Let's come together to make a real difference! Connect pledges that everyone should be seen, heard and respected; celebrating our collective uniqueness through equality, diversity and inclusivity. Additionally the importance of mental health must not go overlooked.
Get behind the wave for positive change!
Connect Commitments:
At Connect, diversity, equality, inclusivity, and mental health are key to organisational success and sustainability. We achieve this by encouraging diverse thinking and knowledge sharing.
Our people work within our business and the mortgage industry to lead and innovate inclusively. Everyone matters, regardless of their background, race, religion, colour, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. All are welcome at Connect.
We aim to ensure that everyone in our industry feels able to be themselves. Additionally, we encourage a new generation of diverse talent in our industry. At Connect, we are committed to our industry, future, and customers. We strive to lead meaningful conversations and drive positive change.
Advocating For Equity, Fairness and Inclusion in the Mortgage Industry
Connect is very proud to be a member of the The Diversity & Inclusivity Finance Forum (DIFF).
The Diversity & Inclusivity Finance Forum offers a stellar chance to connect with influential leaders in the mortgage industry. It advocates for equity, fairness, and inclusion. Moreover, this exclusive gathering fosters meaningful conversations on improvements in the field. These changes will benefit everyone involved.
This forum aims to create a space that encourages diversity, inclusion, and support for all. This includes regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. We are committed to recognising ambition and hard work with success. Additionally, we provide an enriching environment where peers can learn and thrive together.
Furthermore, we value having a balanced workforce. It benefits customers, increases profitability, and enhances workplace culture. Therefore, we will use this opportunity to promote positive changes throughout business communities.
We promise to :
Create a workplace environment and culture that values diverse thinking and inclusivity. Avoid any form of discrimination.
Celebrate personal differences and invite people from all walks of life to be their true selves.
We prioritise transparency and create an environment where our clients can see themselves reflected in our diversity.
Stay dedicated to increasing employee knowledge on mental health and wellbeing topics. Reduce the stigma around depression and anxiety in the workplace.
We support active participation in initiatives that promote mental health and take meaningful action within the community that reflects our core values.
Stress in the Finance Industry
The finance sector often experiences stress due to situations requiring financial assistance. Therefore, investing in health and wellness strategies for this industry is crucial. These strategies help navigate through some of life’s most trying moments.
Life stressors:
- Moving House
- Financial pressures (personal or business)
- Divorce
- Bereavement
A commitment to supporting mental health across financial services
Connect is very proud to be a member of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC).
The MIMCH is a not-for-profit organisation. Members agree to follow six governing rules. These rules apply Best Practice Health and Wellbeing guidelines, known as “The MIMHC Charter”.
Additionally, the MIMCH assists member companies. It provides helpful advice, tips, and outlines. These help companies become transparent and comfortable about mental health topics. They also help develop custom strategies to support employees.
We have taken various actions to address this issue. We treat mental health like physical health. Moreover, we conduct regular mental wellness assessments. Our team members are trained as Mental Health First Aiders. Furthermore, we partake in traditional team activities. One example is the World Walking Challenge, which benefits employee wellbeing.
To demonstrate our commitment to staff, we are proud and honoured. We show solidarity with the entire mortgage industry. Therefore, we are among the founding members of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter.
Women in Finance
Connect is also proud to be a long-standing signatory of the Women in Finance Charter.
That is because we have set high targets to improve the gender balance within the company and senior management, who are an integral part of the day-to-day running of the company.
We were proud that our CEO was recognised at the industry’s Women’s Recognition Awards, and also that our Director of Mortgages was voted a Mortgage Solution Changemaker 2022.
Additionally, we can boast BDM of The Year Financial Report Award and BDM of The Year Women’s Recognition Awards.
Champion of
Real Cultural Change
Proud member of the AMI Inclusion and Diversity Task Force on Inclusion in Financial Services.
As a member of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries, (AMI), the representative body for the mortgage and protection advice profession, we actively work together with other brokers, mortgage lenders and key stakeholders in the mortgage industry to drive real cultural change after AMI commissioned a seminal report on Diversity, Inclusion & Equity in 2021
