Ensuring Excellence in Compliance for Regulated Industries

In today’s regulatory landscape, maintaining compliance with industry-specific regulations is paramount for businesses operating in finance, legal, technology, and HR sectors. We offer comprehensive compliance consultancy services designed to help regulated businesses achieve and maintain the highest standards of compliance. Our services encompass a thorough review and enhancement of all compliance matters, including policies and procedures, supervision, training and competency, anti-money laundering (AML), firm-wide risk assessments, annual assessments, file procedures, reporting mechanisms, and risk mitigation strategies.

About the Founder

“With 15 years of post-qualification experience (PQE) as a solicitor, I bring extensive expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and legal governance. Having worked extensively within the legal industry in civil litigation and then managing a law firm's compliance and risk, I understand the complexities and challenges of maintaining compliance in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape. While my primary focus has been the legal sector, my skills are highly transferable to finance, technology, and HR sectors.

My journey began in legal practice, where I honed my skills in litigation before becoming the head of compliance and risk at a medium sized law firm dealing with matters of compliance and regulatory affairs, ensuring the firm adhered to industry standards while mitigating risks. Recognising a growing need for specialized compliance consultancy, I established this firm to provide tailored, practical solutions for businesses navigating complex regulations.

As a compliance consultant, I am dedicated to helping firms build robust compliance frameworks, offering expert guidance on policies, training, risk assessments, and ongoing monitoring. My mission is to ensure firms not only meet regulatory requirements but also operate with integrity, efficiency, and confidence.

With a commitment to excellence, I work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and develop strategies that align with their operational goals. Whether you require assistance with AML regulations, GDPR compliance, employment law adherence, or cybersecurity governance, I am here to support your business every step of the way.”

Phil

Founding Managing Director

Our Services

  • Our consultancy services are available on an hourly basis, allowing for flexibility and tailored support based on your firm’s specific needs. This includes on-site visits, remote consultations, and ongoing support as required.

  • For specific tasks such as document drafting, policy updates, and training sessions, we offer fixed-price packages. This provides clarity and predictability in terms of costs, ensuring you receive high-quality services without unexpected expenses.

  • In addition to our hourly and fixed-price services, we offer retainer packages for ongoing compliance support. This includes access to our experts for advice and guidance as needed, ensuring you have continuous support in maintaining compliance across all regulatory requirements, including an out-of-hours service.

  • We begin our consultancy with an initial consultation to understand the specific needs and challenges of your business. This involves a comprehensive assessment of your current compliance status, identifying areas of strength and those requiring improvement.

  • We provide specialist compliance consultancy services for CPR Part 35 court experts, ensuring adherence to Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), the Expert Witness Code of Conduct, and regulatory best practices. Whether you are an independent expert, expert witness firm, or legal professional instructing experts, our consultancy services ensure that expert evidence is delivered with integrity, accuracy, and full regulatory compliance.

     Our services include:

    • Training on how to draft CPR-compliant reports.

    • Training to help experts truly understand their duties to the court and maintaining impartiality and independence in expert evidence.

    • Guidance on conflict-of-interest management, other types of expert witness training, and procedural compliance to ensure experts meet judicial expectations.

    • Support firms with data protection compliance (UK GDPR), case file management, and secure handling of sensitive legal documents.

    • Help experts and or firms develop robust policies for instructions, disclosures, and professional indemnity coverage, ensuring alignment with court requirements, professional body guidelines, and best practice protocols.

We provide expert compliance consultancy for law firms and legal professionals, ensuring adherence to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) rules and broader regulatory obligations. Our services include:

  • SRA Compliance & Governance – Guidance on compliance with SRA Codes of Conduct, COLP and COFA responsibilities, and firm-wide risk management.

  • File Auditing & Regulatory Reviews – Conducting independent file audits to assess compliance with professional and regulatory standards, identifying areas for improvement.

  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Client Due Diligence – Ensuring firms meet AML regulations, including source of funds verification, client risk assessments, and suspicious activity reporting.

  • Data Protection & GDPR Compliance – Advising on the handling of client data, confidentiality obligations, and legal professional privilege considerations under UK GDPR.

  • Complaints Handling & Professional Ethics – Assisting with regulatory complaint procedures, disciplinary risk mitigation, and embedding ethical best practices within firms.

  • Training & Staff Development – Delivering tailored training on SRA compliance, AML regulations, GDPR obligations, and professional ethics to enhance staff competency.

  • Ongoing Compliance Monitoring & Support – Providing continuous compliance oversight, policy development, and updates on evolving legal regulations.

  • Policies, procedures and documents – Drafting bespoke policies, procedures, retainers and risk assessments that are required.

  • Monitoring – provide a bespoke system for all compliance needs to keep on top of monitoring and assessments.

Legal Compliance

Industry-Specific Compliance Services

Finance & Banking Compliance

  • AML compliance, including policy reviews, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting.

  • Know Your Customer (KYC) and fraud prevention measures.

  • Financial crime risk assessments and compliance audits.

  • Regulatory reporting and governance under FCA, SEC, and other financial authorities.

  • Training and development for employees on financial compliance and fraud prevention.

Technology & Data Security Compliance

  • GDPR and data protection impact assessments.

  • IT risk assessments.

  • AI ethics and data governance policy development.

  • Security incident response planning and breach management.

  • Employee cybersecurity awareness training.

    HR Services Compliance

  • Employment law compliance, including adherence to the Equality Act 2010 and TUPE regulations.

  • Workplace safety and risk assessments.

  • GDPR compliance for HR data processing and employee records.

  • Whistleblowing policies and grievance procedure reviews.

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training and policy implementation.

    ICAEW Compliance & QAD Support Services

    We specialise in helping accountancy firms meet the stringent compliance requirements set by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Whether you’re preparing for a Quality Assurance Department (QAD) visit or strengthening your ongoing governance framework, we provide expert, practical, and commercially minded support tailored to your firm. Our services include:

    Compliance Health Checks

    We carry out independent reviews to assess your firm’s readiness for ICAEW and QAD scrutiny, including:

    • Review of policies, procedures, and documentation

    • Risk management frameworks (including AML and client due diligence)

    • File reviews and breach registers

    • Professional indemnity insurance compliance

    ICAEW-Compliant Manuals, Policies & Registers

    We create and implement bespoke documentation in line with ICAEW requirements:

    • Firm-wide Compliance Manual Frameworks

    • AML Policy, Client Money Procedures, Risk Register & Breaches Register

    • Staff Declarations (e.g. Code of Ethics, Independence, CPD compliance)

    Staff Training & Declarations

    We deliver tailored training and tools to demonstrate regulatory awareness:

    • ICAEW Code of Ethics & ISAs training

    • Staff independence and ethical compliance declarations

    • Probity, confidentiality, and competence reviews

    QAD Visit Preparation & Support

    Ensure peace of mind with our pre- and post-QAD support:

    • Mock QAD interviews and readiness checklists

    • Assistance with QAD action points and remediation

    • Ongoing monitoring tools to demonstrate continuous compliance

    Education

    At Bigelaw Compliance Consultancy Services, we understand the unique regulatory landscape faced by education providers across the UK. Whether you're a multi-academy trust, an independent school, or a higher education institution, we provide expert guidance to help you meet your legal, ethical and policy obligations with confidence.

     

    Our Services Include:

     

    Governance & Regulatory Frameworks
    Support with complying with DfE statutory guidance, Ofsted frameworks, and the Education Act 2002. We help governors and senior leaders stay accountable and informed.

     

    Safeguarding & Prevent Duty Compliance
    We assist in ensuring your policies and practices meet the latest requirements under Keeping Children Safe in Education and the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

     

    Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
    Tailored training and policy reviews to meet the Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010. Promote a culture of inclusion while remaining legally compliant.

     

    GDPR & Data Protection for Schools and Colleges
    We provide audits, training, and documentation to ensure full compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, safeguarding pupil and staff data.

     

    Whistleblowing & Complaints Handling
    Create robust frameworks for raising and managing concerns, in line with legal obligations and best practice standards.

     

    Internal Policy Reviews & Compliance Audits
    We audit your compliance framework, review key policies and provide actionable reports to close gaps—helping you prepare for inspections and regulatory scrutiny.

     

    Staff Training & Compliance Awareness
    Engaging training for school leaders, DSLs, and frontline staff, focused on real-world application and compliance confidence.

     

    Why Choose Bigelaw?

    Our services are rooted in legal rigour and practical insight. With experience spanning regulatory compliance in both education and legal sectors, we bridge the gap between legal requirements and operational realities—helping you deliver education safely, fairly, and within the law.

     

    Let us help you build a culture of compliance that supports learning and protects everyone involved. Get in touch to discuss your institution’s needs or arrange a no-obligation compliance health check.

    Compliance Implementation and Improvement in all industries

    Based on our findings, we will work closely with your business to implement necessary improvements. This includes:

  • Drafting and Updating Documents – Creating or updating compliance documents, policies, and procedures to ensure they meet regulatory standards.

  • Training and Development – Providing training sessions for your staff to enhance their understanding and application of compliance requirements.

  • Continuous Monitoring – Establishing systems for continuous monitoring and improvement of your compliance framework.

Testimonials

  • Robert Skyner

    Director
    Gifford Cairns Solicitors

    “We are delighted to be partnering with Bigelaw as we enter a new year. As a small to medium sized firm with 3 offices across 3 different regions it simply wasn’t sustainable for us to have the Senior Partners devoting a large proportion of their time overseeing compliance. 

    Partnering with Bigelaw allows us to ensure our regulatory and compliance systems are on point whilst simultaneously freeing up the senior partners (who were previously COLP and COFA) to focus on our ambitious plans for growth into new sectors and geographical areas. 

    We can move forward as a firm with complete confidence knowing that we have a dedicated, time served and trusted gatekeeper behind us. “

  • Jack Deery

    Head of IT
    Driscoll Kingston Solicitors

    "Bigelaw has been integral in ensuring our IT systems and policies remain fully compliant with SRA standards. Phil Bigelow has worked closely with me to navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance, providing expert guidance and practical solutions tailored to our needs. His in-depth knowledge and proactive approach have given us confidence that our IT infrastructure meets all necessary requirements. I highly recommend Bigelaw for anyone seeking reliable and professional support in legal IT compliance."

  • Paul Simpson

    Barrister
    New Bailey Chambers

    “I am delighted to provide this testimonial as to the skill and expertise of Philip Bigelow. Philip is an outstanding solicitor. He has a detailed knowledge of in complex professional negligence cases, involving detailed consideration of solicitor’s regulatory breaches. In addition, he has a wide experience gained over fifteen years of practice, in complex multi-track personal injury, landlord and tenant, and commercial law. Philip has an eye for detail, and is recognised by his clients as being confidential, professional, and thorough. He is approachable, and able to grasp and determine, complex legal issues. He has an excellent reputation with his professional and private clients. I have no hesitation in recommending his services as a Solicitor in the regulatory field.”

  • David Byrne

    Operations Manager
    Driscoll Kingston & Co

    “It is a pleasure to work with Phil who always makes himself available whenever we need his help.  His sound and sensible advice has given us a sure footing for our future risk management. Phil’s knowledge of both his area and the specific requirements of this firm in relation to risk management and regulatory compliance meant that his assistance was exactly relevant and has proved to be a useful reference going forward. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom together with being a consummate professional.”

  • Louis Browne KC

    Kings Counsel
    Exchange Chambers

    “I have worked with Phil over a number of years. He instructed me in complex, multi-party housing litigation.

    He has a very detailed knowledge of this area of the law. His cases were always very well prepared and his commitment to his clients was complete. He invariably worked extremely hard for each one of them.

    In addition, Phil was always very mindful of the ‘business needs’ of his clients, assessing carefully the benefits of pursuing each step in the litigation versus the cost of taking it.

    Based upon my working relationship with him, I can strongly recommend him. I wish him every success in his new venture.”

Contact us

 

Office Address

Exchange Court, Liverpool, L2 3SW