Fiona Dickie, the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA), is preparing to step away from her role early next year. Her second term in office is scheduled to end in May 2027.
The PCA, established in May 2016 to enforce the Pubs Code, has launched two investigations in its 10 years of existence. The most recent investigation, initiated in July, is examining whether Stonegate, the UK's largest pub landlord, has been mistreating its tenants.
Earlier this month, a government review suggested reforms for the watchdog to enhance its protection of pub tenants. The review noted complaints from those the PCA represents, including a "limited understanding" of its role and "frustration" regarding the low number of investigations.
Ms Dickie, a former judge, defended the PCA's work, stating that launching more statutory investigations would lead to criticism for being too heavy-handed. She added that the PCA uses other approaches to ensure compliance with the code.