Authorisation Officer (Level 1)

Permanent
Full time
35 hours per week
£19,278 per annum
Birmingham
The Authorisation function of the SRA is one of the largest operational delivery directorates within the SRA. Authorisation mitigates risks to the regulatory objectives by:

• minimising the extent to which unsuitable firms or individuals are able to enter the regulated community, protecting consumers and promoting confidence in the legal services market;
• collecting information and intelligence about the regulated community, which is the starting point for effective regulation; and
• encouraging those firms applying to enter the legal services market, to manage their own risk.
It also provides a vehicle for the collection of the fees which fund regulatory activity.

The purpose of the Level 1 Authorisation Officer is to assist Authorisation in the delivery of our regulatory objectives. This is achieved by:
• undertaking activities which incorporate mechanisms/processes to ensure compliance with service level agreements and key performance indicators
• making regulatory decisions regarding applications deemed to be “low” risk
• significant engagement with internal and external stakeholders to resolve queries and respond to complaints

All decisions made by Authorisation reflect the SRA's risk-based, outcomes-focussed approach to regulation.

Essential

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:

An aptitude for understanding, interpreting and applying regulatory rules within a statutory framework

Ability to understand and interpret complex data and information

An ability to weigh up evidence, reach decisions and to report chosen outcome with clearly articulated reasons

Ability to prioritise and work effectively under pressure whilst observing targets and quality standards – demonstrating resilience and ability to work independently or as part of an effective team

Track record of delivering results by taking ownership of issues and ensuring successful resolution

Experience of effectively dealing with a wide range of customers striving to achieve excellence at all times. Including the ability to communicate using appropriate methods

Ability to work with tact, diplomacy, professionalism and discretion at all times

Ability to identify and engage with a variety of stakeholders

Excellent IT and numeracy skills – ability to interrogate and analyse outputs e.g. Exception Reports

Experience in supporting and encouraging continuous improvement in delivery of operational outcomes

Willingness to learn and develop, taking on new responsibilities and adopting a flexible pragmatic approach to work

Educated to A Level standard or equivalent experience

The SRA is the independent regulator of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales, protecting consumers and supporting the rule of law and the administration of justice. We do this by overseeing all education and training requirements necessary to practise as a solicitor, licensing individuals and firms to practise, setting the standards of the profession and regulating and enforcing compliance against these standards.
We offer an inclusive, supportive and friendly working environment and the chance to develop your career within a professional organisation. We are committed to the health and wellbeing of staff, helping everyone to strike a good balance between personal and professional life.

Additionally, we provide a generous flexible benefits package, including gym membership with a tax only cost, an excellent defined contribution pension scheme and an additional 3% of annual basic salary upon successful completion of probation.
Vacancy closing date: 29/05/2015, 17:00

The Solicitors Regulation Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Diversity and inclusion is central to everything we do. We are actively committed to promoting and participating in good practice in the way that we attract, recruit and retain staff.

Everyone is encouraged to bring their whole self to work because we appreciate the value that a truly diverse workforce brings to an organisation. We celebrate difference, recognising the benefits this brings to our inclusive culture, including age, disability, gender identity and expression, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation and socio economic background.

 We are a Stonewall Top 100 Employer, a member of ENEI, a disability confident employer and we are happy to talk flexible working.

This opportunity is closed to applicants.