A Compliance Officer Is The Sheriff Not The Gunslinger

Explaining the mysterious world of company compliance

In recent years 'compliance' has become something of a buzz word in governmental, business and professional circles, whilst a perceived lack of 'compliance' can result in negative news headlines and the downfall of organisations and many a public figure.

It was the non-compliance of former UK minister, Nadhim Zahawi, with ministerial codes that angered many colleagues and forced his recent removal from office rather than his actual tax indiscretions. Indeed, the concept of 'compliance' has become crucial to organisations and individuals alike; spawning an entirely new profession, that of the compliance officer. In fact most large organisations will now house entire departments of this once rare breed, leading many to ask just what is their role and what are we all meant to be complying with?