Hill: Great sadness
The Legal Services Board (LSB) is on the hunt for a new chief executive after Matthew Hill announced that he would be stepping down at the end of March 2024.
He is moving to become chief executive of the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Mr Hill has become increasingly vocal in recent times on issues such as professional ethics [1] and diversity [2].
He said: “I have been tremendously privileged to have worked with so many brilliant people inside and outside the LSB, and to have been entrusted with the mission of ensuring regulation works better in the interests of the public and people who need legal services.
“It is, of course, with great sadness that after five years it is time to draw this chapter of my career to a close, but I am confident that the LSB is very well placed to continue its important work, with its partners.
“There is a strong, dedicated, passionate staff and a thoughtful, supportive and effective Board – all committed to overseeing the regulation of legal services in England and Wales and achieving excellence in all they do.”
LSB chair Alan Kershaw thanked Mr Hill for “his exceptional leadership, focus and commitment”.
He said: “Since joining in 2019, Matthew has played a key role in developing our vision, strategy and reputation as an independent consumer-focused regulator committed to ensuring people who need legal services are empowered to access them.
“He will leave the LSB on a firm footing to continue delivering effective regulation for the public, the profession and society, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.
“In the interim, we have put plans in place to ensure a smooth transition to maintain the momentum of the LSB’s important work.”
Law Society chief executive Ian Jeffery said: “We thank Matthew for the work he has done in leading the LSB for the past five years.
“His work leading the LSB as it oversees regulation for the public and the profession has seen it engage in new ways with the public and the sector.
“There have been issues during Matthew’s tenure on which the LSB and the Law Society have worked closely with a common viewpoint and others where we have respectfully differed. In all areas we have enjoyed constructive and professional dealings and thank Matthew for his personal contribution to that.”
Before joining the LSB, Mr Hill was director, regulatory risk & analysis at the Gambling Commission, and then executive director, strategy at the General Dental Council.