Event Type: The Council
AGM 2025 and South East and London meet up
The 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Equity Release Council is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 June 2025, at the Finova offices, Commodity Quay, St Katharine Docks, London, E1W 1AZ. All members are welcome to attend.
Following the AGM, a regional meeting for the South East and London will take place. Again, all members are welcome.
The AGM will run from 10:00am to 11:45am, before the Southeast and London meet up starts at 11:45am until 1:15pm. A networking lunch will be provided from 1:15pm to 2:15pm.
Tech Forum
Adviser Forum
Policy & Communications Forum
Legal Forum
Provider Forum
Risk & Conduct Forum
Funder Forum
Tech Forum
Adviser Forum
North Member Meet-up – Leeds
A chance to connect and learn with fellow Equity Release Council members, and the Council team, in your region.
Agenda:
12.00 – 13.00: Registration, lunch and networking
13.00 – 13.30: Shaping 2025: Insights, Impact, and Innovation – led by Lee Blackwell, Equity Release Council
We’ll kick off the day with a deep dive into the key trends shaping our industry in 2025. We’ll unpack the latest Q1 stats and what this year has delivered so far, and what it signals for the months ahead. Looking forward, we will also explore insights from the ‘Designing the Future’ session from the adviser conference as well as other recent pieces of research.
13.30 – 13.50: Standards 2.0: Elevating Industry Excellence – led by Kelly Melville-Kelly, Equity Release Council
Join us as we discuss the key results from the ‘Standards 2.0’ consultation which will deliver the next evolution of the Council’s industry standards shaped by extensive member-led working groups and consultation. We’ll explore the new ‘Consumer Charter’, built around the 4Ts—Trusted, Transparent, Thorough, and Tailored—ensuring better outcomes for clients and firms alike. Finally, additional data will be shared from recent analysis of the FOS complaints data as well as other Council research projects.
13.50 – 14.20: Maximising Lenders’ Support Services and Marketing Resources – led by Melanie Godley, Pure Retirement
In our recent survey, 66% of advisers identified client misunderstanding as the biggest challenge. Join us for an insightful session as we explore the various marketing resources available to enhance your business’s marketing efforts. Discover what’s on offer and engage with our marketing team for on-site help and advice. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to leverage lenders’ support services to your advantage!
14.20 – 14.40: Refreshment Break
14.40 – 15.00: Unlocking Insights: Key Trends in the Equity Release and Mortgage Markets for Advisers – led by Jess Trueman, Smart Money People
Jess is the Head of Business Development at Smart Money People, the UK’s most comprehensive financial services consumer review website. Smart Money People produces a bi-annual report released in June and December each year as part of their work. The Benchmark is the most significant piece of independent lender research carried out in the industry using broker feedback and provides unique and actionable insight into the UK mortgage market.
15:00 – 15:30 What role does a borrower’s solicitor play in the lifetime mortgage process? – led by Carol Nuttall, Adlington Law
This session will provide an in-depth look at a borrower’s solicitor’s role in the lifetime mortgage process. Carol Nuttall will explain how solicitors represent borrowers’ interests, evaluate offer packs, and prepare tailored reports outlining equity release transactions’ risks and benefits. Attendees will learn about the detailed process from initial instructions to completion, including title checks, client communication, and face-to-face meetings. The importance of specialist solicitors in handling the complexities of equity release will also be highlighted, emphasising their role in ensuring legal compliance and addressing potential client vulnerabilities.
15.30 – 15.40: Council Forums: What they’re working on and how you can get involved – led by Tom Brett, Equity Release Council
The Council’s member-led forums tackle key challenges and opportunities in the later life lending market, driving progress for industry professionals and, most importantly, consumers. Tom will showcase the latest forum initiatives, including how AI and digital connectivity are shaping the sector, the sourcing challenges members face, and challenges relating to customers in vulnerable circumstances. Find out how you can contribute to these vital discussions and help shape the future of our market.
15:40 – 16.00: Utilising AI – led by Daniel Edmondson, Advise Wise
16.00 – Close
Policy & Communications Forum
Legal Forum
Provider Forum
Funder Forum
Tech Forum
Risk & Conduct Forum
Adviser Forum
Policy & Communications Forum
Legal Forum
Funder Forum
Tech Forum
Provider Forum
Adviser Forum
Risk & Conduct Forum
Member Panel
The member panel is the primary channel for dialogue between members and the Council’s directors and executive and is made up of up to three representatives from the member forums. These forums provide valuable opportunities to come together and address some of the challenging issues facing our industry.
Member Panel Meeting
Member Panel hosted by Finova. Chairs and Vice Chairs of our seven member-led forums meet with Council executives and the board to review the forums’ work, provide feedback to the Council Board, and exchange challenges and ideas among the forums.
The Later Life Lending Summit 2024
Building on the success of our Equity Release Summit last year in Manchester, this year, the Council is proud to collaborate with the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) to launch the Later Life Lending Summit to be held on 19 November in Sheffield.
Adlington Law, the lead sponsor of our Summit in May, is also supporting this inaugural event.
The Later Life Lending Summit will provide attendees with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and access to expert speakers, including regulatory specialists and later life lending professionals.
Why attend?
- Build stronger connections with fellow advisers as well as solicitors, providers, and other businesses in the later life lending sector
- Benefit from high-quality, and varied educational content delivered by industry experts, with five CPD hours available
- Participate in a range of dynamic learning formats from keynote addresses, skills workshops, and roundtable discussions
- Continue to review your skills and processes so you can improve outcomes for your customers
- All refreshments are included in your ticket price including breakfast, lunch, hot beverages, and a networking drinks reception
Council CEO, Jim Boyd said: ‘This joint event represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote the benefits of later life lending advice. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and responsive sector designed to serve the ever-changing needs of later life borrowers. At the heart of this is recognising, and celebrating, the crucial role that all advisers play in achieving good outcomes for these customers.’
Robert Sinclair, CEO of, AMI added: ‘The inaugural Later Life Lending Summit will bring together all aspects of the mortgage industry to discuss how we ensure that in the new Consumer Duty world all firms work to ensure customers get the solution appropriate to them as they age. What it means to be a homeowner is changing and with greater life and product complexity we need to develop solutions to ensure that advisers are best positioned to provide ongoing personalised support to all borrowers. Events such as the summit provide a platform for the industry to have these vital conversations, and we look forward to welcoming representatives from across the industry.’
Registration is open exclusively to adviser members of the Council (and AMI) at the discounted price of £35+VAT.
North member meet up
The North member meet up will take place on Tuesday 22 October from 12:00 to 16:00, in Leeds, supported by Pure Retirement. We are working on the agenda and will update this page soon.
Scotland Member meet up
The next member meet-up will take place on Wednesday 2 October from 12:15 to 16:00, in Edinburgh. The event will be held in the historic Bryce Hall at the Mound, the original headquarters of the Bank of Scotland.
The event which is supported by Scottish Widows, will include team presentations and a roundtable discussion in the afternoon. You’ll also hear from Jim Boyd, Council CEO, with a market overview, and Kelly Melville-Kelly, Director of Risk, Policy and Compliance, who will present a regulatory update.
There will be opportunities to exchange ideas, network and discuss any questions or topics of interest. The event is aimed at Council members in Scotland, but all are welcome to attend.
Navigating the long-term care and later life planning landscape
As our population ages and the demand for reliable care solutions intensifies, the landscape of long-term care and later life planning continues to rapidly evolve. While Labour has ambitions to create a National Care Service, the current approach continues to prove a challenge for many retirees and their families to navigate.
To meet the growing need for care planning, advisers and other later life lending professionals need to consider how they boost their understanding of this vital area.
Join the next Equity Release Council webinar as we explore the following themes related to this complex but vital subject.
Setting the scene: Ahead of the anticipated Autumn Budget, Council CEO, Jim Boyd will provide insight into potential policy changes and what this might mean for later life customers and the professionals that serve them.
- Delivering holistic, client-centric advice: Uncover the key advice considerations that address not only the financial implications of long-term care but also the emotional and practical considerations that your later life clients face.
- Financing long-term care: Identify the later life lending products that can be integrated into a comprehensive financial plan that meets the immediate and future needs of older clients.
- Expand your expertise: Explore the benefits of earning specialised qualifications in this area and how this can help differentiate yourself in a competitive market as an expert capable of addressing both equity release and long-term care concerns.
Southwest member meet-up
The next regional member meet-up will take place in Plymouth from 12:30 until 16:15 on Wednesday 24 July. The event is supported by LiveMore and Responsible Lending. The event is aimed at members in the Southwest, but all are welcome to attend. For registration and the full agenda click the link.
Understanding the FCA’s requirements on closed book products and service
The Council has launched a key member resource designed to support firms with the continued implementation of FCA’s Consumer Duty rules and guidance.
The 31 page guide is aimed principally at manufacturers and distributors, but should be useful background reading for all firms involved in our market.
We will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday, 17 April at 09.30 am. This will be a chance to hear directly from our members Deloitte, who will look at the key areas highlighted in the guide and provide invaluable insights on navigating the requirements set by the FCA.
We encourage all members to take advantage of this resource and participate in the upcoming webinar to help to ensure a seamless transition towards compliance with the Consumer Duty.
MEMBERS ONLY: Annual general meeting
The 30th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Equity Release Council (Company) will be held on 24 April 2024 at the offices of Eversheds Sutherland, 1 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7WS.
Registration is from 10:00 to 10:30, when tea and coffee will be served. The AGM will run from 10:45 to 11:45 and include an opportunity for networking before the Southeast and London meet up starts (more on that below).
To register for the AGM please follow this link.
Agenda:
- Welcome and apologies.
- Approval of the minutes of the 29th AGM held 20 April 2023.
- Audited accounts and approval of auditors.
- Any other business.
- Strategic update (Jim Boyd, CEO).
- Standards evolution (Michelle Highman, chair of the standards committee).
The following documents are available for review:
To register for the AGM please follow this link. Any questions pertaining to the above should be directed to the communications team by email.
Southeast and London meet up and networking lunch
A regional meet up and networking lunch will follow the AGM. It is billed as an event for Southeast and London but all members are welcome to attend. The regional meet up will run from 11:45 to 14:15 and the networking lunch is from 13:15 to 14:15. To register please follow this link.
Agenda:
- Communicating clearly with your customers (James Daley, MD of Fairer Finance).
- Member forums panel discussion (forum chairs/vice chairs and David Burrowes, Council chair).
Kind regards,
David Burrowes
Chair of the Equity Release Council
Equity Release Summit
The UK’s leading event for equity release professionals.
The Equity Release Summit is increasingly recognised as a landmark event in the later life lending calendar, growing in impact, recognition, profile, and credibility.
Our summits continue to be the platform to showcase the positive role that equity release, and property wealth, can play within the wider financial services sector.
Meet the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) webinar
Paul Rhodes from the Money and Pensions Service will explain the organisation’s core functions and how planning for and managing finances in later life fits within its UK-wide strategy.
In addition, you’ll learn about MoneyHelper, a one-stop-shop for all money and pensions guidance packed full of in-depth guides and tools that can help people get to grips with their finances. All of which will equip you with additional knowledge and information to enhance the support you provide to your customers.
Member meet up (Midlands)
The continued success of our members and of the wider equity release profession relies on the capacity of individuals and organisations to connect. The ability to connect at all levels, locally, nationally, and virtually is fundamental to supporting the sustainability, proficiency, innovation, and camaraderie of the growing sector.
With that in mind, the Council is delighted to launch a series of ‘Member Meet-ups’ which will take place across the UK and allow for members to connect and learn with fellow members in their region. These events will complement our existing in-person and virtual event programme, giving members additional opportunities to meet the Equity Release Council team and learn from organisations across the membership.
Andrew Gilbert, Senior Commercial Actuary from Legal & General Home Finance will be discussing the new product developments on the horizon for Legal & General. He said they are “designed for our customers, they offer greater clarity, peace of mind, and greater accessibility.”
Thank you to Legal & General Home Finance for supporting our Midlands Meet-up.
Lunch & Learn with Laura Gibson
Lunch and learn with Laura Gibson the Council’s membership business development manager.
Each quarter Laura will be joined by guests from across the Council’s varied membership community.
The informal meetings will enable members to interact with their peers and increase their understanding of the wider equity release sector and its key players.
The events will provide members with an opportunity to engage with the Council team and each other in a more informal and conversational setting, as well as providing an accessible platform for members to ask questions, share experiences and learn from each other.
AGM 2023
Notice is hereby given of the 29th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Equity Release Council (Company) which will be held on April 20 at the offices of Eversheds Sutherland, 1 Wood Street, London EC2V 7WS.
Registration is from 10:15 to 11:00 when tea and coffee will be served; the meeting runs from 11:00 to 13:00; and lunch will follow from 13:00.
Agenda
- Welcome and apologies
- Approval of the minutes of the 28th AGM
- Audited accounts and approval of auditors
- Special resolution
- Performance and strategy, CEO
- Break
- Great Expectations key findings, Jon Dunckley
- Q&A
- Any other business
- Meeting close
For more information visit the dedicated page or contact the communications team by email.
Equity Release Adviser Summit Manchester
New for 2023, the Council and headline sponsor Aviva are holding a free to attend adviser focused event. The venue will be the Midlands Hotel in Manchester on November 15. Please hold the date in your diary, more details to follow.
Consumer Duty Webinar – Fair Value frameworks
The Council is once again partnering with Deloitte for a webinar that will focus on Fair Value frameworks. This will help firms prepare for the forthcoming Consumer Duty. The webinar will be divided into two sections. One section will focus on the manufacturers/lender requirements and the second will focus on the adviser/distributor requirements. The speakers are:
Lyndsey Fallon
Lyndsey is a partner in Deloitte’s regional financial services conduct risk and regulatory team. Lyndsey has substantial experience in leading a number of risk and regulatory related projects in the equity release and later life lending market. These projects have focused on many of the key outcomes within the FCA’s Consumer Duty proposals.
Stuart Batigan
Stuart is part of the Risk and Regulation, Financial Services Team at Deloitte. He has worked in the Financial Services industry for 14 years of which 11 have been in risk and compliance related roles. He has designed and implemented compliance monitoring programmes in the first line of defence and conducted second line of defence assurance reviews for the Head of Credit Policy.
This webinar follows on from the two previous webinars which featured Deloitte and the FCA.
PI Webinar – Understanding professional indemnity
The Council is hosting a webinar featuring experts from the professional indemnity industry.
Entitled Understanding Professional Indemnity the event will allow members to hear direct from specialist brokers and underwriters on how best to present an application and what to do if they need to claim.
The Council will be joined by the following speakers:
Tim Grant, Director of UK Global
For over 14 years Tim has specialised in professional indemnity and management liability insurance. He joined UKGlobal 3 years ago and looks after clients requiring financial lines insurance.
Tom Vigliucci, Director, UKGlobal
Since 2005 Tom has worked in insurance, specialising in financial lines broking and professional indemnity risks. He joined UKGlobal in 2018 and advises clients on comprehensive business protection in this complex area.
Monty Woodward, Underwriter, omnyy
Monty has been underwriting both IFAs and Mortgage Brokers for the past 4 years and will be dealing with both Liberty and UKGlobal closely in order to make this scheme as efficient as possible.
Paul Freeman senior underwriter, AVP, Liberty International Underwriters
Paul started his insurance career as a professional indemnity claims broker at Lowndes Lambert in 1993 and joined Liberty in 2009 where he established their current primary IFA book. Paul specialises in financial related professional indemnity risks, specifically IFAs and mortgage brokers.
Vulnerability webinar
The Council’s next webinar will take place on October 20 at 09:30.
The webinar will focus on vulnerability, how to avoid scams, and talk to customers about financial vulnerability and alternatives.
The Council will be joined by the following speakers:
Danielle Faulkner, Customer outcomes manager oversees the vulnerable customer proposition at Legal and General Home Finance and is responsible for ensuring good outcomes are delivered across the customer journey. Danielle maintains the vulnerable customer strategy to define how Legal & General identifies, manages, and protects its customers in vulnerable circumstances, aligning with regulatory changes.
Nick Birdseye, Strategic partner development director. Nick works with existing and new strategic partners to develop retirement lending distribution and advice opportunities, whilst helping businesses broaden their customer propositions. He understands both retirement mortgage and wealth management customers having led national advice distribution networks at both L&G and Aviva. Nick has worked closely with bank and building society partners and understands the challenges of meeting customer needs in these sectors.
Richard Lane, StepChange director of external affairs and operating subsidiaries leads the charity’s external affairs department, which covers its policy, campaigning, communications, and digital functions. He oversees StepChange’s two operating subsidiaries, of which one is StepChange Financial Solutions, which has been operating in the equity release market for over a decade.
There will also be a Q&A session facilitated by Kelly Melville-Kelly, the Equity Release Council’s head of risk, policy, and compliance.
Please click here to register.
Special general meeting (SGM)
This short meeting will be held at the Council’s offices at Fora, 35 – 41 Folgate Street, London, E1 6BX, but with very limited space members are encouraged to join via the webinar.
Click here to register.
Background
Following the AGM in June 22 whereby the Council executive was given a mandate (by special resolution) to make changes to its principle governing instrument following an in-depth governance review, an SGM is required to pass a special resolution to adopt the new Articles of Association to reflect those changes to its governance structure.
The meeting will also include an opportunity to hear from the Council’s two new non-executive directors, who are expected to be in post by then.
For more information click here.
Preparing for the Consumer Duty
The Equity Release Council has partnered with Deloitte for a webinar aimed at helping firms prepare for the forthcoming Consumer Duty. Further details will be announced soon.
Meet the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
The Equity Release Council is hosting three speakers from the FOS during its next webinar Meet the Financial Ombudsman Service.
The webinar starts at 9:30am on Thursday July 28 and is expected to run for about 1hr 15 mins. Click here to register.
The members-only webinar will include:
• Introduction from the Council
• Overview of the FOS and its powers
• Current trends and cases
• Resources available
• Hints and tips on handling complaints
• Q&A session
28th Equity Release Council AGM
The 28th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Equity Release Council will be a hybrid event. Members are encouraged to attend in person, in London, but those who are unable to can watch online.
The arrangements have been put in place to take account of the national rail strikes, set to take place on the days either side of the AGM. Although trains are expected to be running relatively normally on the day of the AGM, the Council wanted to take some precautionary measures.
Please note: those who attend online will only be able to interact on a limited basis and they will NOT be able to vote on the day. Instead they should return their proxy vote no later than 23:59hrs on Monday June 20. This deadline has been extended in light of the new arrangements.
To register to attend in person follow this link. To register for digital access follow this link
The AGM takes place at Eversheds Sutherland, 1 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7WS.
On the day registration is from 09:45 to 10:30, when tea and coffee will be served; the meeting runs from 10:30 to 12:30; and lunch will follow from 12:30 to 13:30. Online access will be from 10:30 to 12:30 only.
The AGM will consider and, amongst other items on the agenda, will, if thought fit, pass the resolution presented as a special resolution by means of a poll.
A dedicated page has been created in the members’ lounge of the Council’s website where members will find the following documents for review:
- Introduction: Excellence in leadership.
- Special resolution.
- Special resolution annex A.
- Proxy form.
- Proxy form guidance notes.
- Audited accounts 2021.
- Minutes of 27th AGM
- A5 letter of representation.
To review the documents follow this link. Anyone with password issues should first follow the password reset process and then email if the problems persist.
Agenda:
- Welcome and apologies.
- Approval of the minutes of the 27th AGM held 22 April 2021.
- Audited accounts and approval of auditors.
- Business of the day:
- Governance review and proposals.
- Special resolution poll.
- Council activity updates:
- Chief executive officer.
- Risk, policy and compliance team.
- Standards board chair.
- Results of the special resolution poll.
- Q&A.
- Any other business.
Any questions pertaining to the above should be directed to the communications team by email. An event has been created in the members’ area which is available at this link.
Standards V10 webinar
The Equity Release Council is launching the next iteration of its Standards. V10 will take effect at 00:01hrs on Monday March 28.
One of the key updates in the new Standards is a fifth Product Standard: All customers taking out new plans which meet the Equity Release Council standards must have the right to make penalty free payments, subject to lending criteria.
Other changes being implemented at that point include: a requirement for a fair value assessment; additional guidance around drawdown and legal advice; additional guidance on second charges; and an update to the Checklist for Advisers.
However, one of the most noticeable changes is that the Standards have been split into two sections. Part A includes the principles, customer outcomes and rules that must be followed by members of the Council. The document is in the public domain and available to consumers and policy makers. A second document, part B, provides guidance and good practice examples to support members. Part B is restricted to members only.
This webinar is aimed at supporting members to adopt the changes and it part of a suite of resources available at the following link.
Wills and trusts webinar
Private wealth consultant solicitor, Malcolm Emery, will feature in a webinar on wills and trusts in the second in a series of webinars looking at technical issues.
Hosted by the Equity Release Council, the series is in response to a recent member survey in which respondents asked for more content of this nature.
In this session Malcolm will look at the practical issues that arise from wills and trusts where equity release is concerned.
In addition, there will be a Q&A session, facilitated by the Council’s head of risk policy and compliance, Kelly Melville-Kelly.
Leeds regional event, supported by Pure.
The Council has arranged a series of regional events during October and November.
The events are being organised in response to our last member survey, in which members indicated they would like more regional events.
On Tuesday October 19, Pure Retirement will be hosting our Leeds regional event at their Thorpe Park office. The event runs from 10am to 12noon and will include:
- Welcomes from Pure CEO Paul Carter and Council CEO Jim Boyd
- Updates and presentations from the Council
- Networking.
The address is: Pure Retirement Limited; 3175 Century Way; Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8ZB, but places are limited and must be booked and confirmed,
Equity Release Summit 2022
The one-day Summit is the landmark equity release event in the industry’s calendar, growing and developing year-on-year in terms of impact, recognition, profile and credibility. In addition to keynote addresses by senior politicians and sector leaders, it features core plenary sessions focusing on broad issues of interest to members and the wider sector. There’s also interactive, panel-based, subject-specific parallel sessions.
Lasting Power of Attorney master class
Private wealth consultant solicitor, Malcolm Emery, will present a webinar on Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), in the first of a series of webinars looking at legal issues.
Hosted by the Equity Release Council, the series comes in response to a recent member survey in which respondents asked for more technical content.
In the first session Malcolm will look at the two types of LPA that can be put in place, the type of information that should be included and what needs to happen before they can be used.
In addition, there will be a Q&A session, facilitated by the Council’s head of risk policy and compliance, Kelly Melville-Kelly.
To register for the event, taking place at 9:30 on Tuesday August 24, click here.
WEBINAR: Good Practice Checklist explained
Sue Read, the Council’s Risk, Policy and Compliance manager and Lorraine Cox our BDM and Membership manager will be guests on Advice Wise’s platform to discuss the adviser checklist and good practice guide. This will form a series of webinars which will also be available, on demand, in the Members’ Lounge of our website.
To register for the webinars click here.
WEBINAR: Good Practice Checklist explained
Sue Read, the Council’s Risk, Policy and Compliance manager and Lorraine Cox our BDM and Membership manager will be guests on Advice Wise’s platform to discuss the adviser checklist and good practice guide. This will form a series of webinars which will also be available, on demand, in the Members’ Lounge of our website.
To register for the webinars click here.
WEBINAR: Good Practice Checklist explained
Sue Read, the Council’s Risk, Policy and Compliance manager and Lorraine Cox our BDM and Membership manager will be guests on Advice Wise’s platform to discuss the adviser checklist and good practice guide. This will form a series of webinars which will also be available, on demand, in the Members’ Lounge of our website.
To register for the webinars click here.
WEBINAR: Good Practice Checklist explained
Sue Read, the Council’s Risk, Policy and Compliance manager and Lorraine Cox our BDM and Membership manager will be guests on Advice Wise’s platform to discuss the adviser checklist and good practice guide. This will form a series of webinars which will also be available, on demand, in the Members’ Lounge of our website.
To register for the webinars click here.
WEBINAR: Good Practice Checklist explained
Sue Read, the Council’s Risk, Policy and Compliance manager and Lorraine Cox our BDM and Membership manager will be guests on Advice Wise’s platform to discuss the adviser checklist and good practice guide. This will form a series of webinars which will also be available, on demand, in the Members’ Lounge of our website.
To register for the webinars click here.
Kickstart work-placement scheme webinar
Equity Release Council members are being encouraged to take part in the Government’s £2bn Kickstart work-placement scheme, after a gateway training provider offered to submit a collective bid.
The Kickstart scheme supports people aged 16 to 24 into work by covering their wages for six months and paying an employers’ grant, to help provide them life skills and market training.
Join this webinar to find out more about the scheme from: Donna Bathgate, Equity Release Council Chief Operating Officer; Jackie Denyer, Professional Training Solutions Managing Director; and Chrissy Payne, Professional Training Solutions Associate Director.
Equity Release Council AGM
In view of the pandemic the Council’s Annual General Meeting will take place online this year.
The agenda will be issued in due course.
Please click here to register
Webinar: Q&A with Clive Betts MP and chair of the housing select committee
Webinar: Q&A with Clive Betts MP and chair of the housing select committee
Council chairman and former MP, David Burrowes, will be the host for a live interview with Clive Betts, Chair of the housing, communities and local government select committee, at 10:30am on Tuesday July 14.
The pair will discuss the role of the select committee in relation to equity release as well as the challenges facing the housing market. To register click here.
Webinar: Cloud based solutions and online security, in an era of increased home working.
The Equity Release Council is hosting a webinar on Cloud based solutions and online security, in an era of increased home working.
This webinar will be delivered by the Council’s IT expert Jamie Lakes, at 11am on Thursday July 2. Click here to register.
Annual General Meeting
Equity Release Summit
The Equity Release Summit 2020 will take place on Thursday 12 March 2020 at the grade II listed Church House Westminster conference centre.
The one-day Summit will be the landmark equity release event in the industry’s calendar, growing and developing year-on-year in terms of impact, recognition, profile and credibility. In addition to keynote addresses by senior politicians and sector leaders, it will feature core plenary sessions focusing on broad issues of interest to members and the wider sector. There will also be interactive, panel-based, subject-specific parallel sessions.
The Summit follows last year’s member survey in which a third of respondents (32%) said they would like an opportunity to take part in or support/sponsor Council activities. The event will provide an excellent opportunity to do both.
Edinburgh Equity Release / Later Life Event
For those working within or alongside the Later Life/Equity Release industry, this special event features speakers from:
Boyd Legal
Equity Release Council
The London Institute of Banking & Finance
more2life
Society of Later Life Advisers
From noon there will be an opportunity to network with the speakers and fellow delegates over a light lunch.
Spaces are limited, so book your free place by contacting – [email protected]
Venue – Boyd Legal, 21 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh EH2 4RD.
Parking – the nearest NCP is at Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW and is a 5-minute walk.
Train – Haymarket is the closest train station and is a 10-minute walk.
Draft Agenda
10:00 – 10:20 Registration, coffee and networking
10:20 – 10:30 Welcome from Peter Boyd, Managing Director – Boyd Legal
10:30 – 10:50 Jim Boyd, CEO – Equity Release Council. Council and sector update
10:50 – 11:10 Catriona Smith, Independent Financial Adviser – Member of SOLLA. The benefits of being a SOLLA accredited adviser
11:10 – 11:30 Amanda Day, Business Development Manager – more2life. Evolving lender propositions and putting clients at the heart of a growing industry.
11:30 – 11:50 John Somerville, Relationship Director – Corporate & Professional Learning – The London Institute of Banking & Finance. Developing Education for the ER Professional.
11:50 – 12:10 Donna Bathgate, COO – Equity Release Council. New developments – standards and competencies
12:10 – 12:30 Speakers form panel for Q&A
12:30 – 13:30 Networking lunch
General Meeting of the Equity Release Council
Notice is hereby given that a General Meeting of the Equity Release Council (Company) will be held at 35 to 41 Folgate Street, London, E1 6BX, on 5th November 2019 at 11am to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as a special resolution: THAT with effect from the conclusion of the meeting the draft articles of association produced to the meeting and, for the purposes of identification, initialled by the Chairman be adopted as the articles of association of the Company in substitution for, and to the exclusion of, the Company’s existing articles of association.
A copy of the Company’s existing articles of association marked to show all the changes will be available for inspection in the members’ area of the Company’s website (see links below) from the date of this notice of meeting until the close of the meeting. The proposed new articles of association will also be available for inspection at the general meeting at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting and up until the close of the meeting.
By order of the Board of Directors
Further details below.
David Burrowes
Director and Chairman
Equity Release Council
Agenda
10:30am to 11am Registration (teas and coffees served)
11am to 12:30pm General Council Meeting to discuss:
- Special Resolution
- Launch of the Council’s new Standards
- Competency Framework update
12:30pm to 1:30pm Networking lunch
The following documents are available in relation to the meeting:
Email [email protected] to register
South West Networking Event with The Council – Exeter
A networking meeting in Exeter with our Chairman, David Burrowes and CEO, Jim Boyd on Wednesday 27th February 2019.
Designed as a two-way dialogue meeting, they are keen to hear about the latest views, plans and issues affecting members; including your experience and opinions in respect of your interactions with the legal community and ways in which it might be possible to increase supply and relationships in this field. David and Jim will also update you on what The Council has been doing over the past few months and plans for 2019.
Ashfords LLP are kindly hosting this meeting and will be providing a sandwich lunch. Please see address, timings and booking details below:
Venue: Ashfords, Boardroom, Ashford House, Grenadier Rd, Exeter EX1 3LH.
Date and Time: Wednesday 27th February 2019, 12.00 to 14.00.
To reserve your place, Email: [email protected] or call 0300 0120239
Equity Release Council AGM 2019
The 25th Annual General Meeting of the Equity Release Council, is to be held at the offices of Eversheds Sutherland, 1 Wood St, London EC2V 7WS at 10:30am on Wednesday 24th April 2019. Delegate registration starts at 10:00am with a prompt start at 10:30am. A lunch will kindly be provided by Eversheds Sutherland.
Our AGENDA is taking shape and those speakers confirmed (with potential for more to follow) will be discussing interesting topics, including:
- KEYNOTE: John Glen MP – Economic Secretary to the Treasury
- Council business | Policy and Engagement: David Burrowes – Chairman, ERC
- Delivering on our strategy update: Jim Boyd – CEO, ERC
- Evolution of products in the market: Ray McCarthy – Head of Distribution, Answers in Retirement
- Evolution of our standards: Chris Pond – Chairman, ERC Standards Board
- Broker choice and competency framework: Donna Bathgate, COO, ERC
- LUNCH: A buffet lunch will be served courtesy of Eversheds Sutherland
Please follow the links below to access:
- The financial reports and letter of representation for which approval will be sought at the meeting
- The minutes of the last Council Meeting held in December 2018 to be approved
(Please note – you will need your member login to access all forms and all reports)
The full agenda will be circulated to members in due course but early booking onto the meeting is recommended.
RSVPs to attend the meeting should be directed to the Admin team on: [email protected]
ERC – General Council Meeting 2018
Please join us for the General Council Meeting in December. Download the draft agenda.
Book your place by contacting our admin team on i[email protected]
General Council Meeting
Meeting will commence at 10:30am until approximately 12;45pm, then there will be a buffet lunch hosted by CII.
Please log in to the Members Area for the Agenda and the Minutes from the AGM which was held on the 28th April 2016.
Please RSVP, Sarah Hall via email [email protected] by the 5th December 2016 to book a place at the meeting.
ERC Summer Reception at the House of Commons – Save the Date!
We are pleased to announce that a reception for Council members will be held in the House of Commons on Monday 9 July. Registration details will be announced shortly.
Opportunity for Council members to meet the FCA to discuss key findings to RIOM consultation
As part of its Quarterly Consultation Paper No. 18 in September last year, the Financial Conduct Authority outlined its proposed approach to retirement interest-only mortgages. The Council submitted its response in November.
The FCA is planning to publish its response to the consultation in late March. Alongside that, the FCA has offered to meet with Council members to summarise the response documents key findings and to provide opportunity for members to further input into the consultation process.
ERC AGM 2018
The next Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 25th April from 10.30 – 2.30pm, at Eversheds Sutherland, 1 Wood St, London EC2V 7WS. Delegate registration starts at 10:00am and a lunch will kindly be provided by Eversheds Sutherland.
Our packed AGENDA is taking shape and those speakers confirmed (with potential for more to follow) will be discussing interesting topics, including:
- Council business – David Burrowes – including Director appointments & Latest activity update
- Solvency II – Steve Kyle – the prudential regulation future of Equity Release
- No.10, ER and public policy – John Godfrey – Having been at the heart of government at No.10, John will provide a personal insight into the future of the market and the contribution that ER can make in many public policy challenges
- Improving customer outcomes using LPA Receivers* – Tom Black (Eversheds Sutherland) and Sue Joy (Savills) – Exploring how LPA Receivers can be deployed to achieve better customer outcomes.
- Valuations – Red Book & more! – Geoff Bramall – A look into the world of a valuer
- Standards Board update – Chris Pond including Board and advisory panel elections and update on the Strategic programme – standards review
- MEETING ROUND UP – CLOSE & LUNCH – David Burrowes
*Following on from their morning slot, Tom Black- Eversheds Sutherland and Sue Joy – Savills will be holding an afternoon surgery from 2.00-3.00pm. Please feel free to drop in to discuss problem cases, enforcement processes, mortgage regulatory issues or just to say hello. This is a drop-in session, so you don’t need to register or commit to it but if you do think you might like to attend, can you let us know so that we can ensure we arrange a room for the correct capacity
Members can view the 2017 audited accounts and the accompanying letter of representation to the auditors by clicking the links and logging into the members area. The minutes of the last GCM held in December 2017 can be found in the Library on the website (again, you will need your member login).
ERC General Council Meeting 2017
AGENDA (approx. timings)
1. Welcome and introduction, David Burrowes, Chairman – 10.30AM
2. Minutes – To approve the minutes of the 23rd Annual General meeting held on 28th April 2016
3. Review of the highlights of 2017
- Public affairs and public relations – the highs and the ‘lowdowns’ – Sean Smith
- All things new – Donna Bathgate
4. Plans for 2018 and beyond – Introduction to our new manifesto – Donna Bathgate
5. BREAK – 11.40AM (approx.) – returning 11.50am
6. Positive Thought Leadership – defining the market and the messaging framework, Dave Harris (More2Life) – Main Board member – project sponsor
7. Leading and setting standards, Chris Pond – Standards Board chairman, Main Board member and project sponsor
- Rules fit for a new age? o Forums for best practice
- BAU updates
8. Round up and Q&As, David Burrowes
9. MEETING CLOSES – approx. 12.45/1pm
10. BUFFET LUNCH WILL BE SERVED COURTESY OF EVERSHEDS SUTHERLAND
Great Retirement Money Debate 2017 – Mind over Money
The Equity Release Council, along with our Sponsors Aviva, Just and Pure Retirement, bring you the 3rd Great Retirement Money Debate. This year’s event ‘Mind over Money’ will focus on the role of the financial services industry in providing effective support to older consumers who may experience increasing challenges to their wellbeing
Faced with increasing longevity and a complex landscape for later life finances, understanding and responding to this subject is fundamental if we are to properly support the UK’s ageing population. As such, it should be high on the agenda of every firm offering retirement solutions.
Liz Barclay of the Financial Services Consumer Panel (FSCP) and The Council’s Standards Board will draw on her experience as a journalist, broadcaster, financial adviser and consumer champion to chair a two-part discussion that will:
- Assess the challenges that health issues pose to the industry when seeking to support older consumers, and the opportunities and risks these present.
- Explore the latest trends and thinking to support good financial outcomes which have a lasting positive impact in later life by accounting for potential changes to people’s wellbeing.
Our esteemed panelists include:
- Baroness Ilora Finlay – National Mental Capacity Forum
- Linda Woodall – Financial Conduct Authority
- Louise Overton – University of Birmingham
- Jane Ashcroft CBE – Anchor and ARCO
- Ben Leonard – Meta Finance
- David Sinclair – International Longevity Centre-UK
- Claire Van Overdijk – Outer Temple Chambers and member of STEP Mental Capacity Global Special Interest Group
- Henry Thompson – Association of British Insurers
A light lunch and refreshments will be available and tickets will be issued on a first come first serve basis.
Equity Release Council parliamentary briefing event
Our host is Julian Knight MP and the event will see the launch of the Council’s White Paper which will explore the future role of housing wealth as retirement income. It will consider the outlook for equity release in the post-pension freedoms landscape, and explore the implications of emerging changes in product innovation and retirement income planning.
It will highlight the progress made in recent years in developing equity release products which meet the needs of older consumers, as well as the key challenges facing the Government where equity release can be a part of the solution.
Confirmed speakers include Nigel Waterson and Dr Louise Overton, Teaching Fellow in Social Policy at the University of Birmingham and one of the authors of the report.
Member Opportunity at Mortgage Business Expo 2017
Dear member,
As part of the continuing strategy to raise awareness of the Equity Release Market and to engender a positive recognition of how it can (and should) form part of general later life planning considerations, The Council has agreed a collaboration with the organisers of the Mortgage Business Expo 2017.
The Council and Equity Release has featured on the MBE seminar programme for the last few years and attendance and feedback has been very good. However, delegates visiting the Expo, only hear about us if they attend the relevant seminar, which is not always possible. Therefore, we are very excited to be pioneering a new idea called the Equity Release Hub.
Concept of the Equity Release Hub
- The Equity Release Hub will consist of stands and an informal seminar platform with presentation equipment (all AV provided), and will be positioned in a specific area of the exhibition hall designated for the sector. The Council will arrange for a series of short, quick fire speaker slots throughout the day, which will be televised around the arena near coffee break out areas, if the stage area is not already located near to break areas.
- Near to that stage will be a pod of four small 2×2 stands, which members of the Council are invited to book at a subsidised rate which will include the hire of the stand and supply of relevant electrics, furniture and literature stands and overhead banner.
- The Council will also support these small stands by providing additional relevant literature associated with guidance and learning, which will supplement any of the literature that member firms wish to bring.
Who will this suit?
- Firms wishing to engage with the mortgage market but have found the cost of attendance on a stand prohibitive or have not had opportunity to engage in this way in the past.
- Firms representing distribution and legal communities, as well as provider firms.
Further Information
- The Council will be there also on a stand to facilitate membership and any other socio-economic queries that might arise.
- The idea is to make the Equity Release Hub as viable for all members as possible on a ‘hire alone’ or on a ‘share a stand’ basis.
- The aim of participating in the Equity Release Hub is to engage with peer groups to inform and discuss the merits of ER and ideally help explain how an individual/firm can become active or develop their ER business model.
- Any member firms who have already booked on to the event can discuss with the organisers to have their own larger stands potentially located near or around the hub, or request a presentation opportunity in the Equity Release Hub, should they wish to do so.
- The cost of each 2×2 stand (which can be shared between member firms) will be £1,200 + VAT.
- This will only be a viable option if all 4 stands are booked.
Next steps
- If you would like to participate in this opportunity whether to book a stand and/or speak at the event please contact our Communications Manager, Alex Ritchie at [email protected] ASAP. From there all exhibition stand bookings should be done directly between you and the event organiser at MBE, [email protected] based on the above agreement.
If the hub idea proves a success, we intend to roll it out across the other Expos in Bristol and London later in the year. If a member firm wants to pre-register to join for all 3 then let Mike know, so that he can keep that on record and pass on any multi-booking discount to you.
We hope this is an opportunity that whets your appetite and is a confirmation of how the Council aims to provide support, to ensure the growth of the sector.
ER Council – 23rd AGM – London 27th Apr 2017
Notice of 23rd AGM of the Equity Release Council and Nomination of Directors
To: All Equity Release Council members
NB: early booking onto the forthcoming meeting is highly recommended
Notice is hereby given for the 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Equity Release Council to be held at the offices of Eversheds 1 Wood St, London (EC2V 7WS) at 10:30am on Thursday, 27th April 2017. Delegate registration starts at 10:00am and a lunch will kindly be provided by Eversheds.
The meeting will comprise a not-to-be-missed packed agenda which will be confirmed in due course, including:
- Results of the ballot for the 4 Director positions
- See below for more detailed information on the ballot
- The Council’s current & forthcoming activities
- Standards Board update
- Consumer Protection working group update on latest case study research
- An insightful presentation by Polly McKenzie of the Money & Mental Health Policy Institute
- A presentation by Alice Watson from member firm Retirement Advantage on their latest report Home Truths – time for a better conversation about using property and pensions to fund retirement
The full agenda, ERC Final Accounts 2016 and the Accountants letter of representation can be downloaded from the Members’ area of the website now, along with the minutes of the last GCM held in December 2016 and the ballot form.
Early booking is highly reccomended. For your RSVPs to attend please contact Sarah Hall at [email protected] as soon as possible and no later than Monday 24th April 2017.
Ballot for Directors of the Equity Release Council
Further to the request for nominations for the four directors’ positions sent out on 3rd February 2017, the following members have been nominated:
- Steve Kyle – Just.
- Vanessa Owen – LV=
- Steve Ellis – LGHF
- Jon Tweed – One Family
- Tom Evans – Retirement Advantage
- Richard Overson – Key Retirement
The ballot for director’s positions is open to member firms in good standing* and will be managed in line with clauses 23.6,33 & 36 of the Memorandum of Articles for The Council and will be conducted on a one firm = one vote basis. The Board of Directors ratified 3 main principles at their meeting on the 12/3/15 associated with these articles for the purpose of managing this and forthcoming ballots that will remain in force until such times as the Board of Directors shall otherwise decide:
- The ERC being a Trade Body representing the industry, primarily therefore representing firms and not that of any one individual member associated with that firm.
- A firm’s payment methodology for their subscription(s) will have no bearing on their voting arrangements, therefore;
- Each member [firm] in good standing* is invited to and shall have one vote for the total £(pound sterling) value of their firm’s aggregate membership fee(s) paid for the past year prior to the closing date for nominations.
- member firm wishing to conduct an internal ballot of their own individual members should report the result of that ballot to the ERC by a nominated individual on the appropriate ballot form as a representative single vote for the firm by the deadline.
Therefore, for the purpose of this ballot, the count will be based on the registered member firm’s aggregate membership fees due in the financial year ended December 2016 and paid for no later than the closing date of nominations of 10th of March 2017. A returning officer has been appointed to validate the ballot.
*”member in good standing” means a member whose membership fees are not overdue for payment and who has not been declared by the directors or any other authorised person(s) on behalf of the company to be at the relevant time currently in breach of the articles or any rules, by-laws or code of practice of the company.
Member firms wishing to vote should download the ballot paper from The Council website, complete and return to Sarah Hall, Equity Release Council, 3rd Floor, Bush House, North West Wing, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4PJ or by email to [email protected] ensuring they are received by COB, 17th April 2017.
The results of the ballot will be announced at the Annual General Meeting on 27th of April 2017 and published on The Council’s website at www.equityreleasecouncil.com by COB on 5th of May 2017.
Nigel Waterson
Chairman, Equity Release Council
23rd AGM of the Equity Release Council and Nomination of Directors
Notice of 23rd AGM of the Equity Release Council and Nomination of Directors
To: All Equity Release Council members
NB: early booking onto the forthcoming meeting is highly recommended
Notice is hereby given for the 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Equity Release Council to be held at the offices of Eversheds 1 Wood St, London (EC2V 7WS) at 10:30am on Thursday, 27th April 2017. Delegate registration starts at 10:00am and a lunch will kindly be provided by Eversheds.
Members of the Equity Release Council are also invited to submit nominations for 4 director positions, (2 whose term of office expires and 2 casual vacancies that have recently arisen by the departure of 2 directors) all of which will become available on 27th April 2017. Full details contained on the nomination form.
Nominees must be a member in good standing, or engaged in the business of a member in good standing (a definition of which is contained on the nomination form).
The meeting will comprise a not to be missed packed agenda which will be confirmed in due course, including:
- Results of the ballot for the Main Board director positions and;
- The latest activity and forthcoming focus of The Council
- Industry related updates
The full agenda and the financial reports will be circulated to members in due course but early booking onto the meeting is recommended. The minutes of the last GCM held in December 2016 and the nomination form can be downloaded from the Members’ area of the website now.
All nominations (which will only be accepted using the official form) should be sent to Sarah Hall at [email protected] or to the Equity Release Council, 3rd Floor, Bush House, North West Wing, Aldwych, London (WC2B 4PJ), to be received no later than COB Friday 10th March 2017.
RSVPs to attend the meeting should also be directed to the same contact points.
Nigel Waterson
Chairman, Equity Release Council
ER Council – AGM – London 28th Apr 2016
For the 21st AGM minutes, the Financial Accounts for year ending 2015, the ballot form 2016, and the Agenda for the 2016 meeting are available here.
For your RSVPs to attend the morning and/or afternoon please contact Sarah Hall at [email protected] no later than Friday, 22nd of April 2016.