- Influencing and building consensus at senior levels
- Sufficient technical understanding of digital platforms and data flows
- High attention to detail and risk awareness
This is a unique opportunity to help shape a national digital infrastructure that will support millions of people across the UK. You will lead at the intersection of policy, regulation, data and technology, influencing how the system operates and evolves over time. If you want to build something of lasting public value, and ensure it operates to the highest standards of trust, security and integrity, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. If you are motivated by the opportunity to shape policy, standards and public trust at the heart of a nationally significant platform, we would welcome a confidential conversation. Please contact GatenbySanderson for an initial discussion.
Head of Policy and Standards in Bedford employer: GatenbySanderson
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering better financial futures for everyone in need. With a strong commitment to employee growth, MaPS offers a collaborative work culture that values innovation and integrity, providing opportunities to influence national policy and standards while working in a supportive environment. Located nationally with regular engagement in Bedford, employees benefit from a unique chance to contribute to a transformative digital infrastructure that impacts millions across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy and Standards in Bedford
✨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 GatenbySanderson looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy and Standards in Bedford
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 GatenbySanderson. 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 GatenbySanderson
✨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 GatenbySanderson’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
