Head of Sector Development & Regional Lead (4702916)

The Immigration Advice Authority is looking to recruit a number of regulatory professionals who will drive forward a transformative agenda to strengthen, regulate, and enforce standards across the immigration advice sector - improving outcomes for advice seekers and ensuring a fairer, more accountable system.

Purpose

Lead responsibility for the IAA’s work to develop the immigration advice sector, engaging and working in partnership with stakeholders to develop and implement an ambitious strategy to develop the capacity and capability of the immigration advice sector.

An exciting opportunity to lead on a new strategic agenda for the IAA, at the heart of its corporate plan, and make a real difference to the experience of advice seekers.

Background

The IAA’s Corporate Plan, 2025-2027, sets out an ambition to extend the IAA’s activities into developing the quality and availability of immigration advice. Previously, the IAA has stayed focus on its core regulatory and enforcement activity. However, the supply of immigration advice and services does not meet the demand in both geographical areas and in the level of advice available, and this necessitates a different approach from the IAA.

The postholder of this role will define and drive forward the IAA’s approach to this important agenda.

Key responsibilities

Sector development

• Lead the creation of a strategic plan to strengthen the capacity and capability of the immigration advice sector, shaped by stakeholder insights.
• Engage widely to identify sector challenges and develop data-driven, needs-led solutions.
• Build understanding of advice seekers’ needs, adviser activity, service gaps, and illegal advice-giving trends.
• Promote sector professionalism through qualifications and accreditation initiatives.
• Implement the strategy through partnerships, including:

-          Targeted action in areas with advice shortfalls

-          Innovation in service delivery (e.g. remote provision, responsible AI use)

-          Development and accreditation of sector training

-          Support for peer networks and knowledge-sharing platforms

-          Collaboration with academic institutions to establish a professional qualification

Fees and Charges

• Collaborate with the Head of Regulation to assess and influence the sector-wide impact of proposed legislative changes to the IAA’s fees and charges.
• Lead on shaping plans for professional accreditation of individual immigration advisers, should individual fees be implemented.

Oversight of a Regional Team

• Lead one of the IAA’s regional teams via the Regional Operations Manager, driving efficiency through innovation and automation.
• Oversee regional engagement, acting as national lead for sector development engagement.
• Collaborate with G7 peers to ensure consistent approaches across all regions.
• Guide regional teams delivering regulation, enforcement, and engagement to combat illegal advice-giving.

Other responsibilities

• Champion IAA values and play a key role in senior leadership.
• Line manage the Regional Operating Manager.
• Manage delegated budgets with strong financial controls and risk mitigation.
• Drive operational efficiency and innovative resource use.
• Lead and embed organisational development to support high performance.
• Support the Executive Team with additional responsibilities as required.

Person specification

• Strategic experience in the immigration advice sector.
• Strong analytical skills with sound judgment in policy environments.
• Proven strategic thinker focused on continuous improvement.
• Successful track record of leading change across diverse teams in support of organisational goals.
• Operational leadership experience with a focus on efficiency and impact.
• Skilled communicator able to present complex ideas to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent relationship builder with experience influencing in politically sensitive environments.
• Committed to innovation and service development, including digital solutions.
• Proactive in identifying and managing risks and solving problems.
• Flexible, organised, and effective in managing competing priorities.
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in law, regulation, policy, criminology, or related fields.
• Ongoing professional development in leadership, compliance, enforcement, or public policy.
• In-depth experience or substantial knowledge of the immigration advice sector.

To apply for this role please send your CV and a Supporting Statement of no more than two sides of A4 paper detailing how you meet the criteria to the Hays Recruitment Team via the link at the bottom of the advert.  

Additionally, as you apply you will be invited to complete an Equality and Diversity Questionnaire.  This is to assist the IAA in ensuring its recruitment processes are fair to all.  The questionnaire is not seen by anyone involved in the selection process.  Completing the questionnaire is not mandatory.

Contact

Hays Recruitment is managing this role on behalf of the Immigration Advice Authority. If you are interested in finding out more about this role, please reach out to:

Gavin Jones –  07557749889 or Owen Quant – 07867695217

Contact information

Immigration Advice Authority

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