Access FS to launch 'Women of Access' event 

Access Financial Services has announced the launch of its inaugural Women of Access event, following the recent formation of its Equality Council.

Women of Access aims to celebrate women, share their stories and journeys, and boost its recruitment of women and is to be held at the Delta hotel in Waltham Abbey on 25th February.

Access FS advisers will discuss their stories and journeys following a keynote speech on mindset, motivation and wellness by Cordelia Osewa-Ediae, an ex-senior consultant at BT Group’s diversity, equity and inclusion centre.

The event follows the launch of Access FS’s Equality Council last year, which aims to foster an inclusive environment at the mortgage and protection brokerage by amplifying underrepresented voices and addressing systemic barriers while championing fair representation for marginalised groups, promoting allyship and ensuring equitable opportunities for all staff and advisers – identifying challenges, proposing solutions and driving cultural change and embedding D&I into the company’s core operations.

Amrit Bahee (pictured), head of operations at Access FS, said: “This is a significant step in our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We are passionate about inclusion and shaping a fairer, more equitable future for Access FS and the wider industry. The Women of Access initiative is designed to create more space for women to be seen, supported and inspired within financial services. Whether someone is already established, returning after a break, or simply curious about a future in mortgages or protection, this event is about opening doors and having honest conversations – no pressure, no expectations. This isn’t a women-only event. Rather, we are asking attendees to bring a woman from their network who may be considering the industry or a return to it.

“Cordelia, our keynote speaker, is the perfect person to help us unlock transformative change: she’s an award-winning leadership expert and a leading authority in driving transformative diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to revolutionise organisational culture and leadership effectiveness. Just the sort of person from whom Women of Access wants to hear and learn.”