The charter was established to raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by mortgage professionals by creating a culture of openness and compassion.
When organisations sign up to the charter, they agree to develop mental health awareness among employees and provide colleagues with good working conditions that encourage a healthy work/life balance and opportunities for development.
Culture of compassion
The most stressful life experiences a person may go through, as identified by the charter, include divorce, bereavement, moving house, and personal or business financial pressures.
Jason Berry, the charter’s co-founder and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, said: “By signing the charter, Accord Mortgages is sending a clear sign to colleagues and the wider mortgage industry that it intends to prioritise the best possible mental health for all.
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“The charter was established specifically to create a culture of openness and compassion within the mortgage industry by spreading a message of support and understanding.
“Following the findings of our fifth annual survey earlier this year, we’re now calling for systemic change across our sector to ensure that far greater commitment and collaboration is available for those in need when this becomes necessary.
“We’re dedicated to creating the most supportive and caring environment for everyone – and we’re delighted to now be working alongside Accord Mortgages.”
Wellbeing guidelines
The charter consists of seven co-founding firms and a growing number of signatories.
Last month, Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) became the 150th signatory of the MIMHC.
Accord Mortgages has now become the latest signatory agreeing to be bound by six governing rules that encapsulate best practice health and wellbeing guidelines.
Nicola Alvarez, senior manager of proposition development for Accord Mortgages, said: “Employee wellbeing is an essential part of any thriving business, especially in high-pressure industries like ours.
“Given the demanding nature of the mortgage profession – with tight deadlines, customer-facing roles and dealing with sensitive financial situations – it’s crucial for us all to consider the wellbeing of our colleagues, both internally and in the wider industry.”
“This is at the heart of our own organisation with a number of mental wellbeing initiatives and support programmes for colleagues already in place, including our Inclusion and Diversity Charter and the Accord Growth Series providing mental health resources for brokers.”
She added: “Becoming one of the charter’s signatories is a natural next step for us, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to supporting our colleagues’ mental health.
“When we invest in the wellbeing of our people, the results ripple through our organisation, strengthening both our workplace culture and our commercial success.”
Nicola added that she has been delighted to see the charter’s determination to promote awareness of mental health and wellbeing across the entire sector since it was founded in 2021.