Scottish Widows technical and industry affairs manager, Johnny Timpson, has been appointed to the Financial Services Consumer Panel (FSCP) as he leaves the pension provider for an independent consulting career on 14 April.

The FSCP is the statutory body that advices the Financial Conduct Authority on the interests and concerns of consumers. It was established in 1998.

Mr Timpson has worked in the insurance and banking sectors for over 40 years. For the past three years he has been the Cabinet Office Disability and Access Ambassador for the insurance sector.

Rebecca Driver, founder of research consultancy Analytically Driven, has also joined the panel.

Ms Driver is an economist who has worked on a wide range of public policy questions, including how to improve customer outcomes within the financial services industry. Her previous roles include director of research and chief economist at the Association of British Insurers and research adviser at the Bank of England.

Panel chair, Wanda Goldwag, said “I am delighted to welcome Johnny and Rebecca to the Panel. The ever-increasing number of issues requiring the Panel’s input is challenging and the consumer landscape of other organisations who can comment on FCA consultations is still thinly resourced. It is essential that the voice of the consumer is heard loud and clear in every aspect of the FCA’s work and now is a crucial time. I am therefore pleased we have been able to appoint two new members with such a strong background who can help us address these issues. I look forward to working with them both.”