The Equity Release Council has appointed Denise Beedell as its communications and operations manager.

The move is designed to help improve its profile and online presence.

She joins the Council from Barchester Healthcare where she was a home services adviser. Before this, she was the West Midlands policy manager at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). This role involved supporting various member committees, undertaking policy research and development, and ensuring effective contact with key decision makers at both regional and national levels.

As communications and operations manager, Beedell will work closely with Andrea Rozario, director general of the Council, in the everyday running of the organisation. Her responsibilities will also specifically focus on member engagement and the development of the Council’s online profile.

Nigel Waterson, chairman of the Equity Release Council, said: “Denise brings an exceptional amount of experience to the Council and we are extremely pleased to welcome her as our communications and operations manager.

“With her background in policy and marketing and her conscientious nature, she is ideally qualified to help us strengthen and build upon the foundations that have already been established.”

Rozario added: “We are very much looking forward to working with Denise. We have been very busy here at the Council since our re-launch and feel that her extensive experience and perseverance will help us to expand and build upon what has already been established.”