Accord launches Inclusion and Diversity Charter

The intermediary-only lender’s Inclusion and Diversity Partnership Charter sets out the lender’s approach to unacceptable behaviour and discrimination, with clear expectations for all when working together.

It highlights that unacceptable behaviour includes the unjust or prejudicial treatment of someone related to a protected characteristic (religion or belief, disability, racism, sexism, homophobia, gender reassignment & transphobia, ageism,) unwanted attention, violence, threatening or offensive behaviour, aggression (including passive aggressive), intimidation or creating a hostile or humiliating environment. It also recognises difference, embraces diversity and aims to build trust with open communication.

The charter’s introduction is part of a series of updates Accord has made to ensure inclusive and diverse working partnerships that benefit all. Included with the charter is a route to report issues for anyone working with Accord, with commitment from the lender’s leadership team to take action on raised concerns.

Jeremy Duncombe, managing director at Accord Mortgages, said: “We help and support thousands of fantastic brokers and their clients, but it’s vitally important that our people – whether on the road, at home or at our office sites - feel safe at work and able to speak up when something isn’t right.

“We are committed to diversity and inclusion and ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect at work and this new charter reinforces our stance on unacceptable behaviour and discrimination across our business. We’re building on the great work done by AMI and IMLA and believe it’s the right thing to do to support and be an ally to our colleagues, and the industry as a whole.”