Mortgage and protection professionals across the sector are being encouraged to take part in a major new industry-wide study examining equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) within the market.
The 2026 ED&I Viewpoint, led by Working in Mortgages (WIM) and supported by industry sponsors, aims to build a clearer picture of people’s lived experiences working across the mortgage and protection sector.
The research will update the 2021 study carried out by the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), which has informed much of the industry’s discussion and action around inclusion over the past five years.
WIM said broad participation from advisers, lenders and wider industry professionals will be critical to ensuring the findings accurately reflect the diversity of the sector.
The survey is now open, with findings due to be published later this year to help inform future industry action around inclusion, progression and belonging.
AimieJo Shutt, national key account manager at Santander UK, said: “One of the greatest opportunities we have is to create an industry where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
“When people can bring their whole selves to their careers, it strengthens the industry as a whole.
“Your thoughts, your feelings and your experience truly matter in helping make this incredible industry one where everyone feels welcome, valued and accepted.”
Lucy Lewis, national account lead at Skipton Building Society, said: “With stable housing linked to upward mobility, it’s important that we as an industry reflect and truly understand the diverse communities we support.
“Every response to this survey helps identify what’s working, where barriers still exist, and where change is needed.”
Caroline Mirakian, mortgage distribution director at United Trust Bank, said: “When people can see how to belong and how to succeed, our industry becomes stronger, fairer and more relevant.
“We have a responsibility to make pathways into and through our industry visible and open to all.
“Inclusion is the result of consistent, deliberate actions. Taking part in this survey is a simple but powerful way to have your voice heard and help shape the future of our industry.”
Nicola Goldie, head of strategic partnerships at Aldermore Bank, chair of Working in Mortgages and deputy chair of Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA), said: “When financial services genuinely reflects the diversity of the customers and communities it serves, the benefits are tangible: better challenge, stronger decision-making, reduced risk and outcomes that are not only commercial, but responsible and aligned with Consumer Duty.
“This research matters because it creates space for people to share honest experiences and ensures decisions are informed by lived reality, not assumption.”