The SRA has announced that Chief Executive, Antony Townsend, will be stepping down later in the year.
He has led the SRA through a period of significant change for the organisation. From its initial inception through the introduction of mySRA, a new code of conduct and the shift to outcomes focused regulation.
He said of his decision to step down: "I have headed up the SRA from its inception. The pace of change has been relentless; the challenges have been formidable.
"The SRA now has a firm basis upon which to develop and mature its new approach to regulation.
"I have concluded that after seven years it is a good time for me to move on, so I will leave once my successor has been appointed.
"I want to pay particular thanks to my exceptional colleagues, who have worked tirelessly in often difficult circumstances, and to the present and past Board members who have been an invaluable source of support."
Charles Plant, Chair of the Board said: "Antony, who was the first Chief Executive of the SRA, inherited a regulatory organisation and regime in serious need of reform.
"Much has been achieved by the SRA under Antony’s leadership over the past seven years.
"The SRA’s transformation process must continue with particular emphasis on operational delivery now that the new regulatory framework is substantially in place. The next stage in the SRA’s development will be equally demanding over a further protracted period of time, and Antony and I have agreed that now is an appropriate time to effect a change.
"The Board places on record its considerable gratitude to Antony for the dedication and skill with which he has led the SRA in challenging times, and for the success which has been achieved."
Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, President of the Law Society, responded to the announcement: "Antony Townsend has been with the SRA from the start, and has worked tirelessly and selflessly to create a modern regulator for solicitors.
“He can take credit for many developments at the SRA and never wavered from his robust commitment to establishing it as a public interest regulator. We wish him well in his future career."
