New Members Appointed to Consumer Panel

First published: Last updated: 01/02/2022

James Plunkett and Larna Bernard have been appointed as members of the independent Financial Services Consumer Panel.

 

Panel Chair, Wanda Goldwag, said “I am delighted to welcome James and Larna to the Panel. Our role in providing advice and challenge to the FCA from the consumer perspective is more important than ever at the present time, when the risks to consumer protection are heightened by economic volatility and there is ongoing debate about the importance of a new consumer duty. James and Larna bring a wealth of contrasting experience and will help us continue to bring the consumer voice to the FCA. I look forward to working with them.”

 

James is Executive Director of Advice and Advocacy at Citizens Advice. In that role he oversees the technology, data, and customer journey teams. James also leads the Citizens Advice policy and advocacy work, including external affairs and policy research. Larna is Director of a bespoke consultancy which helps organisations to devise evidence-based customer and service-user strategies. Previously she held a number of senior insight and customer research roles.

 

Both James and Larna have been appointed for three year-terms from 1 February 2022.

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

 
Consumer Panel Secretariat: 020 7066 9346

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

 

  1. The Consumer Panel is a statutory body under the Financial Services Act 2012.  The Financial Services Authority originally established it in December 1998. The Panel advises the FCA on the interests and concerns of consumers.  The Panel is independent. Its views do not represent those of the FCA.  
  2. The Panel’s membership is drawn from a broad range of backgrounds with expertise including market research, law, financial inclusion, financial regulation, consumer advice, campaigning, communications, compliance, and later-life issues. 
  3. The emphasis of the Panel's work is on activities that are regulated by the FCA, although it may also look at the impact on consumers of activities outside but related to the FCA's remit. More information about the Panel's work is available on its website: www.fs-cp.org.uk.