International Women’s Day is always an important date in my diary.
This year’s event provided me with the opportunity to focus on several things that I feel passionate about: women in finance, young learners and the future of the industry.
When Brightstar Group became a signatory of HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter in 2015, it felt as if the mortgage industry had far to go in closing the gender pay gap and ensuring that women had the confidence, support and opportunities to access more senior and higher-paid roles.
“Financial services did not feature in teenagers’ responses”
Thankfully, in 2026, the industry feels a more inclusive space. We don’t need to look hard to find outstanding women who serve as role models and who stand shoulder to shoulder with the equally impressive men of our industry. Attitudes have changed, practices have improved and opportunities have increased.
There has been a genuine drive to improve diversity and inclusion across the sector, facilitated by initiatives such as Ami’s Working in Mortgages, industry events/forums and ongoing press activity from industry publications. The growth in awareness around gender parity and a genuine desire for change have driven progress, strengthening the industry and making it a more positive space to work in.
That said, there is still much to be done in encouraging young people to be part of the next generation.
“Along with publicising our industry to younger people, we have used this as a recruitment tool”
From my ongoing work with schools, it is evident that our industry is not naturally appealing or even known about. Indeed, while a lot of organisations are committed to attracting new blood and offering opportunities for training/employment, it remains concerning that many young people would never consider our industry for a career, and that perhaps the industry does not have the image or reputation to achieve this aim.
Missing out
This belief is supported by a recent BBC Bitesize nationwide survey, which identified the top 10 jobs teenagers wanted and the 10 most desirable organisations to work for.
Financial services did not feature at all. Young people named organisations such as the NHS and Tesla, and roles such as a police officer or working in the building trade, as being more appealing.
Interestingly, though, the same survey asked young people what mattered to them most about the world of work, with 28% of respondents saying, ‘Feel good about what you do,’ 26% saying, ‘Happiness,’ 18% saying, ‘Money,’ and another 18% saying, ‘Feel like you’re helping people.’
“From my ongoing work with schools, it is evident that our industry is not naturally appealing or even known about”
These results are fascinating, given that most of us would say that the mortgage industry is great to be part of, we can earn well and the nature of the job is to help people to improve their life and realise their dreams and ambitions. Why, then, aren’t we being flooded with applications from eager young people?
As a former teacher, I enjoyed my 16 years in education as much as I now enjoy working with young people through our Young Learners Programme, which has hosted more than 100 youngsters in work placements/internships/graduate apprenticeship schemes over the past five years.
Along with publicising our industry to younger people, we have used this as a recruitment tool and have repeatedly seen the valuable contribution that young adults make to the workplace. If the industry were to commit more time to opening its doors to youngsters for placements and opportunities, perhaps we could attract a new and energetic layer to our workforce.
On 5 March, as part of International Women’s Day 2026, I spoke at the Women’s Leadership Conference at St Joseph’s College, Ipswich, where I combined my enthusiasm for young people and their futures with my ongoing commitment to women in finance. Along with sharing experiences and advice, I aimed to inspire young women to consider joining our industry.
There has been a genuine drive to improve diversity and inclusion across the sector
St Joseph’s College is a forward-thinking school that engenders ‘the culture of ambition’. Strong and consistent messages, supported by action and opportunity, also highlight the college’s commitment to empowering students to pursue ‘bold futures’. It was fabulous to meet talented young people who could make an outstanding contribution to our industry.
Connecting with schools and young people has to be part of the gameplan for the future of the mortgage industry. It is vital to remaining diverse and inclusive.