SRA seeks new Board members

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is seeking to appoint two solicitors as new Board members. The deadline for applications is noon on 7 October. The positions would commence in January and September 2022.

Existing solicitor members Geoff Nicholas and Barry Matthews will leave the Board at the end of 2021 after six years. Lay Board member, Peter Higson, is set to step down in January, and solicitor member Tony Williams’ term is due to expire in August 2022. Following the recruitment of two new members, the Board would comprise nine members. 

The SRA requires candidates to have “a track record of achievement in complex organisations, the ability to think strategically and previous experience of working with a board or evidence of the ability to do so”. 

The SRA said it is committed to enhancing and diversifying the range of expertise on the Board, and that it is “particularly interested” in individuals with experience in at least one of the following:

•    senior management in a City or other major law firm
•    provision of legal services in Wales
•    provision of legal services through less traditional business models, such as an alternative business structure or digital services provider.

Anna Bradley, chair of the SRA Board, said: “We want to hear from solicitors who would like to make a difference in a complex and fast-changing legal landscape. 

“If you have the right experience, we want to hear from you whatever your background; we welcome candidates who can bring real diversity to our thinking, whether that is diversity of race, of gender, or of thought and culture”.

She added: “We have an exciting programme of work at the SRA, whether it is about making the Solicitors Qualifying Examination a reality, bedding in our wider reforms, or supporting the sector to make the most of technology. Joining the Board will give you the opportunity to be contribute to this work directly”.

The SRA Board oversees the SRA’s regulation of more than 158,000 practising solicitors and 10,000 firms across England and Wales. Board member responsibilities include “setting the SRA’s strategic direction, making sure that issues are explored from a range of viewpoints and holding the organisation to account for its performance”.

For further information about how to apply, click here and use reference QAFAY. Alternatively, email belinda.beck@saxbam.com or call 020 7227 0880 during office hours.