Access Financial Services is to host its first Women of Access event later this month, as part of a wider push to strengthen diversity and inclusion across the brokerage.

The mortgage and protection firm will stage the event at the Delta hotel in Waltham Abbey on 25 February, following the launch of its Equality Council last year.

Women of Access is intended to celebrate the experiences of women within the business, share career journeys and support recruitment efforts, particularly among those considering entering – or returning to – financial services.

Access FS advisers will speak about their own career paths after a keynote address from Cordelia Osewa-Ediae, a former senior consultant at BT Group’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion centre, who will focus on mindset, motivation and wellness.

Amrit Bahee (pictured), head of operations at Access Financial Services, 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.”

The brokerage said the event builds on the work of its Equality Council, established in 2025 to foster a more inclusive working environment.

The council’s remit includes amplifying underrepresented voices, addressing systemic barriers and promoting fair representation, while encouraging allyship and equitable opportunities for staff and advisers.

It also aims to identify challenges within the organisation, propose practical solutions and embed diversity and inclusion into the firm’s core operations.

Access FS said it hopes the initiative will help set a benchmark for the wider mortgage and protection sector as firms continue to examine their own approach to representation and recruitment.