The Solicitors Regulation Authority has announced the appointment of Caroline Corby as Chair of its Board, bringing a new leadership transition to the regulator as it continues work on its future priorities.
Who is the SRA’s new Chair?
Corby is the current Chair of the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) and has held that position since 2021. She will succeed Anna Bradley, who announced in June 2026 that she would step down after eight years leading the SRA Board.
In comments published by the SRA, Corby said she was delighted to join the organisation. She described the UK legal services sector as a global leader and said strong, effective regulation was fundamental to public trust in legal services.
“Strong and effective regulation is fundamental” to public trust in legal services.
Caroline Corby, as quoted by the SRA
When will Caroline Corby take up the role?
Corby is due to become Chair on 23 November 2026. The SRA said the recruitment process ran over several months and was conducted by an external agency, with an independent selection panel chaired by Senior Independent Board member Lisa Mayhew.
- Corby becomes Chair of the Professional Standards Authority.
- Anna Bradley announces that she will step down after eight years as SRA Board Chair.
- The SRA announces Corby’s appointment as its next Chair.
- Corby is due to take up the role.
What experience does Corby bring?
Before moving into public-sector leadership, Corby spent 13 years working in the City, specialising in private equity. During that period, she served as a non-executive director on around 10 private-sector boards across different industries.
She joined the board of London Probation Trust in 2007 and later became its Chair. Since 2015, she has undertaken a range of public appointments and chaired fitness-to-practise hearings for several statutory health regulators.
At the PSA, the SRA says her tenure has included strengthening oversight of healthcare regulators and accredited registers, introducing a new framework of standards for regulators, expanding stakeholder engagement across the UK and publishing work on effective, proportionate regulation.
Corby also serves as Lead Non-Executive Board Member and Chair of the Crown Prosecution Service, chairs Peabody Trust, and is a non-executive director of the Security Industry Authority.
Why has the SRA appointed a new Chair?
SRA Chief Executive Sarah Rapson said Corby brings extensive experience in regulation, governance and public protection, together with a record of leading organisations through change and improvement.
Rapson said Corby’s leadership would be valuable as the regulator pursues its ambition to become more modern, proactive and intelligence-led, while protecting the public and supporting a thriving legal sector.
Lisa Mayhew, who chaired the independent selection panel, said Corby stood out in a competitive recruitment process. Mayhew highlighted her regulatory expertise, commitment to consumer protection and experience of guiding change across the regulatory landscape.
The SRA also thanked Bradley for her service over the past eight years. The authority said her tenure covered considerable change in both the organisation and the wider legal sector.
What does the SRA Board do?
The SRA says its executive is overseen by a Board comprising ten non-executive directors and one executive director, alongside an independent Chair. The non-executive membership includes six lay members and four solicitor members.
The Board provides leadership and oversight, with controls intended to ensure the SRA carries out its delegated regulatory functions and responsibilities in the public interest. It meets around eight times each year, through formal meetings and workshops or strategy sessions.
Corby’s appointment places her at the head of that governance structure as the regulator continues its plans to strengthen its approach to regulation and public protection.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the SRA appointed as its new Chair?
The SRA has appointed Caroline Corby, who currently chairs the Professional Standards Authority.
When does Caroline Corby start as SRA Chair?
She is due to take up the role on 23 November 2026.
Who is Caroline Corby replacing?
She will succeed Anna Bradley, who announced in June 2026 that she would step down after eight years as Chair.
What is Caroline Corby’s regulatory experience?
She has chaired the Professional Standards Authority since 2021 and has held public appointments, chaired London Probation Trust, and chaired fitness-to-practise hearings for statutory health regulators.