The broker firm said its strategy of using social media and targeting people from outside the industry with images depicting an inclusive working environment seemed to attract female applicants. The number of successful applications made by women nearly tripled in 2021, and is set to increase by the same level by the end of 2022.
Each academy is “oversubscribed”, Just said, with more than 1,000 applicants for the 20 available places.
Linsey Davies (pictured), head of talent acquisition and business support at Just Mortgages said, “We work hard to create an environment within Just Mortgages where anyone can thrive and success is defined by the quality of the person and nothing else.
“For some time now, the percentage of women applying for academy places has been increasing but this is the first time that we have had more female than male applicants and it is a significant 60-40 split.”
‘Significant change’ for women
She said this was a “significant change” as in previous years, just three out of 10 applicants were women.
Davies added: “We are thrilled so many women now see financial services as a great career path and an environment where their potential can be realised.”
Additionally, eight of the top performing brokers in the Just Mortgages employed division are women and the firm said this number was increasing annually.
John Philips, national operations director at Just Mortgages said: “We are so proud that we have a proposition and culture where women feel they can fulfil their potential based on their skill and are judged and rewarded only based on the outstanding job they do.
“Linsey and her team have done a wonderful job in communicating the benefits of a career as a mortgage adviser to women outside of the industry and long may it continue. Five years ago, men made up 60 per cent of our brokers but that is now closer to 50-50 which is terrific for the company and the whole financial services sector.”
