"Better representation for women in our industry goes hand-in-hand with an industry where everyone is given the support and opportunity to thrive"
Nominations and applications are now open for this year's Women's Recognition Awards, with four new categories debuting to broaden our horizon and recognise a commitment to inclusion across the board.
The awards programme, now in its sixth year, aims to support the growing momentum for a more diverse and equal financial services community, recognising achievement in particular fields such as mortgages and specialist lending, alongside adviser-focused categories.
The WRAs also reward people and businesses in the industry who have made notable strides towards gender equality, either through raising awareness or by implementing specific changes within their workplace.
This year we also wanted to expand our awards further and recognise the people and businesses who are tackling inequality in all forms in our industry, not just the gender imbalance.
These categories look more broadly at those working towards diversity, equity and inclusion within the mortgage industry and shine a light on those companies and people who are using their platform for change.
You can nominate an individual or firm at frwra.co.uk and nominees will then be invited to submit a supporting application.
Nominations close on the 16th of June and our expert panel of judges will then review all applications before the finalists are announced on the 18th of July.
The Winners’ Party will then take place at Troxy London on the 5th of October, featuring a drinks reception, entertainment, three-course meal and an exclusive after party.
Amy Loddington, Barcadia Media’s communications director, said: "What a pleasure it is to be able to say the Women’s Recognition Awards are back for another year!
"In the six years since we first launched the WRAs, we’ve seen great strides made in the visibility and volume of conversations about gender equality in financial services.
"However, the 2022 Women in Finance Charter numbers make for disheartening reading. The percentage of women in senior management roles had stagnated at 33% - the first time that this number has shown no increase year-on-year since the Charter’s inception, suggesting that focus on improving the gender balance at the top of firms had faltered slightly.
"There is clearly still work to be done, and that work is evolving each year. With that in mind, we thought long and hard about how to evolve what we do and how we commit to making a difference in financial services.
"Better representation for women in our industry goes hand-in-hand with an industry where everyone is given the support and opportunity to thrive – which is why our four new awards categories are designed to reward businesses and people who are working towards inclusion and equity across the board, not just on the issue of gender.
"We’re proud and excited to now have categories that recognise those efforts and we look forward to seeing all of your entries this year!"
