The Association of Professional Advisers (APFA) has announced that Caroline Escott has been appointed to the role of senior policy adviser.

Escott joins APFA from Hume Brophy, where she led on their UK financial services policy and public affairs work for trade association clients.  Prior to this, she was head of government relations for the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) where she was in charge of the organisation’s policy and political relations work, running several high-profile policy campaigns and delivering senior-level advice to the association’s financial adviser, pension fund, asset management and banking members.

She has also worked in asset management and been an adviser to senior parliamentarians in Westminster, providing strategic counsel on financial services and energy issues, as well as working on the Conservative Party campaign during the 2010 general election.

Escort said: “I’m delighted to be joining such a well-respected and credible trade association, particularly at a time when policy and regulatory changes in the care, pensions and savings areas mean that access to financial advice is more important than ever before.

“I look forward to working with the team to ensure that the adviser voice continues to be well-represented with policymakers at all levels.”

Chris Hannant, director general of APFA, added: “We’re pleased to be joined by someone with Caroline’s level of expertise and understanding of current policy issues affecting the advice sector. APFA works hard on its members’ behalf to make sure the value of advice is widely understood by government, regulators and consumers.  Caroline’s arrival will help us continue to work towards a policy environment which supports financial advisers in providing the service their clients need and makes sure professional financial advice is accessible and affordable.”