Chief Executive

Intellectual Property Regulation Board; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A regulatory body for intellectual property in the UK seeks a credible leader to drive strategic objectives and promote high standards in legal services. The successful candidate will navigate complex governance structures, lead with integrity, and influence stakeholders across various sectors. Experience in legal services is desirable. The organization values diversity and aims to reflect the professionals it works with.

Qualifications

• Senior executive experience in regulatory environments required.
• Experience or knowledge in legal services or intellectual property is desirable.
• A strong understanding of the purpose of regulation is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic objectives for IPReg.
• Champion education reform and promote diversity and inclusion.
• Influence stakeholders across government and professional bodies.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Political awareness

Ability to navigate governance structures

Commercial acumen

Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Job description

The Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) is the independent body responsible for all aspects of the regulation of patent and trade mark attorneys. We consult with the professions, industry, commerce and the public to set and maintain a Code of Conduct for the professions, set standards for education, training and qualifications, keep the registers of firms and attorneys and handle complaints against both professions. Our role is to ensure that intellectual property legal services are delivered to high standards, supporting the UK’s innovation economy.

Our vision is to ensure that we maintain our position as an effective, relevant and modern regulator. We work closely with the professions’ representative bodies, the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys and the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys, and with our oversight regulator, the Legal Services Board (LSB), to support the professions to deliver highly effective services.

Reporting to the Chair and Board, you will lead the development and delivery of IPReg’s strategic objectives and business plan. This includes championing education reform, promoting diversity and inclusion, and responding to emerging issues such as the use of AI in legal practice. You will represent IPReg externally, influencing stakeholders across government, professional bodies, and the wider legal services community. This is a hands‑on leadership role in a small, agile organisation, requiring both strategic vision and operational excellence.

We are seeking a credible and experienced leader with a strong understanding of regulation and its purpose. You will bring senior executive experience, political awareness, and the ability to navigate complex governance structures. Exceptional communication and influencing skills are essential, alongside commercial acumen and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Experience in legal services or intellectual property is desirable but not essential; what matters most is your ability to lead with integrity and deliver results in a high‑profile, scrutinised environment.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of intellectual property regulation and the professions it serves. If you are motivated by public interest, passionate about high standards, and ready to lead an organisation that plays a critical role in the UK’s innovation economy, we would love to hear from you.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation; one that reflects the professionals we work with and the public that we protect. We actively encourage those with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply to work with us.

For further information including how to apply, click Apply on website and for an informal confidential discussion contact Duncan Ewart at GatenbySanderson at [e-mail] .

Closing date : 5pm on Friday 5 December 2025