Policy Lead (APP - Authorised Push Payment) Fraud - 12-month Fixed Term Contract

Every time anyone uses a cash machine, transfers money, uses contactless, or gets paid, they use a payment system. Payment systems are always evolving and the PSR is here to make sure they work well for everyone. Follow this link to find out more About The PSR.

The PSR is an independent economic regulator led by Managing Director, David Geale - who is also FCA Executive Director, Payments and Digital Finance. Operationally the PSR is currently an independent subsidiary of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), however in March 2025 the Prime Minister announced that the PSR would be consolidated into the FCA, a pragmatic next step in simplifying regulation of payments. This transition is likely to complete in 2027, and the Government has been clear that payment systems must continue to be effectively regulated. For the time being, therefore, the PSR continues to focus on delivering its important and impactful programme of work, collaborating closely with the FCA.

The Policy team drives delivery of our strategy, providing you with an exciting opportunity to work on policy development and analysis, project delivery and stakeholder engagement. In April, we published our Annual plan and budget which sets out in detail our work programme for 2025/26.

Role responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team to deliver high-quality policy development and analysis, including playing a leading role in the review of the PSR’s fraud reimbursement policy following the independent review by Frontier Economics
• Oversee the ongoing monitoring and effective operation of the PSR’s APP scams programme, ensuring timely responses to queries and correspondence and contributing to briefings and stakeholder communications
• Support the development of team strategy, priorities and work planning, including improving methodologies and practices, resolving complex technical issues and contributing to the technical leadership of the team
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and present policy recommendations and analysis to the PSR Executive Committee and Board
• Report to the Policy Manager responsible for the PSR’s APP scams work and undertake line management responsibilities, including objective setting, performance management, coaching and supporting the professional development of team members
• Contribute to building a positive, collaborative and effective culture across the wider team and directorate
• Engage actively with key stakeholders across government, regulators, industry and trade bodies to support policy development and delivery

Do you have experience in Project management?, Minimum:

• Demonstrable experience leading analytical or policy-focused teams within areas such as economic regulation, competition policy, financial markets, payment services, or other regulated sectors
• Substantial experience in developing, shaping and implementing regulatory policy, with clear evidence of impact
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-quality policy recommendations, alongside experience managing and influencing senior stakeholders

Essential:

• Effective project management and prioritisation skills, particularly in the context of working on complex projects and/or issues
• A detailed understanding of the PSR’s work on APP scams
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience applying such skills while handling complex projects and tight deadlines, with a degree of ambiguity
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present confidently on complex issues to both internal and external stakeholders and within tight deadlines
• Well-developed stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to build productive and constructive relationships with both internal and external senior-level stakeholders
• Solid strategic awareness of issues relevant to the PSR’s work and the environment in which the PSR operates
• Previous experience of line managing people

Pulled from the full job description

• Annual leave
• Company pension
• Paid volunteer time
• Private medical insurance, * Salary: London from £66,600 to £85,000 and National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £60,700 to £77,500 and (salary offered will be based on skills and experience), * 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Non-contributory pension (8-12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary
• Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection and 24/7 Employee Assistance
• 35 hours of paid volunteering annually
• Hybrid model where employees work a minimum of 40% in the office each month (expectation of 50% for senior leaders). Changing from September to a minimum of 50% in the office each month (expectation of 60% for Directors and Executive Directors)
• A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle