At the Equity Release Awards 2011 (30 November 2011), SHIP’s Director General – Andrea Rozario will provide guidance as to the results of the extensive engagement process the trade body has undertaken.

In her welcome speech, Andrea Rozario is expected to comment: “Many of you will know that SHIP has undergone an extensive engagement programme with all sectors of the industry and we have listened to what you have said and now the time is right for change.

“We will no longer simply be the voice of equity release providers, working with the rest of the sector, but we will be the voice of the entire sector, bringing together providers, solicitors, advisors and all key stakeholders as members of a united industry body which fully represents the whole of the industry and puts the needs of the customer first.

“The SHIP standards which have, over the past 20 years, helped to redefine the equity release market by giving consumers the confidence they need in providers and the peace of mind that safeguards offer, will be available to all parts of the sector.

“We are now in the process of finalising the format for the new organisation and   expect to be in a position to reveal the framework in early 2011.  We call on the industry to continue to actively engage with the process and help to build an organisation which allows the whole sector to come together.

“We look forward to working with all stakeholders in the new year to make this new body a powerful force for the good of our industry”