A Chartered Financial Planner has been appointed to a newly created post of director of public policy at a national IFA group.

Kay Ingram has taken the role at LEBC, which has offices in major cities around the UK.

She was previously LEBC’s head of private client services. In addition to 26 years as a financial adviser, she previously worked for the British Insurance Brokers' Association and the Conservative Party.

Ms Ingram said: "The independent advice sector has made great progress in improving professional standards. The challenge now is to widen access to advice and LEBC is keen to help policy makers achieve this objective. "

Jack McVitie, chief executive of LEBC, said: "This appointment is integral to our strategy to widen access to financial advice and to play our part in improving the savings ratio.

“As a firm we have advised over 35,000 individuals on retirement planning since pension freedoms were introduced. We believe our practical experience of how policy impacts on consumer behaviour can assist Government and regulators achieve better consumer outcomes."