What does your role look like on a day-to-day basis?

No two days are ever the same, purely due to the sheer volume of people and projects I work with, both internally and externally — but that’s what keeps it interesting.

There’s always something to get stuck into, be it sourcing and implementing new technology to make it easier for brokers to do business with us, or developing new mortgage propositions to provide real help for borrowers.

I’m involved in multiple projects at any one time, from scope to delivery, so it’s important I’m present at meetings, make decisions, progress opportunities, and collaborate with the industry to make sure what we’re proposing will meet the right needs.

In a volatile mortgage market, what is the biggest challenge you currently face in your specific role?

Right now, the biggest challenge is delivering any sort of consistency or certainty with products. Less than a year ago we were witnessing regular product pulls as lenders priced down; now we’re seeing it for the opposite reasons and that feels much harder for everyone involved.

Don’t worry about the things you can’t control. Instead put all of your focus and efforts into those you can

That’s why we try to give brokers as much notice as possible when changes need to be made, and we’ll always try and explain our decisions so advisers are better equipped to explain it to their clients.

At the end of the day, both brokers and their clients are central in all the business’s decisions.

In your career to date, what has been your favourite moment?

Something I’m really proud of recently is leading the launch of Accord’s Inclusion and Diversity Partnership Charter.

With the market as volatile as it is, I hope we can soon contribute to some stability for brokers

I genuinely believe we all have a role — regardless of job title — in making the industry a more inclusive place for all. The charter sets out our approach to unacceptable behaviour and discrimination, and has clearly defined routes for inappropriate behaviour to be called out and acted upon. It’s for anyone we work with and I hope it’s launch reinforces our commitment.

What is the main thing you’d like to see Accord achieve in the next 12 months?

We’re always looking at ways we can improve our business to better support brokers and their clients.

Flexible working, mentoring and ally-ship from males in the sector are among things that can all help improve equality

But in the short term, and with the market as volatile as it is, I hope we can soon contribute to some stability for brokers, be it through consistent product ranges when possible, or our open and honest communication, which served us well through the pandemic.

What is one thing you would change about the mortgage market?

I’m passionate about making the industry a better place for all, and the need to do more was only amplified by Ami’s research that found one in four people didn’t feel accepted in the mortgage sector.

We all have a role — regardless of job title — in making the industry a more inclusive place for all

We need to improve that, for the benefit of the industry, our organisations and, ultimately, customers. The more diversity of thought we have, the more talent we encourage and the better we reflect those we serve.

As a woman working in the finance industry, do you feel there is equality in the sector?

We’ve definitely made progress on equality but there’s still a lot more that needs to be done. What’s important is that it’s done properly, and with positive intent — not just to tick a box.

Women still face many challenges, and it’s important we keep working to remove barriers to help and empower women to get into roles they can and want to do. Flexible working, mentoring and ally-ship from males in the sector are among things that can all help improve equality.

We try to give brokers as much notice as possible when changes need to be made

If you didn’t work in finance, what other career would appeal to you?

Being a lawyer is something I always thought I’d like to do.

I’m passionate about delivering the right outcomes and I enjoy challenging myself and others, so I think it’s a combination that lends itself to a role like that.

What’s the best advice you have received?

Don’t worry about the things you can’t control. Instead put all of your focus and efforts into those you can.