Charley O’Neill | Mortgage Mum: Finding work-life balance and flexibility in financial services

In this episode of Just Covered, we meet Charley O’Neill, Senior Mortgage and Protection Adviser and Head of New Build at Mortgage Mum. A mother of two, Charley’s journey in financial services began after leaving school. She earned her stripes in customer service at HSBC, before eventually becoming a qualified Mortgage Adviser in 2015. But after returning from maternity leave, she found traditional industry working patterns strained her personal life. Determined, she sought to find an organisation that would recognise and value her needs as a working parent. Her success is an inspiration for any adviser, but especially those with families.

This episode also covers:

· The ethos and community behind Mortgage Mum and the benefits of forward-thinking and flexible ways of working, compared to traditional working practices.

· The importance of personable communications with clients and how different approaches can support this.

· An insight into New Build schemes, buyer incentives and valuable tools, like Own New’s Rate Reducer.

In this episode of Just Covered, we're excited to host Stephanie Charman, the new CEO of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), and our very own Vikki Jefferies, who has recently assumed her new role as Market Development Director. In this friendly and lively chat, they discuss their diverse backgrounds in the industry and the transitions that led them to their current positions. Gladly, they also share personal insights on current mortgage market conditions, changing regulations, and, perhaps refreshingly, their positive outlook on the future. They also discuss some of the game-changing initiatives they’ve recently been involved in. It’s an entertaining and informative hour-long chat…

This episode also covers:

• Some of the ongoing work and research of the AMI, including their collaboration with Legal & General.
• Key drivers of industry change like the rise of Green Mortgage Advice initiatives, AMI’s Protection Viewpoint, the Working Mortgage Scheme, and other leading schemes and innovations.
• The variety of roles available in the financial services sector and the importance of mentorship in supporting advisers to realise their career goals.

In this episode of Just Covered, we meet Robin Melley, a founder and director of the Consumer Duty Alliance and co-founder of the Financial Vulnerability Taskforce. As the only person to win UK Chartered Financial Planner of the Year twice, Robin is a force to be reckoned with. We were lucky enough to get his insight into the evolution of the Financial Vulnerability Taskforce. And hear about his more recent work with us on the Thematic Review checklist, which has already proven a transformative tool for helping advisers with Consumer Duty. Don’t miss this one…

This episode also covers:

· Common misconceptions around vulnerability, and the importance of building awareness of it into every financial plan.

· The five key questions Robin recommends you ask every client seeking financial advice.

· The need to build trust and engagement as an industry to bridge the advice gap and further enhance client outcomes.