We wish to appoint a Lay Convener of the Adjudication Panels. This is a key role supporting the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ (IFoA) regulatory function and facilitates the determination of allegations of Misconduct considered under the IFoA disciplinary enforcement processes. The role is a professional regulatory role with an initial tenure period of three years which can be renewed, where both parties wish, for a further three years.
Please note the role holder must not be a member of the IFoA or a member and/or director of the FRC or carry out functions under the FRC Scheme.
Background
We represent and regulate over 31,000 members worldwide for the benefit of the outside world and oversee their education at all stages of qualification and development throughout their careers. By joining the IFoA, members are making a personal commitment to high standards of education, competence and integrity.
Adjudication Panels are independent panels that consider and determine allegations amounting to prima facie cases of Misconduct brought against a member of the IFoA.
Role description
This role is to work with those IFoA regulatory Boards, Committees and Executive focused on the disciplinary function of the IFoA, to ensure that IFoA disciplinary procedure, post initial investigation, is carried out in the public interest.
The role focuses on the work of our formal panel hearing system under the Disciplinary and Capacity for Membership Schemes. This includes initial case management procedure. It also involves interaction with disciplinary oversight and appointment committees of the IFoA to identify and deliver training and support needs, the immediate focus includes supporting the implementation of the new Scheme.
The Convener will be a member of the Disciplinary Panel and Chairing Pools, the Convener duties are distinct from Panel work. The time commitment for this role is expected to require 10 days per annum but may vary depending on the volume of hearings in any given year.
Key responsibilities
- Leading role, working with the JCS, in the initial case management of matters referred for Adjudication Panel determination, as detailed in the Rules.
- As a member of the Disciplinary Panel and Chairing Pools, acting in a lay panel role or chairing capacity (which involves drafting judgements) as necessary.
- Leading role, working with the JCS, to provide timely disciplinary feedback and to assess requirement for and provide training to the IFoA Disciplinary Pools to support the work of appointed Panels.
- Reporting and accountability role, working with the JCS, to IFoA regulatory and/or disciplinary Boards and Committees as part of their respective public interest functions.
Key tasks
- The practical management of preliminary matters in a timely way with the support of an appointed Legal Adviser and JCS as necessary.
- Work with the JCS and the Disciplinary Committee in drafting appropriate process improvements and guidance ensuring good practice on Panels.
- Identifying and implementing diversity initiatives.
- Supporting the development of members of the IFoA Disciplinary Panel Pools including leading on/oversight of performance feedback.
Person specification
The successful applicant will have:
Knowledge and experience
- A high level of experience with public hearings, preferably in international professional regulatory or civil processes and in the capacity of chair and panel member roles.
- Experience of working with a variety of professional regulatory enforcement regimes and practices, including professional misconduct panels and processes.
- Understanding of the breadth and work that might be undertaken by an actuary and their regulatory obligations.
- Demonstrable experience of working in a public interest environment and with diversity, equity and inclusiveness considerations.
Competencies
- Demonstrable integrity, independence of mind and fairness.
- Sound judgement enabling well-reasoned decisions and to exercise discretion appropriately
- Excellent written skills including drafting quality judgements and evidence of an ability to write clear, concise and well-reasoned advice.
- Effective chairing and interpersonal skills.
- Good organisation skills to manage cases efficiently and effectively.
- Able to identify training needs and lead and deliver development initiatives.
- Excellent verbal communication skills to be able to explain and facilitate discussions and decision making.
- Ability to resolve conflict and facilitate effective decisions.
- Ability to identify and shape strategic objectives which are relevant and practical.
- Able to identify and put diversity initiatives in place.
- Confidence to use electronic communication and receive electronic copy papers.
Miscellaneous
- This role involves remote working.
- Flexibility – the time commitment is varied and hearings (which are usually held online) need to be scheduled promptly.
- Induction, training and support will be provided on appointment.
- The role attracts an honorarium of £450 per day, and expenses incurred in the role are recoverable from the IFoA in line with the IFoA’s expenses policy.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are more than just words for us. That’s why we are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels included and respected, and where no one is unfairly discriminated against. Consequently, we promote diversity, equity and inclusion in all our policies, practices and procedures, and actively encourage applications from a diverse range of potential candidates. All applications for our volunteering roles are considered on merit alone. For more information on our DEI commitments please see our DEI strategy.
How to apply
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter HRsupport@actuaries.org.uk by the closing date of 19 July 2023.
The full job description is available on https://actuaries.org.uk/ifoa-jobs/lay-convener-of-the-adjudication-panels/
