Claire Barker, who is managing director at Equilaw and director at Thomas Legal Group, was recruited to the role of co-opted board member for 2020/21 following a ‘competitive’ selection process.

Independent legal advice plays a major part in the equity release process and has been guaranteed to all customers of Council members since industry standards were introduced in 1991.

David Burrowes, chairman of the Equity Release Council explained the appointment underlined the fundamental importance of independent legal advice to anyone considering equity release.

He added: “[Barker] will add crucial expertise, diversity and a wealth of knowledge to help inform and guide our work.

“The Council is committed to leading the way in setting the bar for standards in later life lending as well as helping to navigate effectively though the challenges presented by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”

Barker has 20 years’ experience in the legal sector and spent over a decade as the owner and managing director of national solicitors’ firm Equilaw.

Having also served on the Council’s Standards Board since it was established in 2012, she will form part of a 16-strong Board of Directors made up of members from leading product providers, financial advisers and funders – and the Council’s executive team.

Barker said: “I am delighted to join the main Board of the Equity Release Council as the first legal representative, with a particular focus on safeguarding consumers’ best interests.

“The Council carries out extremely important work to continually improve standards in the later life lending sector.”

The appointment, the Council said, would  ensure the property law sector had a seat at the highest level of the representative body.

Wider representation on the Board mirrors the continuing growth of the Council’s membership. In 2020 so far, provider (+8%), adviser (+26%), solicitor (+10%), and associate (+16%) member firms have all grown in number.