SRA Chair Anna Bradley steps down after eight years with the formal process for identifying her successor beginning on Monday 1st June 2026. In a statement published on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (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 sector changes 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. This has required, and will continue to require, a rapid evolution in how we work.”
She added mistakes had been made and she was sorry the regulator had not kept pace with the market which subsequently impacted on consumers and professionals. Bradley explained her tenure had been lengthened to support the aftermath of the Axiom Ince failure but now was the right time to step down.
The timing of Bradley’s departure coincides with the six month anniversary of Sarah Rapson, with Bradley praising the approach of the new SRA 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 her appointment in 2019 the SRA has overseen the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE); moving from a rules-based approach to regulation to a principles-based approach and “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, and strengthen 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 focused on operational excellence, proactive risk identification, a focus on the biggest issues, and improving collaboration. Its draft business plan is currently being consulted on, 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 on 1 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 be consulted on from November 2026 and launched in November 2027.
