Newcastle for Intermediaries has become the latest signatory to support the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC), as part of its wider commitment and strategic approach to mental health and wellbeing,

The charter was established to support all UK firms operating within the mortgage sector and Newcastle for Intermediaries joins an expanding list of industry stakeholders who have signed up.

All signatories voluntarily abide to six governing rules, designed to ensure best practice when dealing with the health and wellbeing of their workforce. All members are required to:

• Develop mental health awareness amongst employees using activities and advocacy
• Encourage open conversations about mental health and the support available to employees who may be struggling
• Provide employees with good working conditions that encourage a healthy work life balance and opportunities for development
• Promote effective people management through line managers and ensure there is a focus on physical and mental wellbeing as well as performance
• Routinely monitor employee mental health and wellbeing through surveys and regular contact with managers
• Have a named contact for mental health support

The MIMHC’s mission is to offer guidance and a straightforward framework to help member companies develop and customise services that best cater to their employees’ mental health needs. This initiative comes in response to research indicating a worsening mental health situation within the mortgage industry.

Franco Di Pietro (pictured), head of intermediary mortgages at Newcastle Building Society, said: “We’re committed to being a great place to work and helping our communities make positive changes through a wide range of initiatives, and by fostering a culture of positive mental health. As part of our commitment to our intermediary partners and in addition to the several steps our Society has taken to support the mental health and wellbeing of its members and colleagues we’re proud to become signatories to The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter.”

Martin Reynolds , co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter, added: “It is great to see Newcastle Intermediaries become the latest Signatory to our Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter. As we build activities throughout the next 12 months I am sure the Newcastle Building Society team can contribute hugely.

“Our charter continues to build momentum and we very much look forward to evolving our MIMHC proposition so it truly serves the mental health and wellbeing needs of those operating in our sector.”