Stuart Ockleford – Head of Financial Wellbeing
Stuart Ockleford tells us how he came to work in mortgages and what advice he would give to others…
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We want this industry to be a fantastic place to work – a place where everyone feels included, inspired and has fair access to the many opportunities the sector has to offer. Here you’ll find information and guidance for industry professionals on getting the most out of your career, from networking tips to wellbeing in the workplace and career case studies.
News and resources for mortgage professionals
Connecting with other industry professionals, whether virtually or in person, is often a core part of working in mortgages. But navigating this landscape can be tricky, as it isn’t always clear what to expect and what is expected of you. So we wanted to establish some guidelines for industry to follow, and also share helpful tips for newcomers and experienced professionals alike. Additionally, if you are hosting an event of your own, you may want to include the text below as part of your invite or program:
“In support of conduct at all industry events, we want to take this opportunity to highlight that we want to do our part to ensure that this event allows all guests to feel completely comfortable, to not only be themselves, but also be themselves in a safe and welcoming environment. We are sure you will agree we all have a role and responsibility in upholding the standards of behaviour that should be expected at all industry events. Please also be reassured that we will provide support should any guest experience any inappropriate behaviour. We are committed to providing a safe and confidential environment for you to report unacceptable behaviour, so please speak to your table hosts if you need to.”
Mortgage industry events come in many forms: awards ceremonies, roadshows, conferences and seminars. To ensure everyone gets the most out of their experience, we have developed an Events Code of Conduct in collaboration with media partners, industry leaders and our taskforce of volunteers. These set high standards of behaviour, and serve to create a welcoming and positive space for all attendees.
This Code of Conduct has been successfully used at a number of major events since its inception, and has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback. It has also helped event organisers to deal with incidents of inappropriate behaviour swiftly and decisively.
This has been a major positive development in the industry since the publication of AMI’s 2021 Viewpoint Report, and we will continue to encourage further take-up across the sector. Click the image to view it.
Individual needs are diverse and ever-changing. Our lives outside of work all look a little different, and increasingly employers are committing to giving you flexibility and choice on when and where you do your job.
There is also a growing recognition that you may have responsibilities or interests outside of work that mean you need to take time out or flex the way that you work. This guide sets out how employers can commit to supporting you with arrangements that are practicable for both the business and you meaning there’s more time to spend on what makes you happier.
There’s so much more to job satisfaction than being a great performer in your role. A positive workplace culture is crucial to ensure you can perform at your best, bring your authentic self to work, and feel comfortable speaking up or asking for support if needed.
Here we have put together some guidance and share best practice on strategies to boost wellbeing in the workplace, including an introduction to the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC).
You may one day observe conduct that concerns you. If you observe or suspect such misconduct, you are encouraged to speak up. By doing so, you give your Company the opportunity to deal with the issue.
Remaining silent about possible misconduct may worsen a situation. Do not wait for proof or assume someone else will report the concern. They may not, and it may be ignored. We encourage you to raise the matter while it is still a concern.
Read about how other mortgage professionals from all walks of life made their way in the industry, and gain an insight into the different journeys people take to build a successful career in mortgages.
Stuart Ockleford tells us how he came to work in mortgages and what advice he would give to others…
Sonya Matharu tells us how her career as a senior mortgage adviser began and how her experiences shaped her future…
I was working in recruitment before and although I enjoyed that it was not something I wanted to do long term. When the opportunity came up to work in mortgages I took it…
In this episode of the Accord Mortgages Growth Series podcast, Nicola Alvarez, Senior Manager Proposition Development at Accord Mortgages, speaks to Megha Srivastava, National Account Manager at Twenty7Tec, Rachel Edwards, Senior Policy Advisor at the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries, and Dom Scott, Managing Director at Lifetime Connect, about the benefits of mentoring.
