CILEx Regulation, the regulatory body for the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) has appointed Helen Whiteman as its new Chief Executive. Helen, who will take up her new role on 1 September, is currently Chief Operating Officer of CILEx and will bring a significant understanding of legal services regulation and the regulation of Chartered Legal Executives in particular.

Helen, who led the Institute’s Royal Charter project previously worked with a UK based law firm network

Alan Kershaw, outgoing Chair of CILEx Regulation who led the recruitment process said:

“I am delighted to welcome Helen to the CILEx Regulation team at a time of unusual challenge and opportunity for us and for the CILEx Group as a whole. She brings both breadth and depth, with a clear appreciation of our vision to be the regulator of choice for a wide range of legal service providers. The firm foundations laid by Ian Watson provide a sound starting point and I am confident that Helen will make a major contribution to the organisation’s future success”.

Welcoming Helen’s appointment at a significant moment in the development of CILEx and CILEx Regulation Patrick Bligh-Cheesman, who will take over the CILEx Regulation Chair’s responsibilities on 1 June said:

“The Board is looking forward to working with Helen as we implement the new practice rights, introduce entity regulation and embed the professional standards schemes for Chartered Legal Executives. Her commitment and energy and experience within the sector will be invaluable, as will the continuity she brings to working with our colleagues in CILEx, the Legal Services Board, government and the other regulators.”