Head of Department - Policy, PSR in London

About the PSR

The PSR is an independent economic regulator led by Managing Director, David Geale. 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 been 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, therefore, that there may be changes to their responsibilities as consolidation into the FCA progresses. All members of PSR staff are FCA employees.

At the FCA/PSR, we’re creating a fair and more resilient financial system. We’re establishing more transparent relationships between financial services and their customers, building trust in financial markets and protecting vulnerable consumers. 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.

The team/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.

What you will be doing

• 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.
• 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 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.
• They will lead regulatory policy for the PSR, be open to a wide variety of approaches to improve outcomes for people and businesses using payments within our remit.
• They will sponsor key policy initiatives and projects, work across organisational boundaries to develop a unified PSR approach, and take 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 is a core part of this role. Working closely with the Financial Conduct Authority will be a core aspect of the role. The job holder will contribute to the PSR’s vision and strategy, implementing the recent Strategy update, and 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.

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 while 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.

Minimum criteria

• Ability to lead the development of regulatory policy in a complex and fast-moving sector.
• 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, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A proven track record in overseeing the successful delivery of complex policy within tight timescales.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the PSR

As a diverse, forward-facing organisation which is continually working to drive improvements for everyone who uses payment systems, we’re looking for people who share our openness and determination. We are committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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. You should declare any potential conflict of interest as early as possible in the selection process.

Useful information

• Closing date: 23:55 on Sunday 21st June 2026.
• Salary: £140,000–£170,000 for London, £126,000–£153,000 nationally.
• The role operates in a hybrid model, working a minimum of 40% in the office each month.