SRA is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of External Affairs to lead our external affairs function and enhance our profile and reputation.
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Director of Communications, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how the SRA engages with its external environment. You will lead the development of strategic stakeholder relationships, provide valuable external insight, and ensure the organisation takes a proactive approach to understanding, anticipating and responding to emerging opportunities and challenges.
As a key member of the leadership team, you will help drive confidence and trust in legal services through effective engagement with senior stakeholders, partners and influencers. You will identify opportunities to strengthen the SRA's reputation, support the delivery of organisational priorities, and help shape the broader regulatory landscape.
This is an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking leader who can build influential partnerships, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and enhance the SRA's impact and influence at both national and regional levels
What's in it for you?
- Play a pivotal role in shaping public confidence in the legal sector, leading work that has a real impact on professionals, customers and policymakers.
- Use your expertise to influence strategic decisions providing trusted advice to executives and helping to shape the future direction of the organisation.
- Work with a diverse range of senior stakeholders, creating opportunities to influence conversations on key issues and expanding your profile and network at the highest levels.
- Join at an exciting time of change. Contribute directly to decisions that shape the SRA's future and reputation.
- Pension - We will contribute 1½ - 2 times your contribution, up to 12.25%. So, if you contribute 7%, you will enjoy the maximum combined contribution of 19.25%
- Additional 3% of annual basic salary for you to choose the benefits that best suit your lifestyle and personal situation
- Private medical insurance
- Life Assurance cover of 4 times basic salary
- 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and buy/sell/save holiday trading scheme
- £25 contribution to a monthly health and wellbeing portal. The portal provides access to more than 5,000 products, experiences and services.
What we're looking for:
- Significant experience in external affairs, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, corporate affairs or a related field within a comparable organisation
- Proven track record of developing and delivering successful stakeholder and influencing strategies in a complex environment
- Demonstrable experience of advising senior leaders on reputational, political and stakeholder issues
- Proven experience of successfully leading and developing professional teams
- Experience of organisational reputation management and issues management
- Excellent influencing, negotiation and relationship-management skills
- First class verbal and written communication skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable advice
- Strong judgement and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving and sensitive environment.
Useful and additional information
- This role is permanent and will be based from one of our offices in Birmingham or London
- SRA have a hybrid working model with a blend of home and office working. You will be expected in the office for at least two days a week
- There is an expectation that the role-holder will be in the Birmingham and Cardiff office regularly, particularly in the first year of the role. The expectation also extends to regular travel for external events and meetings in different locations
- We expect first stage interviews to take place on week commencing 23 November and second stage interviews shortly after
- There is a full role profile attached to the bottom of this advert on our website
- To find out more about our recruitment process and how to make the most of your application, please visit our jobs pages. You can also take the opportunity to view what it is like to work at SRA, via our videos and our benefits
- If you have any questions that aren't in this advert or on our website, please contact us via
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 23:55
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Director of External Affairs in London employer: Solicitors Regulation Authority
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the heart of governance in the legal sector. With opportunities for professional growth and development, employees benefit from close collaboration with senior leaders and exposure to strategic decision-making processes. The SRA promotes a supportive culture that values attention to detail and effective communication, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in Birmingham or London.
Contact Details:
Solicitors Regulation Authority Recruitment Team
