Being more Inclusive
Director, Pete Gwilliam is a Specialist Lending Awards Changemaker nominee – an award which recognises professionals in the sector who are delivering diversity and inclusion or sustainability initiatives to make the mortgage lending industry fairer, more balanced, or more environmentally conscious.
A Safe Space to unpack anxieties
Pete has recently completed a Mental Health First Aid ( MHFA) course and become a signatory to the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter ( MIMHC) because he is very aware the nature of some business discussions become conversations about how people are really feeling about themselves.
As a signatory to the MIMHC Pete pledges to have mental health on his radar and to encourage ‘conversations to keep going’ . We should all be aware that the mental health continuum means unpacking stresses and anxieties can prevent a deterioration in mental health.
Some people don’t feel psychologically safe enough to have open conversations in their business , perhaps feeling it shows weakness and that it might be used against them in their career. This is especially so for those who feel marginalised or unfairly treated. Being an ally allows them to unpick the issues without fear of reprisal.
An ally to those who are feeling excluded
For some, sharing and talking about such personal issues isn’t for the workplace and it can be difficult to feel in a safe space where matters that feel inequitable can be discussed confidentially and without fear of reprisal. Conversations about inclusivity and equity are not easy for anyone, but to help change the industry we need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and Pete will offer time, empathy and guidance on how unfairness can be dealt with, and indeed discuss how the situation can be escalated should that be desirable.
Understandably you may want to talk ‘out of hours’ and, if so, please send a message to Pete so that he can organise a suitable time to listen and offer support.