Regulation
We are unusual in having a dedicated regulation and competition practice at the heart of the business, advising across the commercial and public sectors.
Overview
Our regulation practice has a long track record in advising clients as diverse as FTSE 100 utility providers, government economic regulators and professional bodies. We are delighted to have been involved in the creation of new bodies and organisations, and in strengthening leadership teams for those well-established. This is an area where demand for key skills often outstrips supply. Our experience and networks, and our unusual combination of strong private and public sector practices, put us in a uniquely strong position to be able to identify leading individuals, in the UK and beyond.
A snapshot of our clients












Team
Jessica Kenny

Consulting Team
Jessica joined Saxton Bampfylde as a Researcher working across all sector areas before becoming the Head of Research, leading our 30 strong in-house research team. Jessica now works as the Associate Consultant in our Public Sector practice, advising on appointments across government and regulation. She has an MA in International Security and Terrorism and a BA in Politics, both from the University of Nottingham.
Alex Richmond

Consulting Team
Alex Richmond joined Saxton Bampfylde in 2013, having previously worked for an education charity. As a member of our consulting team, Alex advises on board-level appointments across sectors, with a particular focus on government and healthcare, and on commercial and non-profit organisations that face into the public sector. Alex has a BA in History from the University of Cambridge, and previous to returning to the UK for university he grew up overseas in Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Jamie Wesley

Consulting Team
Jamie leads our higher education practice having joined the firm in 2012. He has advised and supported university and research-focussed clients on appointments at executive and non-executive level, primarily Chair, CEO, Vice-Chancellor, Provost, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean positions. Jamie also works with organisations at the intersection of industry, academia and government such as research funders, R&D businesses, independent research institutes, learned societies, membership bodies and commercial subsidiaries. Jamie graduated with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the universities of Durham and Oxford respectively.
Pamela Leonce

Diversity and Governance Advisor
Pamela is an Advisor on diversity and governance at Saxton Bampfylde. She has extensive leadership experience having been an Executive Director across housing, health, social care and the criminal justice sector. As the Chair of Inquilab Housing association and a board member of Green Park Housing she brings a wealth of experience in company culture, governance and diversity. Her non-executive roles include: Barclays Foundation Bank, Westfield Shopping Centre and Advisor to Mayor of London Pamela is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a qualified English as a Second Language teacher.
Jonathan Morgan

Consulting Team
Jonathan has worked in search for over 10 years and heads our regulation and government affairs practice. He joined the consulting team at Saxton Bampfylde after heading our education research. He has advised on board level appointments across the private, public and not for profit sectors; he also leads our competition practice. Jonathan read Chinese at Edinburgh University, has a diploma in management from Cambridge, and is an alumnus of Kellogg School of Management. Jonathan is a governor of Purley Nursery and Children's Centre.
Featured

News
Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative Awards – Saxton Bampfylde wins the ‘Making a Difference Award’
Saxton Bampfylde has been announced as the winner in the “Making a Difference” category at the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative Awards (RIDI)! Each year the RIDI awards bring together leading change makers in the recruitment sector to celebrate the very best of disability confident recruitment. This Award highlights those who have excelled in levelling the […]
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Insight
Board Evolution in a Time of Crisis
At the beginning of lockdown Stephen Bampfylde held a series of webinars with Patrick Dunne to discuss the challenges facing boards and the impact of the crisis on governance. These were an opportunity for Patrick to share some of the key themes coming out of his recently published book ‘Boards: A Practical Perspective’ and allowed […]
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Saxton Bampfylde wins AESC’s inaugural ‘IDEA’ Award for outstanding contribution to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in leadership
This week at their annual AESC Global Conference, the global Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) presented its inaugural “IDEA Award” for outstanding contribution to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (or “IDEA”). The AESC IDEA Award was established this year to support the goals of the AESC Diversity Pledge, signed by more than 100 CEOs of leading executive […]
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STEP – A new holistic coaching and development programme for diverse leaders
Saxton Bampfylde have been privileged to work with so many organisations who actively seek to diversify their leadership teams and provide development opportunities for their upcoming talent. As leadership advisors, we have a pivotal role to play in the development of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic leaders, and particularly those at a point of transition to […]
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New Chief Executive Officer of Propertymark appointed
Tim Balcon has joined Propertymark as Chief Executive Officer, which is a newly created role, bringing over 20 years’ experience in membership and sector organisations. A proven leader, Tim most recently headed the IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment) where he led IEMAs transformation into sustainability and its subsequent year on year membership growth. […]
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5 Key Behaviours of Successful Leaders in Digital Prosperity
Strong leadership is vital, both in this time of huge upheaval and as we continue to use digital technologies to move forward and forge a way in the new normal. Leaders in a digital environment have undergone fundamental changes too, however. Gone is the world of command and control: in its place is a leadership […]
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National Cyber Security Centre announces Lindy Cameron as new CEO
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – a part of GCHQ – has announced that Lindy Cameron will become its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ms Cameron will lead the UK’s principal technical authority on cyber security as it continues to help make the UK the safest place to live and work online. Her role […]
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Insight
Humanity at the Heart of Digital Prosperity
Over our near 35-year history, Saxton Bampfylde has supported some of the most successful organisations in the UK and further afield, to identify and appoint senior leaders capable of building confidence and utilising their experience in times of change. During this time, one of the most fundamental changes to stem across all areas of life […]
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New Chair appointed to Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority
Stephanie Liston, a senior lawyer with international experience in legal and regulation advice, has been appointed the new Chair of the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA). Ms Liston is an acknowledged international expert in a wide range of technologies and has been a leading partner in the most respected communications law firms, having worked in […]
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Insight
Leading like never before: what the pandemic paradigm means for leaders
Saxton Bampfylde’s Leadership Services team works as an extension of organisations across the UK to help them appoint and develop the very best leaders. They consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the traits of leadership that will subsequently be most relevant. The regulation sector spans almost every area of consumer and corporate life. […]
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Dr Ros Rivaz appointed as new Chair of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
The NDA has announced that Dr Ros Rivaz has been appointed as Chair of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, succeeding Tom Smith, whose term as Chair ends on 31 August 2020. Minister for Business and Industry, Nadhim Zahawi, said: The UK has unrivalled expertise in nuclear decommissioning, cleaning up the environment, boosting the economy and delivering […]
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Insight
Shifting Sands: The role of the board in a crisis
Stephen Bampfylde shares his insights and observations specifically focused on the role of the Board and its evolution in the time of crisis.
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Insight
Harnessing the Potential: Regulation and digital innovation
Our latest edition of CANVAS for the regulation sector is out now.
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News
WWF appoints Tesco’s Dave Lewis as Chair of the board of trustees
In a significant appointment, WWF-UK has announced that Tesco CEO Dave Lewis will join the charity as Chair of the Board of Trustees. With environmental issues increasingly important to people in the UK, and a series of crucial milestones on the climate and nature emergency over the next year, businesses and politicians must make the […]
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Royal Statistical Society appoints Stian Westlake as Chief Executive
Royal Statistical Society has announced the appointment of Stian Westlake as its new Chief Executive. Stian takes up the role in July 2020. As an executive director at Nesta from 2009 to 2017, Stian ran the organisation’s think tank. Under his leadership, the team launched a range of initiatives on data and evidence, including the […]
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Insight
The virtual interview: what you need to know
With the impact of lockdown and the ban on all but ‘essential travel’, most organisations find themselves having to rely on video call / conferencing technology in order to meet candidates and carry out interviews. Although the current level of uncertainty has impacted many organisation’s appetite for making senior executive or non-executive appointments, many find […]
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A Portfolio with Purpose: interview with Benny Higgins
We were delighted to have the chance to talk to Benny Higgins and hear about his self-identified chameleon-like approach to his differing non-executive roles. As he emerges from a very successful and high profile career in financial services, most recently as inaugural CEO of Tesco Bank, Benny’s non-executive portfolio now encompasses public, not-for-profit and commercial […]
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News
Reach Disability Mentoring Programme – Round table event
We enjoyed a great first round-table event in the REACH disability mentoring programme. A lively discussion with an inspiring group from a range of organisations, discussing the importance of being open about disability. Our core agenda was about empowering disabled talent, specifically addressing stigma, celebrating what works, looking at blockers and generating ideas. We were […]
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News
ACL Appoints Lesley Cowley as Chair of the Board
The Board of the world’s leading airport coordinator, Airport Coordination Limited, is pleased to announce that Lesley Cowley OBE is to become its new Chair succeeding Jeff Halliwell, whose term of office comes to an end in March 2020. Lesley brings to ACL her wide experience as a non-executive director including chairing the boards of the […]
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Insight
Cultivating Culture: An Innovative Approach to People Strategy
In her role as Group HR Director for CYBG, we welcome Kate Guthrie who talks to us as the organisation prepares to transform four diverse banking brands into a digital first bank. She shares her thoughts on the benefits of integrating technology into HR functions and the challenges of creating a cohesive culture while maintaining the integrity […]
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News
Leading with James Ashton Podcast launches second series supported by Saxton Bampfylde
We are delighted to announce our support for the second series of ‘Leading with James Ashton’, a leadership podcast that speaks to people at the top of their game in business, charity, the arts and beyond. Each episode features two leaders from very different organisations discussing their take on leading vital causes, famous brand names […]
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World Mental Health Day 2019
World Mental Health Day (10 October) is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. Mental health problems can affect anyone, any day of the year, but each year, 10 October is set aside as a day for everyone to show their support for better mental health and to encourage […]
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Insight
Double (no) Trouble: Taking the stress out of multiple appointments
Adding a new face to a senior leadership team can have a huge impact on the diversity of thought, range of skills and approaches to work, the team dynamics and the culture. These elements can, of course, have a significant knock-on impact for the rest of the organisation. It is essential that you are armed […]
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Saxton Bampfylde partners with Civil Service to launch new disability mentoring programme REACH
Saxton Bampfylde has teamed with the Civil Service to launch a new mentoring programme designed to help support Civil Service employees with disabilities to maximise their career potential. Mentors participating in the programme are executive level leaders from outside the Civil Service who have either a lived experience of disability or have been involved in […]
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Dr Angela Wilkinson appointed as new Secretary-General of the World Energy Council
The World Energy Council has appointed its first woman Secretary General. Dr Angela Wilkinson will lead the development of timely, credible and insightful analysis on the state of the energy system and future evolution. She holds a PhD in Physics and has provided strategic advisory services to leaders in government, business, and civil society for […]
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Insight
Walk the Line – Government & Regulatory Affairs in a Changing Landscape
Over the past 30 years Saxton Bampfylde has been working alongside some of the most successful businesses in the UK, and has developed a strong reputation for our work in the public affairs space. We recognise that in an ever more complex political and economic climate, particularly the regulation and government affairs function across these […]
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MOSL appoints new Chief Executive
The Board of Market Operator Services Limited (MOSL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah McMath as its new Chief Executive. The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process in the Board’s search for a permanent successor to Des Burke, who joined MOSL as Interim CEO in December 2018. Sarah is an experienced business leader […]
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News
Gwen Parry-Jones OBE announced as Magnox Chief Executive Officer
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has announced the appointment of Gwen Parry-Jones OBE as Chief Executive Officer of Magnox Ltd. The appointment is a vital step towards Magnox Ltd becoming a subsidiary of NDA in September 2019, when Gwen will officially take up her post. Before starting work as CEO of Magnox, Gwen will be seconded […]
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Professor Nigel Weatherill appointed as Chair to Canal and River Trust’s North West Advisory Board
The Canal and River Trust has announced the appointment of Professor Nigel Weatherill as the new Chair of its Regional Advisory Board. The voluntary role, for an initial three-year term, comes at a pivotal time as the organisation encourages thousands of people who live near one of their waterways to get involved with their local canal or […]
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Insight
Strength of the Rock: Interview with Samantha Barrass
For Gibraltar, the relationship it has with the UK as an overseas territory is critical to its identity. It is also vitally important to the operational and regulatory approach of its commercial and public organisations. In this interview we talk to Samantha Barrass about her achievements as CEO of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission over the past […]
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Gambling Commission appoints Chair of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board
The Gambling Commission has appointed Dr Anna van der Gaag as Chair of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board Dr Anna van der Gaag CBE has been appointed as the new Chair for the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) – the Gambling Commission’s expert advisors on the research, education and treatment required to reduce gambling-related harms. […]
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Insight
The Magic of Ministry: A first timer’s guide to the public sector non-executive role
As one of the leading executive search firms advising on public appointments for over 30 years, Saxton Bampfylde has developed a strong interest in how people who have developed their careers outside of government find the process of being appointed to, and then the experience of holding, non-executive roles in the public sector. This year […]
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News
Regulation Leadership Insight: Canvas – Out Now
We live in times of widespread uncertainty and change. Long and widely-accepted principles of how economies, societies and their governments should interact are facing challenges unprecedented in recent times. Regulators of all kinds reside in the eye of this storm. As independent actors, they have a unique responsibility to oversee the way in which sectors […]
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Barriers to entry: Diversity in Regulation
Regulators must address many roles and challenges. It is perhaps inevitable that people concentrate on their external, market-facing tasks, but there are equally difficult and pressing internal issues for them to address, whether regarding quality, focus or the effective marshalling of scarce resources, or diversity. Diversity and inclusion are important and increasingly high-profile subjects for […]
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