Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) chair Anna Bradley has stepped down after eight years in the role, with the formal process for identifying her successor beginning on 1st June.
In a statement published on the SRA website, Bradley said she had seen “very significant change in the legal sector” during her tenure, and it was the right time to start the transition to a new chair.
But she acknowledged the immense pressure changes in the sector had on the SRA and its ability to focus on firms and protect consumers. “A central theme has been the need for us to focus more on firms and the way they operate in a rapidly changing legal sector to ensure that we protect consumers.,” she said.
“This has required, and will continue to require, a rapid evolution in how we work.”
Bradley said mistakes had been made and she was sorry the regulator had not kept pace with the market, which subsequently impacted consumers and professionals. Her tenure had been lengthened to support the aftermath of the Axiom Ince failure, Bradley explained, but now was the right time to step down.
The timing of the departure coincides with the six month anniversary of Sarah Rapson being in post, with Bradley praising the approach of the SRA’s chief executive.
“The SRA now has a better grip on what needs to change to make us an improved, more modern, proportionate and, ultimately, more trusted regulator. This makes it the right time to start the transition to a new board chair. I believe the organisation now has the leadership, priorities, and momentum it needs for the next phase.”
Since Bradley’s appointment in 2019 the SRA has overseen the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE); a move from a rules-based approach to a principles-based regulation – “laying the foundations for a more proactive model of regulation”; the introduction of the dedicated Audit and Risk Committee to improve risk and performance frameworks; the strengthening of internal audit and quality assurance functions; and expanding the SRA’s focus on innovation to deliver legal services to vulnerable and underserved groups.
The regulator has outlined four key priorities as it seeks to “regain the trust” of its regulated community.
In a statement published on the SRA website last month Sarah Rapson said she would be focusing on operational excellence, proactive risk identification, a focus on the biggest issues, and improving collaboration.
A draft business plan is currently under consultation, including plans to increase the practicing certificate fee by around 29% to enable the SRA to invest in its future.
The formal hiring process for the new board chair is due to be concluded in the autumn, with the new chair in post from 1st January 2027. The intention is for the new chair to take the lead in finalising a new three-year corporate strategy, which is due to undergo consultation from November 2026 and be launched in November 2027.
