News release
SRA begins formal process to hire new Board Chair
26 May 2026
Anna Bradley, chair of the SRA Board, due to stand down after eight years
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has today announced the formal process to identify its new Board Chair will begin on Monday 1 June.
Anna Bradley has served as Chair of the SRA Board for eight years, taking up the role in January 2019. Anna's tenure was extended in the wake of the Axiom Ince collapse to provide leadership continuity for the SRA as it implemented changes, with the goal of setting up the organisation for future delivery.
During Anna's tenure, the SRA has undergone a period of significant change, including:
- Introducing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination following sustained engagement with stakeholders across the sector, and now beginning to see improvements in access to the profession.
- Developing new approaches to regulation, moving from a rules-based to a principles-based approach and laying the foundations for a more proactive model of regulation, supported by its risk and data programme.
- Putting in place stronger governance structures and assurance, including a dedicated Audit and Risk Committee, improved risk and performance frameworks, and strengthened internal audit and quality assurance functions.
- Embracing and expanding the SRA's focus on innovation and access, including establishing an innovation hub and supporting the use of technology to improve the delivery of legal services to vulnerable and underserved groups.
- Strengthening leadership, including supporting the appointment of a new Chief Executive, setting clear priorities through a one-year Business Plan, and managing Board succession to ensure the organisation is well placed for the next phase.
The process of hiring a new Board Chair begins as the new Chief Executive, Sarah Rapson, has completed six months in the role. Sarah has, alongside the executive, outlined and begun delivery of four key priority areas for 2026 – operational excellence, proactive risk identification, a focus on the biggest issues, and improving collaboration. This will continue the work across the organisation to improve outcomes for consumers and the profession alike. The SRA has also recently laid out further developments in the draft Business Plan for 2026/27, which is currently being consulted on.
Anna Bradley, Chair of the SRA Board, said, "During my tenure, I have seen very significant change in the legal sector and in the resultant demands placed on the SRA. 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.
'Sometimes, we have not kept pace with the market and mistakes have been made. I am sorry these issues have had such an impact on consumers and the profession. Which is why, I have focussed on learning and creating the momentum we need to deliver the necessary change.
'My tenure was extended to navigate the aftermath of Axiom, set us up for future success, and ensure we are on the right track. Appointing a new Chief Executive was a key step on this path and I am delighted by the approach Sarah has adopted and the progress already made.
'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.'
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.