Compliance and Risk Officer Review

FCA Supervisory work, supervising life insurers and pension providers. Work involves supporting supervisors, escalating issues and attending meetings with firms. I have completed an ICA compliance qualification as part of my role and am involved with lots of key current issues with regulated firms. My role is primarily a support role within my team.

I have learnt useful interview skills from engagement with firms. The FCA offers lots of internal training for different roles. I have gained analytical skills with assessing the risk level of particular issues and have been able to apply this using the FCA's internal case system. Working within a team of people has been a new experience for me and I enjoy supporting my colleagues.

I enjoy my role and aiding the efficiency of my team. There is a wide variety of work that the FCA does on a day to day basis and there are opportunities to get involved with work in other teams. I am comfortable in the fact that I will be able to continue my development after my apprenticeship.

My programme is reasonably well structured. There can sometimes be a disparity between the skills that the external training provider wants to be evidenced and the skills that are actually required for my role. On the whole I get a lot of support from my line manager and my performance objectives are well adapted to me.

I receive good support from the FCA, as mentioned there are internal training courses that I am making progress with and I am encouraged to flag any issues that I encounter with my line manager. I have monthly catch ups with my manager to discuss my progress and if there are any activities I'd like more involvement in.

I've received a reasonable level of support from my training provider towards my qualification, although for my course the qualification is completed within the first 3 months and there is a lot of pressure to get this done alongside the apprenticeship course work deadlines. I have regular progress reviews with my training provider coach to discuss my progress and any issues that I have.

I feel that the qualification (ICA cert in compliance) has helped give me a background of the UK regulatory framework and the expectation that the FCA has of regulated firms. I feel like a lot of this information I knew already from my role at the FCA but I can see how apprentices in regulated firms would benefit.

Yes, the FCA has lots of extra curricular opportunities, there's a sports and social newsletter that gets sent out, as well as various clubs to develop yourself such as the speakers club. There are also groups that individuals at all levels of the organisation get involved in to ensure that people are able to progress in their roles such as the social mobility committee.

Yes

Reasons stated above, generally a very enjoyable working environment with supportive management. The facilities are excellent with a gym on the 3rd floor, and a restaurant on the 15th floor. The work you are given as an apprentice is challenging and varied, with opportunities to be involved in important issues.

Do background research on the work that the FCA does and recent issues that the FCA has tackled. Consider why you are applying to work at the regulator rather than a regulated firm, Also consider what area of the FCA you want to be working in as the types of work can vary between departments.