The head of the oversight regulator has announced he is moving onto another role at the end of March. Matthew Hill will step down as chief executive of the Legal Services Board to take on the same role with the Chartered Insurance Institute.

He will leave in the midst of the LSB undertaking one of the most public pieces of work in its history, as the oversight regulator carries out a review of the SRA’s actions leading up to the closure of national firm Axiom Ince. The LSB is due to release the terms of reference for the review this month and has pledged to report this spring. Hill’s tenure at the LSB ends on 31 March.

Alan Kershaw, LSB chair, 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.’

The board of the LSB has started the process of recruiting his successor immediately, with an interim leader due to be announced.

Hill said: ‘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.’

Hill was previously executive director of the General Dental Council and director at the Gambling Commission.

 

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