Rapson: Pivotal moment for the legal sector
The executive director of supervision at the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has today been named as the new chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Sarah Rapson will succeed Paul Philip, who is retiring later this year after more than a decade in the role. The exact dates have not been confirmed.
Her early career was in retail financial services, latterly at American Express, before joining the Home Office in 2005, becoming chief executive of HM Passport Office and Registrar General for England and Wales in 2010 and three years later the first director-general of UK Visas and Immigration.
In 2016, Ms Rapson became director of authorisations at the Financial Conduct Authority before moving to her current role in 2021.
In a non-executive capacity, she was senior independent director of the North Middlesex Hospital NHS Trust and is currently non-executive director of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. She has an MBA from London Business School.
SRA chair Anna Bradley – whose term of office was extended by two years so that she and Mr Philip did not leave at the same time – said: “Sarah stood out in what was a strong field as someone who had the right skills and knowledge to take the SRA to the next level.
“She has the broad and deep regulatory, policy and management experience to help her guide us through an increasingly challenging environment.
“Paul Philip has led the organisation with purpose over the past 12 years. The board thanks him for his leadership in responding to a changing professional landscape. His work has strengthened public protection and reshaped our approach.”
Ms Rapson said: “I’m honoured to be asked to lead the SRA at such a pivotal moment for the legal sector. As we enter a new chapter, we’ll continue to navigate the opportunities and challenges brought by emerging technologies and evolving ways of working.
“The public rightly expects legal professionals to uphold the highest standards of integrity and competence. I look forward to working closely with the profession, colleagues across the SRA, and with other regulators to ensure those standards are met – and to intervene appropriately where they are not.”
Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the FRC – and one-time chief executive of the Legal Services Board – said: “While I am sorry to see Sarah leave the FRC, this is an excellent appointment for both Sarah and the SRA.
“Sarah has been particularly key in developing our supervisory approach and capabilities. She will be a great asset to the SRA and I wish her all the best.”
