The board of Pro Bono Financial Advice Network (PFAN) has appointed Nicola Beswick as Chair and Natalie Kleibert as Deputy Chair.

Established in 2014, PFAN is a network of industry professionals who provide pro bono financial advice to those in need, improving the wellbeing of Australians living with serious illness or disability.

Seventeen clients have been connected with a PFAN adviser this year, particularly people living with multiple sclerosis who cannot otherwise access financial advice.

Melbourne-based Ms Beswick succeeds Nick Hakes, who has stepped down after four years as chair but remains as PFAN Treasurer.

WA-based financial adviser Stephen Knight has joined the Board while Tim Meggitt has stepped down as a director after seven years. Paul Harding-Davis, Brad Fox, Kate Humphries and Niall McConville are also on the PFAN board.

Ms Beswick encouraged more advisers to make themselves available and make contact with PFAN to support a pro bono advice case.

“It’s often a small contribution that makes a massive difference,” she said. “Many small yet powerful actions … change their financial future, and the course of their lives.

“We have much more to do, to continue to promote the significant difference that financial advice can make, and to inspire other partners and advisers to join us.”

Ms Beswick thanked TAL and the Association of Financial Advisers, which provide support with PFAN’s administration and operations.