The Julian Harris IFA and mortgage adviser networks have joined the Equity Release Council.

All equity release writing advisers with the networks are now members of the Council.

Helen Harris (pictured), director of Julian Harris, said: “Our membership of the Equity Release Council represents a great start to 2020. All of our equity release advising members can provide their clients with further reassurance that they are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of advice.

“As a network, we remain committed to our completely independent, whole of market offering and our members pride themselves on being able to provide their clients with the best advice possible.”

David Burrowes, chairman of the Council, added: “We’re pleased to welcome Julian Harris Adviser Networks to the Council’s membership. As the popularity of equity release grows, so too does the demand for qualified advice.

“The addition of the Julian Harris Adviser Network is therefore a great addition to the equity release adviser landscape and the Council membership, further broadening older homeowners’ access to qualified equity release advice which is underpinned by the Council’s robust standards and consumer protections.”

The Julian Harris Networks ran an internal campaign of awareness on recognising and responding appropriately to vulnerable and potentially vulnerable customers in 2019.

Harris said: “It is vital that all customers receive the best possible advice, regardless of their circumstances. Given the increasing focus on vulnerable customers, as well as the growth of the equity release market, joining the Equity Release Council and running our internal campaign have been priorities for our network.”