The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has appointed Caroline Corby as its next chair, with the regulator expecting her experience in governance, public protection and regulatory oversight to support its programme of reform.
Corby is currently chair of the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), a body responsible for overseeing the regulation of healthcare professionals. She has held that position since 2021 and is due to take up her new role at the SRA on 23 November 2026, succeeding Anna Bradley, who is stepping down after eight years as chair.
During her leadership of the PSA, Corby has overseen developments in regulatory standards, strengthened oversight of healthcare regulators and accredited registers, and increased engagement with stakeholders. Her appointment comes at a challenging time for the SRA as it faces continued scrutiny of its handling of major law firm failures, including the collapses of Axiom Ince and PM Law.
These cases have raised concerns about regulatory oversight and contributed to increased pressure on the SRA to improve its processes. The regulator has been working to strengthen its approach, with a greater emphasis on identifying risks and protecting consumers.
SRA chief executive Sarah Rapson welcomed the appointment, highlighting Corby’s background in regulation and governance. Rapson said her leadership would support the organisation’s ambition to become a more modern, proactive and intelligence-led regulator while protecting the public and supporting the legal profession.
Lisa Mayhew, the SRA board’s senior independent member who chaired the recruitment panel, said Corby had stood out during a competitive selection process. The panel valued her regulatory expertise, commitment to consumer protection and experience of leading change across regulated sectors.
Corby said she wanted to help ensure the SRA was an effective and trusted regulator. She also emphasised the importance of strong regulation in maintaining confidence in legal services, supporting businesses and upholding the rule of law.
Before moving into regulatory leadership, Corby spent 13 years working in the City, specialising in private equity. Since 2015, she has also chaired fitness-to-practise hearings for several statutory healthcare regulators.
Her other positions include chair of the Crown Prosecution Service and Peabody Trust, as well as a non-executive role at the Security Industry Authority. These appointments add to her experience of governance across public services and regulated organisations.
The appointment has also attracted attention from the Law Society, which identified restoring confidence among solicitors and the public as a key challenge for the incoming chair. Law Society president Brett Dixon said the SRA would need to continue responding to concerns arising from major firm failures and implementing directions from the Legal Services Board.
The change in leadership comes as the SRA continues efforts to improve its regulatory performance and strengthen public protection. Corby’s tenure will be closely watched as the organisation works to rebuild confidence and demonstrate that its reforms are delivering meaningful improvements for consumers and the legal sector.
