Nicky Heathcote is to step down as non-executive chair of the Conveyancing Association as she approaches the end of her second term.
Heathcote (pictured) will remain in the post while the trade body appoints her successor, with the recruitment process now under way.
During her tenure, the association introduced a new governance framework and developed a strategy intended to place members at the centre of its work.
It also sought to attract conveyancing firms of different sizes and represented members during government consultations and industry initiatives concerning the home buying and selling process.
After leaving the role, Heathcote will continue as chair of the PCCB compliance committee and as a member of the Women in Conveyancing committee.
Heathcote said: “Chairing the Conveyancing Association has given me the opportunity to work alongside our members and organisations across the wider property industry, all with a shared ambition to improve the home buying and selling process.
“During that time, we have strengthened the Association’s governance, developed a strategy that puts members at the heart of everything we do and ensured the profession has had a strong voice across government consultations and industry reform.
“It has been an honour to represent conveyancers and I am proud to have been part of such a collaborative community.
“While I will be stepping down as chair, I remain fully committed to the sector through my wider industry roles and look forward to continuing to support the Association during the transition to a new chair.”
The association also said David Hodgson, its treasurer and one of its original founders, would step down from the board. A successor is being sought.
Eddie Goldsmith, speaking on behalf of the Conveyancing Association board, said: “The Board would like to thank Nicky for the leadership, commitment and direction she has provided to the Association.
“Under her tenure, the CA has strengthened its governance and continued to ensure the views of conveyancing professionals are represented across government, industry and regulatory discussions.
“Nicky has played an important role in strengthening collaboration across the property industry, helping ensure the CA continues to be at the centre of issues affecting conveyancers, consumers and the wider housing market.
“We would also like to thank David Hodgson for his outstanding contribution as Treasurer, managing the CA not for profit books and his wider contribution during his 25 years with the Association. He has done an incredible job.
“The process of appointing their successors is now underway.”
