The Financial Ombudsman Service plays a critical role in delivering impartial dispute resolution for consumer and firms and helping to maintain trust and confidence in the UK's financial services industry. This is a pivotal time for the organisation as it adapts to significant changes within the broader financial services landscape and continues to meet the evolving needs of consumers, firms and the wider industry.

The Financial Ombudsman Service, working closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has recently launched an ambitious programme of reforms, designed to provide greater clarity, consistency and predictability for customers and firms. These reforms, alongside those announced by the Government, are the biggest change to the Financial Ombudsman Service in 25 years and are designed to ensure that the organisation remains fit for the future.

Having already delivered a number of significant changes over the past year, including changes to its funding model and launching a new digital experience for customers, the Chair will oversee the next stage of reform delivery. Leading the Board in helping to set the strategy for the organisation and agreeing risk appetite, the Chair will ensure the Executive Team is set up for success.

The Chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that it follows and maintains effective governance, accountability and assurance for operational performance. They will be responsible for the performance and effectiveness of the Board by encouraging open and inclusive discussions, ensuring focus on key matters and responsibilities, and providing appropriate support and challenge to the Executive Team.

The Chair will lead regular reviews of the Board membership and skills development to ensure that the composition of the Board covers a diverse range of career backgrounds and expertise.

The Chair will represent the Financial Ombudsman Service through high-level engagement with key stakeholders, including meetings and events with the Government, regulators, firms, trade bodies and consumer groups - and will be required to represent the organisation at Treasury Select Committee hearings as required.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• In-depth knowledge, experience and understanding of financial services and consumer markets, regulatory affairs, law and policies processes.
• A proven track record of fostering a collaborative, open and inclusive Board culture.
• Strong experience of chairing roles and responsibilities at Board level within a similar sized, complex organisation.
• Senior stakeholder management experience with relationship building across a range of stakeholder groups.
• A successful track record of working with Government institutions and regulators at a strategic level.
• Experience of delivering results while simultaneously driving key organisational changes.
• A commitment to the Financial Ombudsman Service's values and purpose.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-profile organisation at a time of significant transformation. We are looking for an individual with strategic vision, sound judgement and strong commitment to maintaining confidence in the UK's financial services industry.

The appointment of the new Chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service will be made by the FCA, with the approval of HM Treasury.

This campaign is being supported by our advising consultants, GatenbySanderson. For further details on this appointment, please read the candidate pack and how to apply.

To arrange a confidential conversation about this Chair appointment, please contact the GatenbySanderson team on this email: chairappointment2026@gatenbysanderson.com

The closing date for all applications to this Chair Appointment is 5pm, Tuesday 11th August 2026.

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing Date for Applications
Tuesday 11 August 2026 @ 5pm

Selection Panel interviews (In Person)
Wednesday 9 September 2026 (1pm - 6pm)

How to Apply

To apply please submit:

• A copy of your CV (pdf)
• A supporting statement of not more than 2 pages, explaining why you have chosen to apply to the role and addressing the criteria in the Skills and Experience section and About You Specification (pdf)
• A completed diversity monitoring form, this will appear on screen as part of the application process.
• A completed Disclosure of Interests Form. Please click on the link and complete this online LINK
• The contact details for two referees who can comment on your ability to fulfil the role.

Please note: we will not approach any referees without your prior consent. Once submitted, you cannot retrieve your application to make any further amends so please ensure you are happy that it is fully complete. Applications should only be submitted online.

After you have completed the Equal Opportunities information, you will see a confirmation screen acknowledging your application. The Financial Ombudsman Service are committed to embracing diversity and to promoting equality of opportunity for all and support the principle of appointment on merit with independent assessments, openness and transparency of process.

We regret that late applications will not be accepted. If you contact us following the deadline, we will be unable to accept your application. Should you have any problems submitting your application, please contact toria.lorman-connolly@gatenbysanderson.com

You will also receive an email to the email address you provided, confirming receipt of your application. If you do not receive this acknowledgment immediately, please check your spam and, if you still cannot see it, please email toria.lorman-connolly@gatenbysanderson.com

Please note that due to the anticipated volume of responses we will not be able to share individual feedback for this appointment.