Access Financial Services (Access FS) has named the members of its Equality Council, selecting a mix of staff from across its mortgage and protection business to lead efforts in diversity and inclusion.
The team includes head of operations Amrit Bahee, Adrian Brewer, head of later life and the Access All Areas referral scheme, business quality assurance manager Kamelia Azaad, operations coordinator Megan Hind and protection admin supervisor Adam Niedzielski.
Two brokers from the mortgage division, Rakhi Wojkowska and Areeb Jalali, are joining, as well as advisers Farhan Ali and Anita Wokomah from the protection team.
The Equality Council was set up to help create a more inclusive environment at Access FS by giving a voice to underrepresented groups and tackling barriers in the business.
Its aims include pushing for fair representation for marginalised groups, encouraging allyship and making sure all staff and advisers have equal opportunities.
The council plans to review policies, support inclusive practices and keep Access FS on track with its diversity and inclusion commitments.
Adrian Brewer (pictured), head of later life lending at Access FS, said: “The role of the equality council is to scrutinise what Access does, how we do it, and how we can improve to better embrace difference.
“By fostering open dialogue and actionable change, we want to ensure we represent marginalised groups and actively champion their voices.
“I feel very lucky to have so many passionate colleagues join me as we try to shape a fairer, more equitable future for Access FS and the wider industry.”
Nick Jones, mortgage sales and marketing director at Access FS, said: “By engaging with employees and advisers, the equality council seeks to identify challenges, propose solutions, and drive cultural change, ensuring we reflect the diverse communities we serve.
“Through regular feedback and transparent reporting, the council is going to help embed D&I into our core operations, setting a benchmark for the industry.
“Given nine in every ten (92 per cent) of Access FS’s advisers are from minority background – and are drawn from 23 different national communities, it was really important that we launched the council with a strong team.”
Jones added: “With these such a strong Access FS team on board, it’s off to a great start.”
