A Day in the Life of – Charles Roe

As the largest trade association for the banking and finance sector, we work with 120 first-charge mortgage lenders to ensure they are up to date on changes to regulations. We work closely with our members, The FCA, Bank of England, Government, other trade associations, and mortgage intermediaries, to help ensure the mortgage market is working fairly for everyone.

What does your morning routine look like?

The alarm goes off at 05.45. If I’m working from home, then I’m generally pounding the streets having a run by 06.00. If I’m travelling into London, or to a member’s office, then I’m usually on the train by 07.00.

When I log-on, I have a quick review of the papers to see what mortgage-related stories there are. I’ve usually received a few emails overnight, so I try and reply to those before the first meeting at about 09.30. Depending on what’s happening in the mortgage world, I might be meeting with the FCA, the Bank of England, some of our members, a journalist, or another trade association.

What does a typical afternoon look like?

Answering emails from my team or our members. Holding 1-2-1s with the team, replying to letters from MPs or homebuyers who may be having problems buying or selling homes.

What do you find to be your most productive time of the day?

First thing in the morning between 08.30-09.30.

How do you manage your time to ensure you have a good work / life / home balance?

I aim to log off each night by 17.45 – unless we have a critical piece of work, like implementing a new initiative such as the Mortgage Charter. I am a great believer in separating work- and home-life. I have two phones (a work one and a personal one) and this ensures that at the weekends and evenings, I’m not tempted to ‘peek’ at my work phone. I also block out 60 minutes every day for lunch – so I can step away from my desk, stretch my legs and get some fresh air.

What is your favourite part of your working day in your role?

Having meetings with our stakeholders (member firms, the government, regulators etc). There is always something happening in the mortgage market – and no two days are the same – which is why I’ve been working in it for 20 years.

What does a typical dinner time look like in your household?

When I’ve been working in London, I don’t generally get home until 7 p.m. Dinner is time to find out what the family has been up to during the day, and what the plans are for the next day, before settling down to some TV.

What do you do to unwind?

During the week, I run four or five mornings before work – I manage to run about 100 miles every month. I am also a keen sailor, and am a qualified skipper on both sailing and speed boats.

If you could give one piece of career advice what would it be?

Be curious, ask questions and never be afraid to ask for, or apply for, a secondment.

How important has your support network been in helping you through your role?

Massive, whether that is my wife, friends and family, colleagues or peers– having people you can trust, and rely on for advice, is important.

Does your job require a degree?

No – after business studies, I took my banking qualifications before switching to accountancy and doing my accountancy exams.

I am also a trained silversmith!