New man to take the reins at the SRA
Paul Philip, the new Chief Executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will take up the reins at the Authority on Monday (3 February).
Paul, who joins the SRA from the General Medical Council, takes over from Antony Townsend, who leaves after seven years at the helm.
Paul’s immediate priority will be to familiarise himself with staff, systems and processes and how the SRA interacts with the individuals and firms that it regulates.
But his attention will quickly turn to the organisation’s priorities, such as continuing to develop the SRA as a risk-based regulator, helping firms further embrace the outcomes-focused regime, addressing the issue of financial instability in firms, and taking forward the SRA’s Training for Tomorrow programme.
He will also be overseeing the Authority’s drive to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy through its Red Tape Initiative.
Paul Philip
said: “I am keen to get out there and hear the views of the profession regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the SRA’s work and how they can be addressed. I think it is important to speak to a wide range of solicitors in practice and I would hope to be able to do this in my first few months in post.”
Paul has already forged a reputation for operational delivery through his work at the GMC, where he is Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer.