Former LMS chief executive Nick Chadbourne has been appointed Non-Executive Chair of the Conveyancing Association as the industry prepares for major reform of the homebuying process.
Chadbourne (main picture), who recently left conveyancing services provider LMS after a decade as chief executive, will take up the role at the beginning of October.
He succeeds Nicky Heathcote, who is stepping down after completing her second term as Non-Executive Chair.
The Conveyancing Association says Chadbourne’s experience working with lenders, conveyancers, mortgage advisers, suppliers and panel managers will help ensure the profession has a strong voice as changes to the homebuying and selling process are developed.
HOMEBUYING REFORM
Chadbourne says: “The next few years are going to be hugely important for conveyancing and the wider home-moving market. Reform of the home buying and selling process is coming, and it is vital this happens with conveyancers rather than to them.
“Conveyancers need a credible and informed voice in the room while those changes are being shaped, rather than simply being brought into the conversation once decisions have already been made.”
Alongside industry reform, Chadbourne says the association needs to focus on commercial and operational pressures facing conveyancing firms, including fees, caseloads and the loss of technical expertise as experienced professionals leave the sector.
INDUSTRY PRESSURES
He adds: “Fee levels, caseload pressures, maintaining technical knowledge and the practical problems firms encounter week-in, week-out all matter, and the bigger reform agenda cannot be allowed to crowd those issues out.
“I want the CA to be equally trusted on the longer-term issues and the everyday ones.”
Victoria Mortimer, speaking on behalf of the Conveyancing Association Board, says Chadbourne’s experience across conveyancing and the wider property market will bring a new perspective to the organisation.
Chadbourne will attend the association’s All Member Meeting and Networking Dinner in Liverpool on 8 October.
