Anna Bradley will step down in December 2026 after eight years as chair of the SRA Board
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced that the formal process to identify its new Board Chair will begin on Monday 1 June, marking the commencement of the search for a successor to Anna Bradley, who is due to step down after eight years as chair of the SRA Board in December 2026.
The formal hiring process for the new chair is due to be concluded in the autumn with the chosen individual 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.
The SRA said the incoming chair will work alongside chief executive Sarah Rapson and help shape the regulator’s future direction as it develops its next corporate strategy and pursues priorities around operational performance, risk identification, engagement and collaboration.
Reflecting on her eight years as chair, Anna Bradley said the legal sector had changed significantly during her tenure.
“I have seen very significant change in the legal sector and in the resultant demands placed on the SRA,” she said. “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 apologised for regulatory failures during her tenure. “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,” Bradley said. “Which is why I have focused on learning and creating the momentum we need to deliver the necessary change.”
Bradley said her extended tenure had been intended to support the regulator through a period of transition. “My tenure was extended to navigate the aftermath of Axiom, set us up for future success, and ensure we are on the right track,” she said. “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.”
She added: “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.”