Job Title: Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP)
Reporting to: Managing Director
Salary: Up to £70k DOE
Location: Remote with occasional visits to our Manchester office (Failsworth, Oldham)
About Us
APN Group is a group of companies with a shared purpose, we are committed to changing the landscape of debt recovery for the better. With a focus on integrity and intelligence, we provide clients with tailored solutions that prioritise ethical practices and effective outcomes.
From litigation to court order enforcement, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients. By leveraging data and analytics, we empower both public and private sector partners with real-time insights to navigate debt resolution with precision and confidence. We are seeking individuals who share our values, embrace change, and are eager to contribute to a dynamic and rapidly growing organisation.
Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to break new ground and make a positive impact in the world of debt resolution.
About the role
As COLP, you'll hold personal responsibility for the firm's compliance with the SRA Standards and Regulations, the Code of Conduct for Firms and for Solicitors, and all related obligations. You'll work closely with the Managing Director and act as the principal interface between the firm and its regulators.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Regulatory compliance: Lead all SRA engagement, manage breach reporting, and own the firm's annual authorisation renewal.
- Risk management: Maintain the risk register, run file audits, and oversee conduct risks specific to debt recovery and bulk litigation.
- Training & culture: Design and deliver the compliance training programme and help embed a compliance-first culture across the firm.
- Complaints & conduct: Oversee the complaints procedure, investigate misconduct, and act as a confidential point of contact for staff concerns.
- Board reporting: Prepare and present compliance reports to senior leadership; represent the firm during regulatory inspections.
- Be Company Director and Board Member
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate
- Proven experience as COLP, Head of Compliance, or in a senior compliance role at an SRA-regulated firm - ideally with a debt recovery, litigation, or civil claims background
- Demonstrable experience of direct SRA engagement, serious breach reporting, and preparing firms for external audit
- In-depth knowledge of the SRA Standards and Regulations, the Codes of Conduct, CPR, pre-action protocols, and UK GDPR in a legal services context
- Strong people and communication skills - able to challenge at senior level, coach direct reports, and engage constructively with regulators
- High personal integrity and the resilience to enforce compliance consistently at all levels of the firm
What we offer:
- Competitive salary
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced annual leave
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Hybrid/remote working options
- Free on-site parking
- Access to professional counselling
- 24/7 helpline support for you and your family members
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Exclusive discounts
- Paid volunteering leave
This organisation is an equal opportunities employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to £70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Work from home
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oldham OL8 3QL
