On 7 October 2026, the Attorney General’s Office announced that applications had opened for a new Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC said the role was central to government efforts against serious financial crime and encouraged people with the right skills and experience to apply, according to the announcement.

The SFO investigates and prosecutes serious or complex fraud, bribery and corruption in England and Wales, and Northern Ireland, and is independent in deciding whether to open investigations or prosecute. The post was offered as a five-year fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of extension for at most an additional two years, and applications were to close at 23:55 on Friday 30 October 2026.

The Attorney General’s Office oversaw recruitment, assisted by executive search specialists Saxton Bampfylde, appointed via the Crown Commercial Framework RM6290.