Working in Mortgages (WIM) has announced a diversity and inclusion charter in collaboration with the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) and the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI).
The WIM careers and outreach initiative was launched three years ago by IMLA and AMI to provide networking and mentoring opportunities and encourage entrants into the mortgage sector.
WIM said it wanted to redefine itself with the purpose of “making the mortgage industry a fairer and more accessible place to work and do business with”.
The organisation said this purpose would drive every project and decision, with a focus on two pillars: attract and retain. This will centre on bringing new talent into the sector and creating an environment for people to belong and thrive.
The charter includes commitments for volunteers to encourage transparency, accountability and tangible outcomes.
WIM said with new leadership across the organisation, it was calling for volunteers across the sector to get involved.
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Dom Scott, managing director of Lifetime Connect, said: “AMI and IMLA combining to drive this project forward is a fantastic endorsement of its relevance. We should be controlling the narrative of our industry – how we describe and promote ourselves – to attract and retain the best talent.
“We invite everyone connected to this industry to contribute to the work that lies ahead. The more we collaborate, the better the outcomes.”
Nicola Goldie, head of strategic partnerships and growth at Aldermore, said: “I am thrilled to be taking on the role of chair of Working in Mortgages and am excited to lead the next step on the WIM journey to build on the remarkable work accomplished so far. I want to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers across IMLA and the task forces who have contributed their time and effort to this so far. Your dedication has been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing to work with you.
“As we move forward, I am eager to welcome new faces from across our industry to get involved and I am. Together, we will build on our successes and strive for even more positive change.”
Stephanie Charman, chief executive of AMI, said: “It is important, now more than ever, we keep momentum behind Working in Mortgages and drive the need for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. AMI recognises that many people currently ‘fall into’ financial services rather than actively pursue it.
“We need to better educate people about the purpose-driven nature of the mortgage industry and the meaningful role we play in people’s lives. It’s time to build an industry people are proud to join – and empowered to stay in.”
