MERJE are proud to be working exclusively with the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) on their hire for a Risk and Compliance Manager.
About the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB)
The ECB was launched in November 2022 to ensure that individuals subject to enforcement action in England and Wales are treated fairly. The organisation provides independent oversight of enforcement agents (formerly bailiffs) and the wider enforcement industry.
The ECB operates independently of both Government and the enforcement sector and was established with the support of industry bodies and leading debt advice charities, including Money Advice Trust, Christians Against Poverty, and StepChange. It is funded through an industry levy and currently accredits over 60 enforcement firms and local authority teams, covering more than 95% of enforcement activity across England and Wales.
Why ECB’s Work Matters
Each year, over four million warrants, writs, and court orders are issued for unpaid debts, with volumes increasing in recent years. At the same time, financial vulnerability has grown significantly — FCA research shows 7.4 million people were struggling to pay bills as of January 2024.
Against ongoing cost-of-living pressures and increasing demand on public services, it is vital that debt enforcement is carried out effectively, ethically, and fairly. The ECB exists to ensure accountability, protect vulnerable individuals, and support creditors to operate to high standards.
ECB’s Principles and Functions
The ECB is guided by the principles of independence, proportionality, collaboration, transparency, and ambition, delivering its mission through five core functions:
*Raising standards across the enforcement industry
*Improving accountability through audits, reviews, intelligence, and sanctions
*Complaints handling via an independent and accessible service
*Protecting the vulnerable through best-practice affordability and vulnerability protocols
*Accreditation of firms against ECB standards and requirements
The Role: Risk and Compliance Manager
This newly created role offers an opportunity to join the ECB at a formative stage, working closely with the Head of Risk and Compliance as their key partner.
The role will support the delivery and continued development of the ECB’s supervision and oversight framework. While core frameworks are already in place, this position will focus on embedding, operating, and improving those frameworks, alongside carrying out hands-on audit, supervision, and oversight activity across accredited firms.
The role is fully remote, with flexibility to work independently. Travel across England and Wales will be required to visit enforcement firms, with monthly in-person ECB team meetings held in London.
Key Responsibilities
*Support the development and delivery of the ECB’s supervision and oversight framework
*Conduct risk-based audits, reviews, and assessments of enforcement firms
*Analyse intelligence from audits, complaints data, firm submissions, and regulatory insights
*Support firms in embedding ECB standards and continuous improvement
*Produce high-quality written outputs, including audit reports, risk assessments, and recommendations
*Engage professionally with enforcement firms and external stakeholders
*Identify emerging risks, trends, and areas for improvement across the industry
*Contribute flexibly within a small, growing organisation
Person Specification
Essential
*Several years’ experience in risk, compliance, audit, or assurance
*Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team
*Strong capability to interpret and assess regulatory standards proportionately
*Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
*High-quality written communication and attention to detail
*Sound judgement, independence, and professionalism
*Confidence analysing complex information and providing qualitative insight
Other
The following experience would be helpful but is not an essential requirement for the role:
*Experience in a small organisation or close-knit team
*Background in a regulatory, oversight, or supervisory environment
*Exposure to enforcement, debt, or financial services
*Experience supporting risk assurance or supervision frameworks
Ways of Working
*Location: Fully remote
*Travel: England and Wales (occasional overnight stays)
*Team meetings: Monthly in-person meetings in London
Inclusion
The ECB is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Transferable skills and potential are valued, even if not every criterion is met.
Why Join the ECB?
*A role with real social impact
*Opportunity to shape a growing oversight regime
*Flexible, remote working within a values-led organisation
*Exposure to senior stakeholders across enforcement and regulation
Process and Timelines
*Application deadline: 5pm, Friday 30 January
*Optional fireside calls: Thursday 12 February
*Interviews: Thursday 26 February, MERJE London office