Hello

I am an independent consultant. My mission is to help achieve the best possible health and return-to-work outcomes for customers within the insurance sector – an endeavour that feels ever so relevant given the current sickness absence trends in the UK.

I support clients in delivering solutions that are both commercially viable and customer centric. These include the development and/or review of Early Intervention (EI) programmes and holistic frameworks to help identify customers needing additional support. I work collaboratively with my clients, also upskilling their teams where required. I’m proud that, over the years, such initiatives have helped insurance customers get back on their feet after illness or injury.

My broader interest in promoting good practices in the sector leads me to actively participate in industry collaborations, sharing my views through articles and speaking at conferences. I co-authored the Access to Insurance education guide on Income Protection, published by the Chartered Institute of Insurers (CII), highlighting the role of a biopsychosocial approach to rehabilitation interventions within Income Protection.

I am a long-standing practitioner and professional member of the UK’s Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA) and have been a Trustee since 2020, driving the advancement of the vocational rehabilitation professional practice. Additionally, I recently completed a two-year term as a Steering Group member of the Income Protection Task Force (IPTF), supporting the industry’s mission to expand protection coverage for the population with positive customer outcomes.

Since establishing my consultancy in 2020, I have been recognised for my contributions, including the Highly Commended – Most Inspiring Returner award and winner of the Unsung Hero - Service Provider category at the Women in Protection Awards in 2020 and 2022, respectively.

I love my job and the people I work with. Always feeling humbled to embrace new approaches, including technology advancements and new evidence insights.

My Story

Prior to setting up my independent consultancy in 2020, I worked for a global re-insurer for almost a decade, leading pioneering award-winning research, evaluating the role of psychosocial factors in return-to-work at claims and underwriting level, with the opportunity to develop Early Intervention initiatives for Income Protection portfolios in the UK, with collaborations with other markets.

Before 2010, I worked in a variety of clinical settings in the UK, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based Condition Management Programmes for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Occupational Health, Vocational Rehabilitation and Case Management within the personal injury market in the early 2000s.

I completed my undergraduate Psychology and postgraduate Health Psychology education in London, and I have a specialist research interest related to the role of beliefs and social factors in the recovery and return-to-work process, with a particular focus on work stress and the role of resilience.

I maintain my interest in mental health issues related to my home country, Bolivia, and have published in the Journal of International Psychiatry. “Mental Health in the Plurinational State of Bolivia” (2011) Vol 8 No 4.

Outside work, I used to enjoy an active sporting life until my own health became affected, meaning I can no longer participate in high-impact sports, but I have tried to focus on what I can do instead, and have taken up swimming. Additionally, our two children keep us entertained with all the weekend activities and usual family life.