Access Financial Services (Access FS) has launched an Equality Council to promote diversity, inclusion and accountability across its mortgage and protection network.
The Equality Council aims to foster an inclusive culture by amplifying underrepresented voices and addressing systemic barriers.
The initiative was unveiled at the firm’s annual conference at Wyboston Lakes in Bedfordshire, attended by 200 advisers.
Its objectives include ensuring fair representation for marginalised groups, promoting allyship, and creating equitable opportunities for all staff and advisers.
The council will review company policies, advocate for inclusive practices and monitor Access FS’s progress against its diversity and inclusion commitments.
Comprising six members – three staff and three advisers – the council will rotate adviser representation quarterly to encourage fresh perspectives.
Access FS’ adviser community comprises 92% of advisers from minority backgrounds representing 23 national communities, and almost a third (32%) identifying as female.
Nick Jones, mortgage sales and marketing director at Access FS, said: “The Equality Council is a pivotal step in our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“Its role is to scrutinise what we do, how we do it, and how we can improve to better embrace difference.
“By fostering open dialogue and actionable change, the Equality Council will ensure we not only represent marginalised groups but actively champion their voices.
“We’re taking applications for Equality Council partners at the conference, and we welcome anyone passionate about inclusion to join us in shaping a fairer, more equitable future for Access FS and the wider industry.”
As part of its broader inclusion strategy, Access FS will begin tracking the ethnicity of new joiners and existing team members through an enhanced HR process to improve transparency and accountability.
The launch follows the brokerage’s strongest year to date, with its annual conference marking both record attendance and continued growth across its adviser network.
