Shape public policy. Safeguard professional standards. Lead a profession towards the statutory recognition it deserves.
Not every Chief Executive role involves influencing government, protecting professional standards and occasionally resolving a registrant query before the end of the day.
After seven years, Mike is retiring. The Board is now seeking a successor who can continue strengthening the organisation and raising the profile and importance of professional interpreters working across public services.
NRPSI is the independent voluntary regulator and national register for public service interpreters in the United Kingdom. It sets professional standards, upholds accountability and provides assurance to public sector organisations, including the Ministry of Justice, the Metropolitan Police and NHS bodies, in settings where interpreters are relied upon in critical situations.
In these environments, clear communication is essential. When it fails, the consequences can affect legal outcomes, safeguarding decisions and, in some situations, lives.
As Chief Executive and Registrar, you’ll engage with senior stakeholders across government and public services while leading a specialist, long-standing team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register and the standards that underpin it.
The Role
Stepping into this role, you’ll be accountable to the Board for the governance, strategic direction and operational leadership of the organisation.
This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with the Chair and Board to shape the organisation’s strategy and priorities, while ensuring the Register continues to operate with credibility, integrity and independence.
You’ll have direct responsibility for the integrity of the Register itself. This includes oversight of registration, renewals, complaints and disciplinary processes, as well as responsibility for ensuring the organisation’s Code of Professional Conduct and regulatory framework remain robust and fit for purpose.
Externally, you’ll act as the senior voice of NRPSI. What does this mean in reality? Engaging with stakeholders across justice, policing, healthcare and central government, representing the organisation’s perspective clearly and authoritatively. This could include contributing to sector discussions, building relationships with policymakers and making the case for why professional interpreting standards matter to public safety and effective public services, or posting on LinkedIn and social channels.
The role also sees you supporting the organisation’s longer-term ambition of achieving statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters, a goal that will genuinely benefit from the right leader’s credibility and persistence.
Financial sustainability also sits within your remit. NRPSI is funded through registration fees paid by interpreters, and you’ll oversee the organisation’s finances while ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver its strategic priorities.
The Person
This is a role that calls for someone who has operated at senior or director level within a charity, not-for-profit organisation, professional body, regulatory organisation, membership association or comparable public service environment.
Someone who understands the responsibilities that come with leading an organisation whose work centres on professional standards, governance and public protection, and who brings the credibility, judgement and experience required to engage effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders including government departments, public sector organisations, registrants and sector partners.
You’ll bring most of the following:
*Senior leadership experience at director level or above within a charity, professional body, membership organisation, regulatory body or public service environment
*Experience influencing government policy or engaging with commissioners of public spending
*Experience developing or improving regulatory, registration or accreditation processes
*The ability to represent an organisation clearly and confidently in public, including engaging with senior civil servants, sector stakeholders and the media
*Financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational budgets and sustainability
*Confidence using digital systems, data and communication platforms to support organisational priorities
*Understanding of, or experience in, a registrar or equivalent function within a professional, regulatory or standards body, including accountability for the integrity of registration processes and criteria
Desirable
*Familiarity with public affairs, policy engagement or advocacy work would be advantageous, as would exposure to justice, policing, healthcare or public service environments.
*Experience navigating politically sensitive or contested professional environments, including managing public criticism, would also be beneficial.
*A second language would be welcomed.
A full candidate pack providing further information about the organisation and the role is available to view on the NRPSI and House Recruitment LinkedIn company pages.
Key Information
NRPSI is working with Michelle Paoloni, Director at House Recruitment, on this appointment.
To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting statement (no more than two pages) outlining your relevant experience, where you saw the role advertised and what has prompted you to apply.
*Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
*Discovery conversations with House Recruitment will take place on a rolling basis.
*Final interviews will be held in person in London on Wednesday 29 April 2026.