One of the most popular figures in the lettings industry, Valerie Bannister, has taken up a new role.

The former ARLA president has been made lettings compliance director across LSL firms Your Move and Reeds Rains.

The move comes just weeks after current ARLA Propertymark president Sally Lawson told its members “to make compliance their #1 focus”.

Bannister, who remains an active ARLA Propertymark representative, was winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Lettings Industry Award at the Sunday Times/Times Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2014.

Martyn Alderton, national lettings and franchise director for LSL, said: “In a time of unprecedented change within the letting market – and increased regulation – we wanted to appoint a dedicated director responsible for ensuring there is a widespread understanding of what these changes mean.

“I am delighted that Valerie has accepted this role.”