The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter has set up a steering group to oversee its plans to support the industry.
The eight-person steering group is chaired by the head of national accounts at Virgin Money Matthew Martin — and includes signatories and representatives from broker firms, challenger banks, regional building societies and mortgage networks. The body will hold quarterly meetings.
The charter, founded in October 2021, has around 80 signatories, which covers over 15,000 staff working in the property industry.
The code is based around six key principles, including, developing mental health awareness among employees using activities and advocacy.
And, encouraging open conversations about mental health and supporting employees who may be struggling.
The steering group members are:
- Chairperson — Virgin Money head of national accounts Matthew Martin
- Kensington Mortgages head of national accounts Eloise Hall
- Mortgage Advice Bureau business principal Andrew Milnes
- Sterling Southgate principal Jonathan Southgate
- Connect Mortgages director of mortgages Jane Benjamin
- Master Private Finance director Aaron Noone
- LV Insurance national sales manager Hannah Walker
- Hinckley and Rugby Building Society product coordinator Georgina Betteridge
Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter signatory steering group chairperson Matthew Martin says: “Negative mental health does not discriminate, and our sector undoubtedly sees more individuals affected than most.
“Arranging a mortgage is extremely satisfying when all goes well, but over the last few years there have been a number of challenges.
“Recent survey results suggest this has affected sleep patterns and extended working hours for those operating in our sector.
“The signatory steering group hopes to continue the excellent work of the co-founders and generate meaningful actions so that MIMHC is recognised as the ‘go to’ place for individuals and/or companies seeking mental health and well-being support.”
The body’s founding signatories are: Crystal Specialist Finance, Coreco, Chartwell Mortgage Services, Landbay, Brightstar, Knowledge Bank and SimplyBiz Mortgages.
