Access FS launches Equality Council to strengthen diversity and inclusion

Access FS has launched an Equality Council to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion across the company.

The initiative was unveiled at the firm’s annual conference at Wyboston Lakes in Bedfordshire, attended by more than 200 advisers.

The Equality Council aims to create a more inclusive environment by amplifying underrepresented voices and addressing systemic barriers within the organisation.

Its objectives include championing fair representation for marginalised groups, promoting allyship, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all staff and advisers.

The council will also review company policies, advocate for inclusive practices, and monitor Access FS’s progress against its diversity and inclusion goals.

Made up of six members – three staff and three advisers – the council will rotate adviser representation quarterly to ensure a mix of perspectives.

Currently, 92% of Access FS advisers come from minority backgrounds, representing 23 national communities, while nearly a third (32%) of the adviser team are female.

Nick Jones (pictured), 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 ongoing D&I strategy, Access FS will begin tracking the ethnicity of new and existing team members through an updated HR process to improve transparency and accountability.

The announcement came as the brokerage marked its most successful year to date, hosting its largest annual conference to celebrate continued business growth.