SRA Update issue 155 October 2026

The window for renewing practising certificates and registrations is now open, and runs until October 31. To help you complete your application, you can check what information you’ll be asked to provide and access supporting guidance. This includes videos for both bulk renewal and individual applications. Don’t forget to check your authenticator app before logging in so you can access mySRA and apply.

We have announced that Caroline Corby will take up the role of Chair of the SRA Board later this year, following a competitive recruitment process. Caroline's appointment marks an important step as we continue to strengthen our leadership and deliver our vision of a modern, intelligence-led regulator focused on protecting consumers and building public confidence. Two additional Board members will also join in January as part of our ongoing board renewal programme.

We are inviting your views on proposed updates to the Statement of Solicitor Competence and functioning legal knowledge (FLK) designed to make sure both continue to reflect modern ways of working and considerations. Consultation on the proposed changes, which have been informed through prior engagement with the nearly 150 solicitors, law firms, educators, representative bodies and academics, runs until 3 December.

Professional ethics issues, such as lack of integrity, dishonesty, non-inclusive behaviour and criminal conduct, now account for almost two-thirds of investigations. Find out what safeguards are in place for those who want to report ethical concerns and how we are working with the profession to create and support ethical cultures.

Last month we announced some changes to how the SQE1 assessment within the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) will be structured from January 2027. To help you understand what is changing, plus how the wider assessment works read a recently published blog by our Head of Education and Training, Maxine Warr.

We recently released results from the July 2026 sitting of SQE1. The results show a small year-on-year increase in pass rates, with 42% of candidates passing in July 2026, compared with 41% the previous July. Pass rates for first-time sitters also rose from 46% to 47% with more than 6,300 candidates completing the July assessments.

Join the first of two free webinars on 19 October to hear the findings from our latest review of anti-money laundering (AML) policies, controls and procedures. Our AML team will share examples of good and poor practice and provide practical tips to strengthen your firm's approach. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions live. 

Join our second free webinar on 19 October for the latest insights into anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. The panel will share key findings from the latest AML annual report, discuss trends and issues we are seeing in our enforcement work, and highlight examples of good practice. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions live. 

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