A consumer finance expert at Standard Life has been appointed to a newly created role of charities specialist.

Julie Hutchison, who has been a guest speaker at the IFP Conference, takes up the position at Standard Life Wealth, the discretionary fund manager.

Patrick Trueman, head of charities, said the new role creates a dedicated resource for the charities team and “recognises the distinct needs of charities, addressing both investment solutions and charity governance”.

After qualifying as a lawyer, Ms Hutchison specialised in tax and private client work, including philanthropy and the creation and management of charities. Since joining Standard Life in 2004, Julie has worked in a range of specialist roles across law, investments and Financial Planning.

Ms Hutchison sits on the market committee of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association and is a member of STEP and its special interest group for charities.

Mr Trueman said: “We are delighted that Julie has joined Standard Life Wealth as Charities Specialist. As a director of a charity she has first-hand experience of the governance issues facing charities and has published commentary in this area.

“She also sits on the ethical advisory group at Standard Life Investments, which is part of the governance of its ethical funds.

“We have ambitious plans to grow our charity business and Julie will be working closely with both charity trustees and professional advisers to provide expert guidance.

“As a lawyer, Julie is well placed to liaise with law firms, accountants and other intermediaries as Standard Life Wealth seeks to grow its presence in this specialist market.”