Mark Sharpe, clinical development manager at Aviva UK Health has been elected to the board of the UK Rehabilitation Council.

A chartered physiotherapist who worked in both the NHS and private sectors prior to joining Aviva UK Health in 2006, Mark specialises in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic medicine. Since joining the company he has worked closely with the business to deliver new propositions including the highly successful Back-Up service that won 'Rehabilitation Initiative of the Year 2009' at the recent RehabFirst awards.

As the only representative from the private medical insurance industry, Mark will be an invaluable addition to the council. He brings to the role a wealth of experience in rehabilitation and the benefits of early intervention to both businesses and consumers.

The UK Rehabilitation Council is a community of rehabilitation associations, rehabilitation providers, clients and other stakeholder groups which aim to ensure access to high quality medical and vocational rehabilitation services in the UK. It provides an authoritative voice and focal point for anyone with a stake in medical and vocational rehabilitation.

On his appointment, Mark said: “The council aims to support those who are assisting sick and injured people to regain their independence. I am delighted to have the opportunity to feed into developing best practice and increasing access to those who need it.”

Aviva is the only private medical insurer to hold affiliate membership of the UKRC, clearly demonstrating its commitment to investing in areas which offer substantial benefits to its customers.