SRA announces new additions to Board

In an important move for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the organisation announced the appointment of Shrin Honap and Ben Allgrove to its Board as part of its ongoing initiative for renewal and diversification. This effort aims to infuse fresh perspectives while ensuring continuity, as the SRA prepares to meet current and emerging challenges within the legal sector.

Ben Allgrove is set to join the Board in January, taking the place of Liz Smart, who has served for six years. During her tenure, Liz was particularly valuable to the SRA during the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. On the other hand, Shrin Honap will also step into the Board in January, following Rob McWilliam, who has provided over four years of service and strengthened the organisation's oversight of risk management.

Both appointees have taken on Board observer roles since 1 September 2026, and Shrin is positioned to become the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) in January. Anna Bradley, Chair of the SRA Board, reflected on the necessity of these changes, saying, “Regular change at Board level enables us to take stock of the skills and experience the organisation needs at a particular point in time.” She continued, expressing her confidence in the new appointees: “I am delighted to welcome Shrin and Ben following a highly competitive recruitment process. They bring the expertise we need to support operational excellence, strengthen our technological capabilities and navigate increasingly complex challenges.”

The SRA, which regulates solicitors and law firms across England and Wales, aims to secure consumer protection while upholding the rule of law and justice administration. This latest round of appointments underscores the importance of possessing the right skills at the Board level to address both current and future regulatory demands.

With Shrin Honap's extensive experience as a chartered accountant and non-executive director in various sectors, including financial services and government, along with Ben Allgrove’s expertise in digital regulation and innovation as Chief Innovation Officer at Baker McKenzie, the SRA's leadership is set to be bolstered significantly. Ben is an internationally recognised technology lawyer, and both he and Shrin bring a wealth of knowledge to guide the SRA through complex regulatory landscapes.

The Board, comprising ten non-executive directors and one executive director, operates under a stringent framework, ensuring that it effectively meets its regulatory responsibilities. The announcement of these new Board members stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment of the SRA to uphold high standards and adapt to the evolving needs of the legal profession.