Questions cover approaches to protection, the tools used by advisers, the impact of Consumer Duty and insurers’ service levels.

The findings will help to identify the opportunities, barriers and challenges of protection advice from an intermediary perspective and shape this year’s Protection Viewpoint Report.

Brokers do not have to be an AMI member to take part as they will answer anonymously.

The closing date for the survey is 21 August.

AMI, alongside sponsors L&G and Royal London, will share findings from the adviser and consumer Viewpoint research during a launch event at 9am on Tuesday 5 November.

Far-reaching insight

Andrew Montlake (pictured), chair of the AMI board, said: “The AMI Protection Viewpoint Report has established itself as the most far-reaching insight into the protection market, showing just how brokers and the public interact with the industry.

“In previous years, it has highlighted a whole range of trends, challenges, and food for thought that have directly influenced the processes and decision-making of many firms within the industry.”

Last month, AMI claimed a victory after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that protection would not be within the scope of the Advice Guidance Boundary Review, following the trade body’s campaign.

According to a government survey published in October 2022, 76% of respondents said mentoring had been important to the growth of their business. 

But barriers to participation remain. Around half of the respondents saw cost (51%) and time (48%) as barriers. In reality, the vast majority of mentoring is free. And while most of us do have busy work lives, these days online mentoring meetings can take up far less time than traditional face-to-face sessions.

Mentorship in the mortgage sector 

Interestingly, in the mortgage industry, a quite different obstacle to mentoring has come to light. 

In June 2023, the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) and the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) came together to launch a cross-industry mentoring scheme. The scheme, which is free and open to all lenders, insurers and intermediaries, aims to support people across the industry to enhance their skills and their career potential, widen opportunities and build confidence in the sector. 

So far 161 mentors have joined the programme, offering to share their knowledge and experience. 128 mentees have also joined the scheme, and many are already benefitting from their new relationships. But we at IMLA and AMI have been surprised by the imbalance, which we expected to tip in the other direction, with more mentees seeking mentors than vice versa. 

On investigation, it transpires that some firms have been reluctant to engage with the scheme, which matches mentees with mentors outside their own firms, because of commercial sensitivity. They worry that business confidences may be shared with competitors.

The pluses of cross-sector guidance 

We would strongly encourage wary firms to put aside their fears of the mentoring scheme for the benefit of their employees and the industry.

IMLA and AMI mentors are experienced professionals willing to give up their time to help bring on those less experienced, for the good of the sector (and also for their own benefit, as mentoring can be highly rewarding). They are not in it to steal corporate secrets and poach staff.

Individuals will grow, develop and move around the industry over time, and mentors can help improve and accelerate that process, but disbarring staff from mentoring will not prevent them moving on in time. 

Sharing experience with people who work in similar but different firms can only help broaden an individual’s perspective and understanding, while also helping them to develop a sense of what is and isn’t appropriate to discuss, which is all part of maturing into a professional role.

Good mentors can challenge mentees to think differently, look at the bigger picture, become more confident and grow in their current role and as a person, benefitting themselves and those around them – now and in the future. 

Good employers should recognise the potential benefits of mentoring and positively encourage their employees to take advantage of the help on offer. 

While it is of course right and proper that firms protect their commercially sensitive data, when it comes to sharing knowledge and ideas, the mortgage industry benefits greatly from a spirit of openness and sharing. The AMI/IMLA mentoring scheme not only embodies that spirit, but takes it to the next practical level, helping develop the next generation in both the lender and adviser spaces, and evolving our industry.

We have recently run events with the same aim in mind.

In June, IMLA held its third ExPo – ‘Encouraging New Talent’. This event was supported by AMI and attended by more than 200 people who have recently started working at mortgage adviser and lender firms.

We were delighted that so many firms appreciated the benefits for their new joiners of listening to the advice and wisdom of a range of established industry figures, and networking with one another. Encouraging them to sign up for the mentoring scheme is surely the next logical step. 

Find out more or sign up for the IMLA/AMI mentoring scheme.

Find out more or sign up for IMLA’s next ‘Encouraging New Talent’ event on 10 November 2025. 

Giving his speech at the annual AMI dinner last Thursday in his fourth year as chair, Montlake spoke about the impact of Consumer Duty on intermediaries.

He said the time and cost of implementing Consumer Duty had left some businesses “stretched and worried about what they will need to report on”, adding he hoped the regulator only targeted the bad firms and not those “striving to do their best”.

He said brokers told him there were issues with the way some lenders were interpreting the rules, but he supported them “clamping down on those charging unrealistically high fees”.

However, Montlake added: “Lenders doing the regulator’s job and policing broker fees more generally based on product type, without considering location, seniority, or case specifics, is a step too far. This approach risks leading us towards price-setting, and restricting consumer choice.

“Will we eventually see products only available to brokers who charge no fee, or those dictating a fixed fee of £500?”

Some brokers said they were frustrated that they were the ones who always had to “give way”, especially as they dealt with rising costs and decreasing income, he added.

Montlake said it was good for brokers to vent and noted he had “observed more mental health issues, angst, and frustration in our industry over the past 18 months than in the previous decade”.

“We must be vigilant to prevent a mental health crisis in our industry, which could result in losing talented individuals. The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter [MIMHC] plays a crucial role in this, and I urge all businesses – both brokers and lenders – to sign up and take care of their talent.

“Together, we can ensure a healthier, more resilient industry,” he added.

‘An honour’ to work with outgoing CEO Sinclair

Montlake also paid tribute to the AMI team and Robert Sinclair, chief executive, who announced he would be retiring at the end of the year.

Montlake said the team made his job as AMI chair “so very easy”.

He added: “Stacey, Chloe, Rachel, and Clair are all individually brilliant, and as a team awesome, with the rambunctious Robert directing operations with expert precision.

“Actually, I looked up rambunctious after I used that word to check it was the right one and the definition said, ‘difficult to control or handle; wildly boisterous: a rambunctious child – turbulently active and noisy: a social gathering that became rambunctious and out of hand’. Ah, that’s our Robert.

“In all seriousness, it is an honour to work with Robert, someone I have always admired, who is caring and considerate, articulate, intelligent, someone you always want in your corner and a good friend.”

D&I work ‘not yet done’

Montlake also spoke about diversity and inclusion (D&I), saying the work was not yet done after hearing some people say D&I was “not needed or has been done now” and people needed to “move on, we have D&I fatigue”. 

“Well, let me tell you, we have only just scratched the surface.” 

Montlake added: “Whilst there is one person who doesn’t advance because of the colour of their skin, gender or social background, there is work to be done.

“Whilst there is one person who decides not to go to an industry event because they don’t want to face derogatory comments, sexual advances or cheap gags at their expense, there is work to be done. 

“Whilst there is one person who doesn’t feel they can be themselves in the workplace because of their sexuality or background, there is work to be done.

“Whilst there is one person who is ridiculed by ancient stereotypes or castigated for the actions of others just because of their religion, there is work to be done.

“Whilst there is one woman who does not feel safe amongst our own industry, there is work to be done. 

“We will do this work, however long it takes.” 

He said to anyone behaving in this way or who thought D&I was “bollocks” that “I do not want you representing the industry I love. You are no longer welcome at our events”. 

Montlake added: “I don’t care how much business you write or how self-important you think you are or whatever your lofty title.” 

He said D&I was a “journey” and felt the mortgage sector could be a “shining light”, so did not want to lose the “passion and drive”. 

Montlake added: “We will do this work, however long it takes.” 

AMI is set to publish a follow-up report into its study on D&I in the mortgage sector later this year. 

The AMI Dinner 2024 was sponsored by TSB, with speeches from chair Andrew Montlake, Beverley Bradford, head of TSB mortgage intermediaries, and Robert Sinclair, AMI chief executive, who announced his retirement on the evening.

The charity for the evening was YoungMinds, which aims to support the mental health of young people by making sure they have someone to talk to and encouraging them to speak up about any concerns.

Comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti provided entertainment on the night.

Thank you to all who attended and check out our highlights below.

PreviousNext

PreviousNext

Sinclair helped to establish AMI as an independent entity in 2012, having previously worked for its former trade body AIFA in 2006. He was initially responsible for its subsidiary the Association of Finance Brokers (AFB) at the time, and in 2008, AMI.

He said the AMI board discussed his possible retirement three years ago when he turned 65, but he agreed to stay on for three more years.

The conversation returned to his retirement at the start of 2024, which was when Sinclair decided to step away from full-time work. He said AMI needed a “full-time head”, so it would not be fair for him to continue on a part-time basis.

“Having done this for 16 years, I leave the industry in a much better place than it was in 2008 when I took over,” Sinclair said.

He said it came to a point where he questioned whether he wanted to carry on in the role, as his energy had begun to decline and he saw “too many cycles of the same thing”.

“Therefore, it’s probably an appropriate time to step aside,” Sinclair said.

Sinclair is also the non-executive director of Darlington Building Society, and he will continue to fulfil this role. He will stay on as chief executive of AMI as its board looks for a replacement and will oversee any handover process.

Sinclair said his legacy was making AMI independent and “respected as a standalone trade body in its own right”.

“It’s respected by the Financial Conduct Authority [FCA], Financial Ombudsman Service [FOS] and Financial Services Compensation Scheme [FSCS] for having a voice and opinion,” he added.

He also said its efforts in putting advice at the heart of the mortgage journey stood out, as when he joined the organisation, the market was worth just £140m and 50% of mortgages were intermediated.

The market is currently worth more than £420bn and around 80% or more mortgages are obtained through a broker.

“It’s a much bigger, stronger sector with much more professionalism,” he added.

Getting the right tone and message

AMI is lucky to not be caught up in the world of corporate politics, Sinclair said, meaning the organisation could be bolder in its statements as there were fewer concerns about reputational damage.

“My member firms have a different perspective, in that I have been quite likely to be a bit of a vocal terrorist,” he added.

Sinclair said this came with responsibility and knowing when not to overdo it.

He recalled being “much more vocal and much more antagonistic and much more aggressive” in the early days, as he wanted to make sure the organisation was heard.

Sinclair said AMI was well-established now and it was an achievement that it could do “more of its work quietly, as opposed to having to be upfront”.

For anyone who wants to be as influential as Sinclair, he advised to “never be afraid to speak your mind”, saying this was particularly important if it was done on the behalf of customers.

Having authenticity and being genuine is also “the strongest message you can ever give”.

AMI giving mortgage brokers a voice

Sinclair said through AMI, he influenced more mortgage professionals to comment on the market in a “consistent, informed” way.

“If I go back 10 years, I would be the person making all the comments. Now, I don’t have to do that, because a whole host of people understand what the core issues are, and how they can try to engineer change in a consistent and better way.

“It’s also about ensuring we do that in a balanced way, so it’s constructively critical opinions, not just critical.”

When AMI first became independent, Sinclair said the market was “seen as lenders and brokers fighting against each other”.

“We’ve pulled that much closer together. People understand that actually we’re codependent on each other.

“We might have disagreements but, like most families, we’ll kiss and make up,” he added.

Sinclair said when there were arguments, such as the debate over product withdrawal notice periods, better and more mature conversations were taking place “so that the voice of the [broker] at the sharp end of this, who talks to the customer, is heard by lenders”.

He said the promotion of sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) cemented that cohesion.

There tends to be surprise at how small the AMI team is, Sinclair said, particularly when people consider what the trade body has been able to deliver.

When AMI started, it was just Sinclair and his colleague Alex Revell, who now works as a senior associate at the FCA.

The AMI team consists of five people today, and Sinclair said his four other colleagues were a “group of independent-thinking individuals”.

He feels pride whenever he saw Chloe Timperley, Stacy Penn and Rachel Edwards present in public, as it meant the trade organisation was made up of people who could not only do the “thinking and analytical work”, but also “articulate that well in front of audiences”.

“That’s probably what I’m most proud of,” he added.

Adapting priorities

Sinclair said when he first took on the role, “it was very much about survival”.

“The income stream of advisers was declining. The industry was in a degree of trouble. We were doing a fair bit of political lobbying to try to work out how we could recover the market.”

AMI started off primarily writing and explaining compliance to brokers and firms, but its remit shifted over time as more firms hired risk and compliance teams.

“The industry has changed a lot over that period of time, and we’ve changed into trying to influence the agenda going forward.”

In the last three years, AMI has turned its focus to DE&I and sustainability.

To support this, the trade body launched its Working in Mortgages website in 2022 to invite current and potential mortgage professionals to connect and seek mentorship. AMI is also a member of Mortgage Solutions’ Diversity and Inclusivity Finance Forum (DIFF).

Sinclair said the industry was “in the dark ages” with DE&I when the website was launched, as this “wasn’t on anybody’s agenda”.

He said AMI managed to “put it into a framework where people who are passionate about [DE&I] have got the ability to have a voice”.

Sinclair said it was important that this was “front and centre” of many conversations and seen as something the sector must embrace and adapt to.

Properly embracing DE&I is the difference between “inviting [people] to a dance and asking [people] to dance”, Sinclair said, as the latter is a warmer, more genuine welcome.

“We’re still in the world where we’re inviting people, we’re not asking or enjoying them. Therefore, there is still a huge amount of work to be done.”

Sinclair added: “Until every person feels that they’re entirely welcome in this industry, every person, the job is not done.”

When announcing his departure at the AMI Dinner on Thursday, Sinclair also said while he would like to see anyone worthy of the job take over from him, he would like to see a woman lead the trade body.

He said the green agenda was still not getting much consumer traction, especially since the government had pulled back on measures to encourage people to make their homes more sustainable. However, he said the mortgage sector was “thinking much more seriously about how it participates in engineering that change”.

Leaving a positive mark

Sinclair will work to complete three big projects from AMI before he departs, including its annual protection viewpoint report, a review of its 2021 diversity and inclusion (D&I)  report, and research on the value of advice.

He will also engage with the FCA on the possibility of it extending its advice and guidance boundary review to include protection. Sinclair said AMI feels “this is the wrong answer to a problem that doesn’t exist. So, we’ll be pushing very hard to try and make sure that doesn’t happen”.

Summarising his time at AMI, Sinclair said: “I have been exceptionally blessed to have been given one of the best jobs in the mortgage industry. I’ve loved every minute of it. And whoever gets to do it [next] should wrap their arms around it and love it too.”

The “people and the parties” were what Sinclair said he would miss most, adding that he was lucky to work with “some really good people”. He described former and current AMI chairs Pat Bunton, Martin Reynolds and Andy Montlake as “absolutely wonderful” and said his AMI team was “impossibly great”.

He will also “immensely miss” all the principals of firms and mortgage brokers he has spoken to over the years who are trying to do right by their clients.

Sinclair said he hoped his work inspired the sector to learn the importance of partnership in a collaborative mortgage sector for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

“Whether the work we’re doing is in conveyancing, surveying, lending or advising, we’re seen much more as being together than any point I’ve ever seen before. And I suppose that’s the bit for me, that really is powerful,” he added.

On the Working in Mortgages (WiM) website’s ‘day in the life’ section, Beisiegel (pictured) talks about his involvement in industry events such as the British Mortgage Awards, the Later Life Lending Event (LLLE) and the British Mortgage and Protection Senate. 

He also discusses how he manages a healthy work/life balance, as well as the support he has received while working in the mortgage sector. 

WiM launched in 2022 to promote professionals in the sector, the different roles, and spotlight the diverse individuals that make up the mortgage market. 

The website also aims to encourage recruitment and has a mentoring scheme to provide support for new entrants. 

The ‘day in the life’ blog was an idea from Jeffrey Krampah-Williams, national key account manager at Santander for Intermediaries. It has been going for 18 months and was created to provide more information on the profession. 

A representative for WiM said: “We aim to show that our industry has many roles on offer – it’s not just boring bank manager-type jobs. From underwriting, to social media manager, to compliance, we’re trying to cover off as many profiles as we can. It is also highlighting that the people doing these roles are from many different backgrounds, with varying education history – you do not need a maths degree to be involved in our industry.

“As we expand on the roles, WiM is collectively building a job description page, as we know everyone has different strengths and it will hopefully guide people into looking at roles that best-suit their strengths. Someone who’s less confident about speaking in front of a crowd may not be comfortable in a business development manager (BDM) role with a lender, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t space for them somewhere in our inclusive industry.” 

They added: “We’d love to hear from anyone who thinks their role or experience is unique that they’d like to share.” 

Professionals from across the sector contribute to WiM, spanning lender, adviser and recruitment businesses. 

The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries’ (AMI) fourth annual protection viewpoint report found that more than a third of firms had no online presence for their protection services. 

Of those that do, 53 per cent of adviser firms had a protection section on their website and just 18 per cent had online guides and articles on the topic. 

Nearly a quarter of firms said they posted about protection on social media and only five per cent had an online quote form for potential clients. 

AMI found that 13 per cent of advisers personally created protection content on social media. 

As for the platforms being used, 88 per cent of respondents said they used Facebook, 59 per cent utilised LinkedIn and 59 per cent used Instagram. Just 11 per cent used TikTok or YouTube while 18 per cent were active on X (formerly known as Twitter). 

A vital client base 

AMI said this could stop them from reaching their desired audiences and the younger generation. 

Although TikTok and YouTube were used the least by advisers, AMI found that around 90 per cent of Gen Z use this social media. However, the younger generation tended to believe protection was more important than their older counterparts, with 78 per cent of Gen Z and 76 per cent of millennials saying so, compared to 66 per cent of Gen X and 58 per cent of boomers. 

Nearly a third of all consumers said they preferred to use price comparison websites to buy protection, but younger people are less likely to do so compared to older consumers. 

A quarter of Gen Z consumers said they would prefer to do this in person, compared to 21 per cent of all adults. 

However, respondents did not seem to recognise the value of going to an adviser as a fifth were unable to name any benefits of doing this. 

For those who did cite advantages of getting advice, knowledge, regulatory status and being able to speak to a person were named as the main benefits. 

Independence of advice

Consumers expressed doubts over the impartiality of advisers, as only 16 per cent believed they were unbiased towards a particular client or insurer. By comparison, 37 per cent of people felt price comparison sites were independent or impartial. 

Some 47 per cent of consumers said advisers were motivated by commission when discussing protection. 

Robert Sinclair, chief executive of AMI, said: “In this year’s Viewpoint we particularly wanted to understand the behaviours and opinions of younger consumers – our industry’s future customers – and how they potentially differ from older generations. “We’ve seen some positive indicators that present a reason for the industry to feel optimistic, including a higher proportion of Gen Z respondents viewing protection insurance as important compared to older consumers. However, there is work to be done to fully realise this potential.  

“As part of this year’s Five Point Action Plan, we call on advice firms to assess whether it’s clear to consumers the role they play in the protection advice process and the value of good advice. Our recommendations also include actions for advisers, providers and AMI itself, as we all need to commit to making a difference if we are to fill the perception gap.”  

Julie Godley, director of intermediary at Legal and General, said: “It is encouraging to see that for younger consumers, protection is important. These insights provide fantastic opportunities for advisers and providers alike to adapt, embrace technology and communicate the value they can bring to Gen Z and millennials. But the onus is not just on the adviser.  

“Providers also have an opportunity to provide engaging digital content which resonates with a younger customer that advisers can share across several online platforms.”  

It’s also a little difficult to engage with market participants without wondering which side of the ethical line they have been operating on. In fact, there’s a possibility that some of you reading this may well be on the wrong side of that line.

But maybe we have all in some way been complicit – did we collectively do enough to weed out the bad apples? Did those of us advocating for change shout loudly enough?

Summary of the FCA conclusions published in its equity release (ER) market review (published 14 September): 

– 400 adverts amended or removed for fear of being inaccurate or misleading

– Product benefits being highlighted without a balanced discussion of risk

– Firms using their FCA regulated status in a promotional manner

– Advisers not properly considering borrowers’ income and expenditure

– Advisers minimising discussions around alternatives

– Firms incentivising sales potentially at the expense of good customer outcomes

– Advisers steering outcomes in favour of lifetime mortgage products

No matter how many times you read it, it gets no better. So, what now?

Firstly, I want to recognise that there are good people in the ER market, but we have to recognise that their good work is being unpicked by the actions of others. For that reason, I think we need a period of meaningful self-reflection about how we’ve got here and to consider if the ongoing issues within the market can really be addressed.

I say “if” because the same issues keep being flagged and surely if the market really wanted to change it would have done so already. The fact it hasn’t suggests it either doesn’t want to or it doesn’t know how to, neither being good news for customers.

That period of reflection also needs to include a review on how effective the market has been at protecting consumers. I take no pleasure in saying that as the work undertaken by the ERC – and SHIP before them – has been material in rehabilitating the product, but a set of voluntary safeguards aren’t much good if the culture of the market and the mandatory advice surrounding them are both inadequate.

Points of reflection (non-exhaustive):

1. What have lenders been doing due diligence wise since the first FCA review?
2. If there is now regulatory evidence that proc-fees can/do/could create product bias, isn’t an advised fee model the logical mitigant?
3. If the market still believes it needs additional safeguards to protect customer outcomes, why isn’t the assessment of affordability one of them?
4. Having established payments are affordable, isn’t there a requirement to produce illustrations and source for non-ER product options as well?
5. How does a customer identify a good adviser from a bad one?
6. If additional safeguards haven’t stopped poor advice from being provided, what will?
7. How can drawdown products meet fair value rules if rate nor facility are guaranteed?

They may not be the right (nor popular) things to ask, but if the market wants to evidence it is listening – really listening – then these are the and sorts of questions I think it needs to face into.

Of course, the other option is to do nothing and wait for the regulator to take things out of the market’s hands. They signposted that there might be further output as part of the retirement income review so it’s not impossible that something more radical – an FCA version of George Osborne and annuities for example – could be on the cards.

Either way, this is surely the last chance saloon.

Regulatory expert responses:

Lynda Blackwell
Non executive director and consultant on regulation and risk management; ex-mortgage sector manager, FCA

There will be a lot of firms out there wiping their brows and thinking they have just dodged another bullet. Yet another weak, ‘must do better’ report from an FCA which has been allowing poor customer outcomes to continue in the sector for years now.

For how much longer will they accept promises from firms that they will do better, when the FCA’s own reviews have demonstrated repeatedly that many have no intention of doing so? Something is seriously wrong with the culture in these firms. Significant failings have been discovered just too often.

Well – don’t be lulled into thinking all’s okay and that the FCA will have moved on from this.

If I were a senior manager or on a board of a firm in this sector, I would be feeling very uncomfortable right now. Waiting for the FCA to discover issues (if they do) and then take enforcement action (if they do) is no longer how it works.

It really is time to wake up and smell the ‘Consumer Duty’ coffee. The directors (executive and non-executive) have a very clear responsibility to ensure their firms are complying with the FCA’s requirements and need to be seen to be providing effective oversight and challenge to ensure this. This is not just a compliance tick-box exercise. This is about driving wholesale cultural change throughout the firm to ensure customers, who are predominantly vulnerable and have very limited choices, are properly advised and supported and get the right solution for them

There are no more hiding places on this. Something is obviously wrong and needs to be fixed and it’s the responsibility of boards and senior management to fix it.

Don’t wait for the FCA to force you to do so: That will not end well.

Robert Sinclair, CEO, AMI

For some years AMI has been challenging the market to consider whether it has the balance right.

The downplaying of the risks, the heavy promotional spend to drive consumer engagement and customer journeys that almost always end up with a lifetime mortgage now need be addressed properly.

I fear that the Equity Release Council is in the last chance saloon on getting real traction with their membership. Their work sets out clearly what should be done, but it appears too many find adhering to their standards difficult. This sector has additional qualifications and FCA rules on top of the standard residential market. A step change in the quality of advice and better monitoring by lenders is now essential.

Consumer Duty sets new challenges and all firms involved in this market need to think through the simple messages delivered by the FCA. This article by Tony Crane asks some difficult questions, that need to be addressed with integrity.

Pat Bunton, strategic adviser, Livemore

The FCA’s latest findings raise many of the same concerns as their quality of advice thematic work published in June 2020 and are also largely aligned with the findings of the Financial Services Consumer Panel in May 2022.

It’s disappointing to see many of the same issues being highlighted again now as the market has had ample time to get this right. I can only imagine that FCA will want to take the lead in setting and policing standards in this sector going forwards and at the very least the viability of serviced interest options should always be considered, meaning a properly documented affordability assessment is a must on every case.

There are a few limited places and advisers can register their interest on the Mortgage Vision website http://mortgagevision.net

The roadshow kicks off in Elstree, Hertfordshire, on the 12 September and runs across in September and October in 10 regional venues.

• Tuesday 12 September – Elstree, DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree
• Wednesday 13 September – Southampton, Novotel Southampton
• Tuesday 19 September – Derby, Pride Park Stadium
• Wednesday 20 September – Bolton, Bolton Stadium Hotel
• Tuesday 3 October – Esher, Sandown Park Racecourse
• Wednesday 4 October – Maidstone, Mercure Maidstone Great Danes
• Tuesday 10 October – Newcastle, Delta Hotels by Marriot Newcastle Gateshead
• Wednesday 11 October – Birmingham, National Conference Centre
• Tuesday 17 October – Exeter, Exeter Racecourse
• Wednesday 18 October – Gloucester, Gloucester Rugby Club

Each event is tailored to mortgage advisers in the areas and gives them a “space where they can learn from each other, share ideas, and enhance their work methods alongside their peers”.

Topics up for discussion include Consumer Duty, value of client data, later life lending, role of specialist packagers, lending solutions for clients with complex incomes, adverse credit and affordability and issues along with protection and general insurance.

Speakers at the event include OSB Group’s group intermediary director Adrian Moloney, senior corporate account manager Ian Scarrott and corporate account manager Andy Williams.

Association of Mortgage Intermediaries’ chief executive Robert Sinclair and senior policy adviser Stacy Penn will be speaking along with Mortgage Brain’s sales director for intermediaries Sharon Marshall and Neil Wyatt, sales and marketing director.

Wyatt said: “Mortgage Vision is the must-attend event for Directly Authorised and Appointed Representative mortgage advisers. Every year, this roadshow gets even bigger and better, bringing together the brightest and best of innovation and collaboration in the mortgage advisory space.

“This year, we’ve three new venues, reaching our greatest number of advisers ever. Those attending will be immersed in insightful discussions led by leading experts and have the unique opportunity to connect with the very best in our industry. Plus, the added advantage of claiming up to 3.5 CPD hours makes it even more rewarding. We hope to see you there.”

The code of conduct applies to all events which includes conference related social events at off-site locations, and in related online communities and social media.

The trade bodies said: “We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free and inclusive event experience for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion or other protected category. Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.”

Expected behaviour in the code of conduct includes being considerate and respectful to all members, refraining from “demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour, materials, and speech” and speaking up if a member observes anything that conflicts with the code of conduct.

It said that if an individual is being harassed or feels uncomfortable, or if an individual notices someone else is being harassed or has other concerns, then they should contact a member of event staff or raise the issue with their host immediately.

Know your boundaries

Unacceptable behaviour listed in the code of conduct includes but is not limited to:

• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech, materials, or conduct by any Participants of the event and related event activities. Many event venues are shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
• Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.
• Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
• Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.
• Inappropriate photography or recording.
• Taking of photos within the event environment for use on social media, without the prior permission of the individuals or owners of the content therein.
• Any boisterous, lewd, or offensive behaviour or language, including but not limited to using sexually explicit or offensive language, materials or conduct, or any language, behaviour, or content that contains profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious, or ethnic slurs.
• Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the event venue.

AMI and IMLA said that unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone asked to cease inappropriate behaviour will be expected to comply immediately.

They continued that further action may be taken including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund and for more “egregious behaviour” the trade bodies may temporarily ban or permanently expel a participant from future events.

Expected standards of behaviour

Nicola Goldie (pictured), head of strategic partnerships and growth at Aldermore and a member of IMLA’s management committee, said: “Events play a very important role in the mortgage and insurance industries, presenting great opportunities for networking, promoting community cohesion and building relationships between providers, advisers and associated colleagues.

“The events code of conduct created by AMI and IMLA together through Working in Mortgages sets out the standards of behaviour we all expect from each other at mortgage industry events as professional people.”

Robert Sinclair, CEO at AMI, added: “This code of conduct provides clear guidance to ensure that all attendees feel safe, comfortable and respected at all times, both at live events and in the associated social media sphere.

“We believe adherence to the code will serve to improve the quality and professionalism of our industry events and interactions.”