Firstly, I want to say an incredible well done to everyone for getting through the…
Firstly, I want to thank everyone who attended, contributed and took part in our fantastic series of meetings, which took place in London on the 15th May.
We held this year’s AGM, Legal Members’ Meeting and All-Members’ Meeting and what a fitting way to mark the significant progress our sector continues to make. A particular thank you must also go to DUAL and the Howden Group for not only hosting the day but also for providing a wonderful drinks reception afterwards at Boki.
It was clear to me throughout the day how much we are growing not just in ambition but in community. One of the most heartening developments was seeing so many of our member firms bringing younger members of their teams along, many attending their very first CA meeting. This was no accident.
In fact, we actively encouraged members to ‘bring a young professional’ because we know how important it is to open up our work to those starting their careers. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and engagement from the next generation of conveyancers, and I truly hope those who attended left feeling encouraged and energised, and they’ll return again.
We want these professionals to feel this is their Association too, and we will continue doing all we can to nurture their involvement and ideas.
Our AGM this year also marked the appointment of two new directors to the CA Board – Rhodri Howells, Head of Legal Practice at Sort Legal, and Samantha Strong, Head of Conveyancing and Head of Legal Practice at Eden Conveyancing.
I want to extend a warm welcome to them both and to thank all our existing Directors for the ongoing time, expertise and support they give to this Association. The work we deliver simply wouldn’t be possible without their dedication and insight.
From campaign updates and regulatory developments to innovative digital strategies and practical advice, the meetings were packed with valuable content. Sessions ranged from key changes to the TA6 forms, to in-depth discussions on digital property information and the protocols designed to standardise and improve data use across the home moving journey.
We also heard important updates from organisations such as the Law Society, the Land Registry, and Propertymark – all helping to give our members a 360-degree view of the current landscape and what’s coming next.
One session that particularly stood out for its practical value was the one led by HM Land Registry on equitable charges. These types of applications, and the nuances around satisfying the various register entries, are something members often find complex. The presentation gave much-needed clarity and actionable guidance, and we are grateful to the HMLR team for their support.
But these meetings are not just about content, they’re about connection. And once again, members told me just how valuable the informal conversations were. That’s why our focus on ‘Being Connected’, one of our four strategic pillars, remains so central to the way we work.
With the Foreword I wrote for the AGM, I reflected on the past year and how incredibly proud I am of all that the Association has achieved. Particularly, very recently, in the final weeks leading up to the stamp duty threshold changes which, once again, saw our profession dig deep and deliver under pressure, proving the tenacity and commitment that defines us.
We also celebrated real progress on a number of fronts. We’ve completed Phase One of the Digital Property Information Protocol (DPIP) – a huge collaborative achievement – and are now moving into Phase Two, working directly with consumers to refine how property information is gathered and used.
Our policy engagement with DLUHC has helped shape thinking around leasehold reform, digitalisation, and even future plans for Commonhold. Meanwhile, our partnerships with organisations like Homes England and UK Finance are directly improving processes around Help to Buy and the Lenders’ Handbook.
None of this would happen without our members, your participation, feedback, and your passion. Thank you for being such a vital part of this journey.
One other group that I did want to highlight – which I think is an absolutely vital one, – is the Women in Conveyancing network, a group that is a space for important discussions, connection and mutual encouragement. Supporting women across our profession – at all stages of their careers – is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m proud to champion this community within the wider work of the CA. You can join the group on Facebook.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, I do so with renewed optimism. Optimism rooted not only in the progress we’ve made, but in the people I saw coming together earlier this month, from experienced firm leaders to ‘rising stars’ just starting out. If this meeting was anything to go by, the future of conveyancing is in very good hands.
Lastly, we are not a million miles away from our next event in July, and before we know it, we’ll have the October sessions to look forward. And these promise to be very special.
On the 3rd July, we’ll be gathering at Surveyors’ House in Westminster for our meetings which are kindly sponsored by LMS. Then, on the 2nd October, we’re heading to The Terrace at the House of Commons, followed by dinner at the Churchill War Rooms, generously sponsored by Landmark Information Group.
Further information on both events, including how to register, will follow shortly but for now, please do save the dates and we look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Nicky Heathcote is Non-Executive Chair at the Conveyancing Association (CA)