Change Maker: Jane Benjamin, Director of Mortgages – Connect, Championing Change in Financial Services.
At Connect for Intermediaries, progress stems from those willing to lead with purpose. Jane Benjamin, Director of Mortgages at Connect Group, is one such individual. She continues to set the pace for inclusion, ethical standards, and forward-thinking ideas within financial services. Her commitment to equity, flexible working, and cultural development recently earned her recognition as a Mortgage Solutions Change Maker — a reflection of her influence across the industry.
Change Maker – The Role that Makes a Difference
As the head of the mortgage proposition at Connect Group, Jane brings not just experience, but care and clear direction. Her background includes key roles at Mortgage Brain, Sesame Bankhall Group, and PMS Mortgage Club. She applies this knowledge to benefit brokers and their customers.
However, it is her people-first outlook and determination to remove barriers that define her work.
“This role has given me the platform to support advisers and customers from underserved backgrounds who deserve fair access to opportunity,” says Jane. “Diversity isn’t a policy; it’s something I stand for every day.”
Jane actively represents Connect within the Diversity Inclusion Finance Forum (DIFF) and contributes to the AMI Inclusion and Diversity Task Force. These roles help ensure Connect stays involved in shaping a more balanced mortgage sector.
Change Maker – A Workplace That Works for Everyone
Jane’s influence goes beyond ideas — she takes action. At Connect, she has helped develop a flexible working culture that protects the well-being of our staff.
“Real progress comes when businesses support every part of the individual,” she shares. “By offering flexibility, we help people grow — both professionally and personally.”
She has led efforts to assess wellbeing across the business, encouraging policies that support both staff welfare and adviser success. When people feel recognised and supported, outcomes improve for customers and advisers alike.
Women in Finance: Beyond the Charter
Jane’s efforts for gender balance are clear in both her achievements and her daily practice. She led her former company to become the first mortgage distributor to sign the Government’s Women in Finance Charter. It marked a step towards greater accountability in the industry.
Today, she continues to mentor, support, and amplify the voices of women at Connect and across financial services.
“For years, I was often the only woman in the room,” she recalls. “That is changing — and I’m glad to be part of the shift that’s opening doors for others.”
Change Maker – Raising the Standard, Together
In 2022, Jane helped launch Working in Mortgages, a resource designed to increase inclusivity across the profession. This initiative was just the start. She continues to contribute to the AMI task force, where she works alongside like-minded professionals to push for lasting change.
There’s still work to do — but the progress is visible, and Connect is proud to play its part.
Recognition That Reflects a Movement
Jane did not expect to be named a Change Maker, but the recognition holds value.
“I was humbled. For me, this work is simply part of giving back to a profession that has supported me for over 20 years,” she says. “Still, to be recognised by peers is something I deeply appreciate.”
At Connect for Intermediaries, we understand that true progress starts from within. Jane’s work shows that when we give space to different voices and experiences, we build a stronger industry one step at a time.
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