Voting Criteria

CRITERIA & METHODOLOGY

The British Specialist Lending Award winners are nominated by people from across the spectrum of the UK mortgage industry. The winners were selected using a transparent, robust, three-tier process designed to make selection as fair and independent as possible.

The process

The first stage of the process is an invitation to the industry to nominate the individuals deemed worthy of recognition for their achievements over the last 12 months (please note that all nominations received from members of the public, including customers, will not be counted).

Once the first phase of the process is closed a shortlist is drawn up in each category based on the number and spread of nominations for a particular individual. A weighting system is applied to the overall number of nominations cast to ensure greater emphasis is placed on the relevant nominations cast from outside the nominees’ own business. Please note that there is a cap of 5 nominations received from within the nominees’ business.

Those nominees that make the shortlist of 3 in each category are then asked to submit a supporting testimonial based on the following criteria:

1. The key achievements they have delivered in the last 12 months. This can include evidence of continued contribution to positive customer outcomes as we transition to the post pandemic normal but in which we have still experienced challenges on the working environment, market conditions, and individual customer circumstances. In this context, this may include, but not be restricted to, new initiatives they have delivered in the last 12 months which have improved service levels, internal processes, or customer outcomes. It also includes any positive contributions they have made to the prosperity of the wider market beyond their own business performance.2. An indication of their successful business performance over the last 12 months. This could be measured in growth in transaction volumes and/or profit versus the previous year, but also, depending on the relevance of the category, include further performance indicators such as an increase in positive feedback from either clients or lenders that demonstrates both the right customer outcomes and improved business partner relations, or an increase in business won by recommendation, or increasing net promoter scores or reducing customer complaints, or the delivery of any change and innovation that has had a positive effect on the business beyond just financial results.3. Tell us why you should win the award

A respected industry panel is used for the next stage of the process.

The judges are handpicked for their experience and knowledge of the market and are a representative sample of providers, distributors and supporting services who can give a reasoned and balanced view on each of the candidates on the shortlists.

Those on the shortlist in each category are invited to attend a 15-minute interview in front of the judging panel. The judges will use their market knowledge, the details from the submitted testimonials and the strength of the interview to determine the winners.

Judging will take place on 30th March - all finalists will be required for an interview.

One of the awards is decided separately. The Outstanding Achievement Award is chosen by the Specialist Lending Solutions publishing team and is given to the key industry figure who has made a significant contribution to the mortgage market above and beyond their day-to-day role over a significant number of years.