Hill: We all have an interest in a successful legal services market
The executive director of strategy, policy and communications at the General Dental Council has been named as the new chief executive of the Legal Services Board (LSB).
Matthew Hill – who was previously director of regulatory risk and analysis at the Gambling Commission – replaces Neil Buckley, who announced in February [1] that he was standing down after more than three years in the role.
Mr Hill, who will join the LSB on 20 August, will be the organisation’s fourth chief executive in nine years.
After graduating in biochemistry from Oxford University, he spent 16 years in the civil service, latterly at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport before joining the Gambling Commission in 2008. He has been at the General Dental Council since November 2015.
LSB chair Dr Helen Phillips said: “Matthew impressed us with his intellectual credibility, drive and commitment, and he will bring to the LSB the right blend of leadership and experience to take the organisation forward as we work to deliver our new five-year policy objectives.”
Mr Hill said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the LSB at this important time. We all have an interest in a successful legal services market as confidence in it underpins our democracy, economy and a wider public interest.”
Dr Phillips added also paid tribute to Mr Buckley for leading the LSB “through a revised approach to performance assessment, and regulatory governance arrangements, underpinning our commitment to effective, proportionate regulation”.
She continued: “His authorisation of licensing authorities for alternative business structures has further liberalised the market, supported innovation and increased access to justice. The board has particularly appreciated Neil’s role in facilitating consideration of the LSB’s Vision and strategic objectives.
“His personal leadership of the diversity agenda and improvements in transparency of price and quality information provide a legacy for consumers on which we will be proud to build.”
Mr Buckley is pursuing a non-executive portfolio career and has already secured roles as a board member of the Valuation Tribunal Service and of the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Meanwhile, the Bar Standards Board has appointed two new barrister members, Elizabeth Prochaska and Leslie Thomas QC.
Ms Prochaska is the legal director at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, having spent a decade practising at Matrix Chambers in public, equality and human rights law.
In 2007, she founded a non-governmental organisation called Birthrights, which promotes respect for women’s rights in maternity care.
Mr Thomas, appointed QC in 2014, is a high-profile human rights practitioner at Garden Court Chambers specialising in claims against the police, public authorities and corporate bodies, along with inquests and public inquiries – he has recently been representing survivors and bereaved family members at the Grenfell inquiry.