Industry figure calls on advisors to complete diversity survey

May 10, 2026 by Brendan O'Neill

Mortgage Advisors

A leading figure in the UK mortgage industry has put out a call to mortgage advisors to participate in a survey that measures diversity progress.

Will Hayward-Lloyd is employed by Brightstar as its chief operating officer. He is also part of the industry initiative called Working in Mortgages, which seeks to improve equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) within the sector. This movement is responsible for the ED&I Viewpoint Survey for 2026. The questions for this survey were put together by the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) and the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), to measure progress. Now Hayward-Lloyd is asking all advisors to participate in it.

Working in Mortgages was first launched five years ago and the survey will identify how things have advanced since then, as well as highlighting areas that still need work. Speaking to Financial Reporter, Hayward-Lloyd stated that this year represents an important juncture for the mortgage sector:

“It’s five years since the last survey and now is the time to take stock and reset. There is a real need to keep the focus on diversity and inclusion invigorated across the industry.”

The survey and research that were carried out back in 2021 were credited for changing the culture within the sector. In addition to raising awareness of diversity issues, they also put a spotlight on the importance of good mental health. Hayward-Lloyd pointed out that this shows why it is vital for advisors to lend their support.

This is something that all advisors who have done CeMAP courses will want to make time for.