Bank of England. Ensuring Accuracy and Integrity in Regulatory Publishing

Image credit: The Bank of England

The Challenge

Since 2014, the Bank of England has relied on my team to support the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) with the ongoing maintenance of its online Rulebook. This digital platform sets out the legal instruments by which financial institutions must operate. The objective has always been to ensure that all published rules are accurate, up to date, and aligned with editorial standards, reflecting the authority and precision expected of a central bank.

This has never been a straightforward task. It requires meticulous editing, absolute consistency, and a deep understanding of legal and regulatory language, all while maintaining trusted service delivery and adhering to stringent security protocols.

The Obstacles

• Absolute Accuracy: The PRA Rulebook outlines the legal obligations of financial institutions. Any inconsistency, error, or ambiguity could have serious consequences. Every edit must meet the highest editorial and legal standards.

• Complex Editorial Standards: The Bank’s house style is extensive and precise, covering not just grammar and tone but also specific legal formatting and terminology. Content must be proofread and edited in strict accordance with these conventions.

• Secure Content Management: Updates are made directly in the client’s CMS, and we handle sensitive regulatory content. This requires attention to detail and appropriately cleared staff, using secure systems for data handling and transfer.

• Time-Critical Delivery: The Rulebook is updated on a regular release schedule, and each update requires close coordination with PRA teams to ensure deadlines are met without compromising quality.

The Approach

• Dedicated Editorial Team: I led a team of experienced, security-cleared editors and proofreaders. Each team member is trained in the Bank’s editorial style and CMS, ensuring accuracy and consistency across the board.

• Two-Tier Quality Assurance: Every edit undergoes a peer-review process before publication. This internal QA workflow guarantees editorial precision and alignment with PRA standards.

• Secure-by-Design Process: We employed encrypted file transfers, secure storage, and confidential workflows, with only appropriately cleared staff managing these sensitive documents to ensure integrity at every stage.

• Proactive Project Management: Before each release, I worked closely with PRA content teams to plan resourcing, assess potential risks, and implement mitigations. This forward planning was essential for the success of every release.

The People Behind the Success

• Technical Editors and Proofreaders: My editors translated complex legal text into clear, flawless copy that adhered to strict rules. Their attention to detail ensured every legal instrument was published without error.

• Project Management Team: Through careful scheduling and oversight, my team ensured that all deliverables were on time and error-free, acting as the crucial link between the editorial team and PRA stakeholders.

• Client Collaboration: Our lead editor, Steve, became so valued by the PRA that he was affectionately referred to as "The Oracle" — a testament to the strength of the working relationship and the trust he earned over the years.

The Outcome

• Successful Bid and Long-Term Relationship: We initially secured the contract through a competitive tender process, and based on consistently high performance, we’ve been reappointed over the years. The contract has now been extended to a total of 10 years.

• 100 Percent SLA Achievement: My team has delivered every release on time and without error, providing total confidence in our processes and people.

• Regulatory Confidence at Scale: Through secure handling, editorial excellence, and seamless project delivery, we’ve helped maintain the PRA Rulebook as a reliable, accessible resource for the financial services sector and the public.

• Enduring Partnerships: The relationship with the PRA is built on mutual respect, subject matter expertise, and a shared commitment to quality. We’re not just a supplier, but an embedded partner in their editorial operations.

Conclusion

For over a decade, my team has helped the Bank of England deliver a Rulebook that reflects its role as a central pillar of UK financial regulation. Our commitment to accuracy, consistency, and trust has made us a key partner in ensuring the clarity and credibility of regulatory content that underpins an entire industry.