Stockport compliance professional appointed to FCSA board

The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has welcomed the Compliance Director of a Stockport-based payroll specialist to its board to support umbrella companies.

Chris Bloor (pictured), Compliance Director of Bramhall-based Sapphire, has been appointed to the FCSA board after joining the organisation’s member council in 2023. Its timing comes as regulatory and compliance changes for recruitment agencies and umbrella companies take effect, with the Employment Rights Acts and establishment of the Fair Work Agency expanding employment protections and standardising pay transparency across the industry.

In his role, Chris will be focused on furthering the work of the FCSA by championing high standards of compliance, transparency and ethnical practices. For an industry facing a changing regulatory environment, this will also help agencies and umbrella companies to best prepare, while providing a platform for collaboration between these companies, recruiters, end clients, regulators and industry bodies.

Chris Bloor, Compliance Director at Sapphire, said:

“I’ve seen first-hand how important the umbrella industry is to the supply chain and equally how much change they have experienced in recent years. Throughout this, I’ve been committed to ensuring the industry can best navigate compliance, while allowing them to scale sustainably in the long-term.

“By joining the FCSA board, I’ll be able to bring a strong voice to the sector, combining my experience across umbrella companies of varying sizes with an understanding of operational, commercial and compliance challenges.”

Mark Connor, CEO at Sapphire, added:

“Chris’ appointment to the FCSA reflects the expertise, integrity and leadership he brings to Sapphire and the wider industry. His experience across umbrella companies of all sizes means he’ll bring a strong understand and represent the wider industry in policy discussions.”

Founded in 2008, the FCSA supports and represents the professional employment services sector. It is the UK’s leading membership body for umbrella employers, contractor accountants and CIS payroll services providers with over 70 member firms who support more than 200,000 contractors.