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From Military Life to Novuna: Sam’s Career Journey

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

At Novuna, we’re proud to support colleagues from all backgrounds, no matter where life has taken them before or where it may be taking them.

One of those colleagues is Sam Pearson, a former Commando and now Programme Manager in our Consumer Finance team. His story spans continents, operations, and now agile product delivery — proving that while the tools may change, the mindset stays the same.

From Army boots to agile squads

Sam joined the military at just 16. Over 15 years of service, he built a career that took him from Germany to Iraq, from the Arctic Circle to Afghanistan.

“The first half of my career was based in Germany — enjoying a bit of culture and perfecting my beer tasting. The second half was more serious, serving in a specialist Commando unit. I specialised in Arctic warfare, qualified as a ski instructor and a cold-weather warfare instructor, and worked closely with NATO and local security teams.”

While the environments varied — cold weather, desert heat, mountainous terrain — one thing remained constant: the importance of teamwork and trust.

“I was lucky enough to work with some of the most incredible (and occasionally unhinged) people. Those experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone and shaped who I am today.”

The transition to civilian life

After 15 years in the Forces, Sam decided it was time for a new challenge — but adjusting to civilian life wasn’t easy.

“It was… interesting. The military was all I’d known since I was a teenager. Suddenly, there were no rank structures, no early morning PT, and no need for direct communication that got straight to the point. It was a whole different world.”

Determined to succeed, Sam threw himself into upskilling. He earned a degree in Leadership and Management, completed several project management qualifications, and started building a new career in financial services.

“With a bit of grit, determination, and a sheer refusal to fail, I found my feet. I realised the fundamentals hadn’t changed — clear goals, strong teams, and delivering what matters.”

Leading change at Novuna

Today, Sam is the Programme Manager for CreditMaster3, Novuna’s loan origination system for Consumer Finance. He leads two agile squads delivering everything from new features to regulatory updates.

“I often describe it as herding highly intelligent cats while making sure the wheels don’t fall off. But honestly, I love it. I’m a huge believer in agile — not just as a process, but as a mindset. It’s about delivering value for customers, doing things properly, and constantly improving.”

Recently, Sam’s team shifted from Scrum to Kanban, refining their delivery and making space for more flow and less friction.

“It’s like swapping a strict diet for an all-you-can-eat buffet and somehow ending up leaner. We’re shipping features faster, tightening security, and avoiding breaking things in the process. It’s been a game changer.”

Life outside of work

When he’s not leading agile teams, Sam keeps active — lifting weights, getting out for cardio sessions, and (occasionally) indulging his love of chocolate.

“Lindt used to be my go-to, but I’ve discovered something even better: peanut butter and honey on sourdough. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.”

He’s also a big gamer — something he picked up during lockdown — and a lifelong petrolhead, though these days his turbocharged rally car has been swapped for an EV.

“Now it’s less tyre smoke and more toddler car seats. My daughter’s two and she brings so much joy. She even joins our morning stand-ups sometimes — she’s got a play kitchen and loves brewing imaginary tea for the team.”

Creating space for veterans at Novuna

Sam is passionate about building a community for veterans across Novuna — a space to connect, share experiences, and support one another through the unique challenges of life after the Forces.

“There’s no map and compass for civilian life. But with the right support and the right people around you, it becomes a whole lot easier. That’s why I wanted to share my story — not just to reflect on the past, but to connect with others who’ve made, or are thinking about making the same journey.”

“You don’t need a uniform to lead. The principles stay the same: communicate clearly, build strong teams, and stay focused on what matters.”

At Novuna, we recognise the leadership, resilience and strategic thinking veterans bring. And we’re proud to support them in building successful, purposeful careers.

💡 Interested in a career where your experience matters?

Explore opportunities at Novuna and discover how your skills can make a difference in a whole new environment.

👉 See our current vacancies

Novuna Narratives: Kerrie Payne - Finding Strength in the Deep End

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Kerrie, Telemarketing Executive in Novuna Business Cash Flow, knows what it means to dive into the unknown. In her role she has built a reputation for tackling complex challenges but surprisingly, before each day begins, she dives into the freezing waters of her local quarry.

Every morning, Kerrie pulls on her swim bag and makes the 15-minute drive to meet her fellow cold-water swimmers. No wetsuit. No gloves. Just her and the six-degree water that has become as essential to her routine.

"People think I'm mad. But that's exactly the point. It's not easy - and that's what makes it powerful."

What started as a way to stay active has evolved into something much deeper. Kerrie has swum across lakes, rivers, quarries, and seas, often in challenging conditions that demand complete focus and resilience.

"Nature forces you to stay present. You can't think about yesterday's problems or tomorrow's deadlines when you're navigating rough waters. That clarity carries through to everything else I do."

This year, Kerrie is preparing for her most ambitious challenge yet - a 5.25-mile swim across Coniston in June. It's not just about the distance or the training. The date holds special significance, marking what would have been her late partner Steve's birthday. After facing profound personal loss and the physical setback of illness that kept her bed-bound for weeks, returning to the water became an act of reclaiming herself.

"I've decided to do the swim whether I'm 'ready' or not. Trying is never a failure, and it's how I keep growing stronger - in mind and body - for whatever challenges lie ahead."

At Novuna, Kerrie has found genuine support that goes beyond workplace expectations. Her Team Leader and Credit Manager actively encouraged her to prioritise her wellbeing, offering the flexible working arrangements that make her training possible.

"The flexibility has been incredible. It's allowed me to shape a career that bends with life's challenges rather than breaking under them."

Beyond personal goals, Kerrie is part of an international swimming community that campaigns for cleaner waters. Last year, their efforts helped five locations achieve official bathing status, protecting them from sewage discharge. It's advocacy work that connects her passion for swimming with a larger environmental purpose.

"Whether it's through fundraising, activism, or simply finding peace in nature, I've discovered how closely my life outside work connects to who I am within it."

Kerrie's story illustrates something fundamental about thriving in your career - the importance of bringing your whole self to work. Her daily encounters with cold water and challenging conditions have honed the resilience, focus, and determination that make her exceptional at what she does.

At Novuna, those qualities aren't just welcomed - they're celebrated. If you're looking for a career that values the complete person you are, check out our latest vacancies.

Making a Difference: How Novuna Colleagues Give Back

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:24:21 +0000

At Novuna, we believe that businesses should be a force for good. That’s why volunteering and community engagement are integral to who we are. Over the past year, our colleagues dedicated 1,862 hours—equivalent to 250 full days—to supporting 21 charities.

We’ve also provided significant financial contributions, including £170,094 donated to charities, with £29,020 in matched fundraising and £19,535 given through our payroll giving scheme, Give As You Earn. This collective effort is part of our ongoing commitment to social innovation and sustainability, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Partnering with Charities to Create Lasting Change

We spoke to some of the key charities our colleagues have supported this year to understand the impact of their contributions. Here’s what they had to say:

Crisis – Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness

Ella Zamir, Crisis: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our work to end homelessness. Novuna colleagues played a key role in our Changing Lives grant panel, offering business advice and providing grant funding of up to £5,000 to help people experiencing homelessness start their businesses.”

St Gemma’s Hospice – Helping Those in Palliative Care

Duncan Brownnutt, St Gemma’s: “Our charity shops rely on volunteers, and the support from Novuna colleagues made a huge difference in raising funds for patient care. Their enthusiasm and commitment have been invaluable.”

Sustainable Hive – Cleaning Up Our Waterways

Jo Taylor, Sustainable Hive: “With Novuna’s help, we’ve removed 8.5 kg of waste from Bristol’s waterways, including recyclable plastic and even full beer cans! These efforts contribute to cleaner, healthier local ecosystems.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust – Conserving Natural Spaces

Holly Eva, YWT: “Novuna volunteers took part in Wild Work Days, helping with conservation projects that directly benefit biodiversity. Whether it was building fences, clearing overgrown spaces, or improving habitats, their work made a lasting impact.”

FareShare – Fighting Food Poverty

Caroline Mulcahy, FareShare: “Novuna volunteers have been incredible in our warehouse operations, helping us sort, pack, and distribute surplus food. Thanks to their efforts, we’re able to provide 40 tonnes of food weekly to people in need.”

Why Volunteering Matters

Beyond the immediate benefits to the charities involved, volunteering has long-term impacts on the community and the environment. The contributions made by Novuna colleagues have:
✔ Supported vulnerable individuals, from those experiencing homelessness to those in palliative care
✔ Helped local conservation efforts, protecting biodiversity and cleaning up natural spaces
✔ Provided essential food supplies to thousands of people each week
✔ Strengthened community bonds, bringing people together for a common cause

We believe that by investing our time and resources in meaningful initiatives, we can create a more sustainable and compassionate world.

Looking Ahead: More Opportunities to Make an Impact

Volunteering is more than just a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing commitment to positive change. As we look forward to the new financial year, we remain dedicated to supporting local and national charities through hands-on involvement and fundraising efforts.
Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation, social justice, or community outreach, there’s an opportunity for you to get involved at Novuna. Together, we can continue to make a difference.

Interested in joining a company that values giving back? Explore where else Novuna is focusing our sustainability efforts.

Growth Through our Colleague Communities: Alternative Professional and Personal Development Pathway

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:54:18 +0000

At Novuna, we believe empowering our employees goes beyond providing opportunities for career advancement—it involves giving them a voice and a platform to grow. Our colleague communities, such as GenLink and PRISM, are designed to do just that.

At face value, these communities are spaces where colleagues can express their ideas, share their experiences, and connect on topics that are meaningful to them. But our communities also enable the development of new skills that colleagues may not have the chance to in their day-to-day roles and support individuals in gaining confidence. We spoke to colleagues who have utilised our communities to benefit them in both areas.

Discovering New Perspectives: Paul's Journey

Paul, Invoice Finance Compliance Manager in our Business Cash Flow division, actively participates in our GenLink community, which fosters intergenerational connections. Paul shares, "Listening to different perspectives has opened my eyes to the aspirations and issues that preoccupy colleagues at different stages of their career and life."

By engaging with colleagues from various age groups, Paul has gained invaluable insights that enhance his role in managing teams and mentoring through Novuna’s programmes like Aspire.

Participating in GenLink has not only expanded Paul's understanding but also broken down barriers, encouraging more inclusive interactions.

"Being part of a group that promotes and encourages interaction between generations is great for all," he notes.

This engagement, Paul says, has significantly boosted his confidence in working with diverse team dynamics.

Building Confidence and Leadership: Carly’s Experience

For Carly, Fleet Compliance Administrator in Vehicle Solutions, the GenLink community has been instrumental in developing essential skills.

Carly highlights, "The GenLink community has encouraged me to speak up in meetings more. Articulating my ideas and points within our GenLink meetings is developing my confidence and improving how I present and communicate."

Carly's involvement in GenLink led her to take on the role of charity lead working with Re-Engage. She says this experience has not only expanded her project management skills but also provided a fulfilling opportunity to represent Novuna in a meaningful way.

"Representing Novuna in meetings with Re-Engage has been very fulfilling, and I’m heavily involved in fundraising activities within the community," she says.

Through her active participation, Carly has overcome her shyness and now confidently takes on more responsibilities.

"As a result, I have noticed I put myself forward for more than I used to in my existing position. I have also applied for higher grade positions, which has resulted in interviews," she adds.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: Matthew’s Story

Matthew, a Recoveries Executive working in Business Finance, found his voice through the PRISM community, which supports our LGBTQ+ colleagues. "Being part of the PRISM community has contributed to my professional and personal development in many ways," Matthew shares.

"Being a fairly shy person when meeting new people has helped with my communication skills and interacting with a diverse group of individuals across the business."

Hosting events during Pride Month pushed him out of his comfort zone. Matthew credits PRISM with enhancing his day-to-day effectiveness and broadening his network.

"Taking the initiative to see outside the box and finding ways to work more effectively in my team has been invaluable," he says.

"I have had the pleasure to meet amazing people around the business, which has expanded my connections with colleagues from different departments and offices, who I can now reach out for help when needed."

Interested in beginning your own Novuna Story? check out our latest vacancies.

LEAP: Shaping the Future of Leadership at Novuna

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:22:49 +0000

Since its launch in October, our LEAP (LEAdership in Practice) programme has aimed to transform leadership development at Novuna. Designed to build a consistent and inclusive leadership culture across the business, LEAP ensures that our people, at every level, gain the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to lead effectively.

What Makes LEAP a Game-Changer?

At Novuna, we believe outstanding leadership isn't just for senior managers—it's for everyone. LEAP is ILM-assured and has the highest accreditation from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). The programme offers structured learning designed to develop leadership capability, strengthen teamwork, and empower individuals to drive success within our organisation.

Key Benefits of LEAP:

Enhancing leadership skills: Equipping individuals with the tools to effectively lead themselves and their teams.
Building trust and engagement: Encouraging open communication and collaboration within teams.
Driving an inclusive culture: Ensuring leadership at Novuna is consistent, supportive, and people-focused.

Real Impact, Real Stories

Feedback from our colleagues across Consumer Finance and Business Cash Flow highlights the programme's effectiveness:

95% of Consumer Finance participants were satisfied or very satisfied with their training.
96% found the content relevant to their roles.
97% rated facilitation as good or excellent.

"I enjoyed all five topics—it helped me see scenarios and people differently while also helping me grow personally and professionally," shared one participant.

Leadership in Action: A Word from Our Team

Our Learning & Leadership Development Manager, Sam Campbell, has seen first-hand how LEAP is making a difference:

"I've loved delivering the sessions and seeing our people engage with leadership principles in a practical and impactful way. The programme isn't just about learning; it's about applying these insights to make a real difference in their roles."

Leadership Development Partner, Josh Lister added:

"People have truly embraced the content, diving into complex conversations around topics like psychological safety. Both managers and individual contributors are already applying what they've learned."

What's Next for LEAP?

LEAP's roll-out has just begun. With our Vehicle Solutions colleagues starting their journey in February, we're continuing to expand the reach of this transformative programme. As more people participate, we move closer to our goal: an inclusive leadership culture that is empowering and reflective of Novuna's values.

Are you looking for a career where leadership development is at the core of your growth? Explore opportunities at Novuna today.

Check out our latest roles and become part of a company committed to unlocking your potential.

50 Cohorts Strong: Launching Careers Through Our Consumer Finance Contact Centre Academy

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:01:10 +0000

When Consumer Finance’s first Contact Centre Academy launched in April 2019, few could have imagined the journey ahead. Fast forward to September 2025, and the team has just welcomed its 50th cohort – a milestone that reflects not only the Academy’s growth but the colleagues who have built their careers in the contact centre and continue to flourish today.

A Journey of Learning and Adaptation
The Academy started with face-to-face training delivered by passionate trainers. Then, in just two weeks, the team reimagined the programme during the pandemic, launching a fully virtual Academy. Today, training is delivered in a blended format, combining in-person learning with digital resources.

Over 12 weeks – longer than the industry standard – colleagues gain the knowledge, confidence, and support they need before taking their first customer call.

“The training Academy has delivered so much more than anyone ever anticipated. People coming from other contact centres were amazed at the depth of our programme.”
— David Griffiths, CX Operations Manager

Recruitment Reinvented

The Academy isn’t just about training – it’s reshaped recruitment. Since partnering with the Talent Acquisition team in 2024, seven Assessment Centres have been delivered, replacing traditional interviews with interactive, half-day experiences.

“The assessment centre has been a massive success. It’s interactive, inclusive, and helps us find talent with all different skills and attributes.”
— Lisa Hullah, Contact Centre Manager

The numbers speak for themselves:

3,362 applications received between April 2024 and April 2025
90% vacancy fill rate
86% offer acceptance rate
114 candidates passed the assessment
806 video interviews completed
Retention has improved dramatically. Comparing November 2022–November 2023 with January 2024–present, early attrition has halved, live absence has fallen, and Quality Assurance fails have nudged down from 8% to 7.4%.

Creating Pathways, Not Stopgaps

Not everyone moves on immediately – many colleagues find their long-term home in the contact centre itself.

“It didn’t take long for me to realise how much I enjoyed the fast-paced contact centre environment.

"You learn quickly the importance of communicating clearly and empathetically – skills that have served me in every role I’ve taken on.”

— David Griffiths, CX Operations Manager

Colleagues’ stories highlight the Academy’s impact:

Temitayo Lasaki joined in 2022 and moved into Customer Care, saying:

“Without my time in the contact centre, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply for this role. Progression isn’t just possible – it’s encouraged.”

Peter Okpeh, who joined in 2023, is now a Product & AI Analyst in Personal Lending. He describes the experience as “genuinely transformative.”
“The Academy created a safe space to learn and make mistakes, with coaching and feedback. It wasn’t just about systems – it gave me the mindset to thrive.” — Peter Okpeh

More Than a Role

For many, the contact centre is a launchpad for opportunity – a place to build skills and confidence and to discover pathways across Novuna.

“It’s a brilliant place to work – the people are amazing, no two days are the same, and every day you pick up skills that set you up for future roles. Don’t underestimate the power of a contact centre role – it can open doors and build your confidence.”
— Lisa Hullah, Contact Centre Manager

Looking Ahead

From Cohort 1 to Cohort 50, the Academy has evolved into an award-winning programme. The Contact Centre Standards Framework recognised Consumer Finance’s contact centre as ‘Industry Leading’, one of only two in the UK to achieve this distinction.

In the past 18 months alone, 35 colleagues have been promoted or moved into new roles, from Team Managers to leaders in Business Development, Risk, and IT.

Winning Learning Team of the Year at the Forum Awards was an incredible honour and one of my proudest moments.

The Academy continues to be more than training – it’s a place where careers start, skills flourish, and colleagues thrive.

Want to kick start your career in customer service? Check out our latest roles or sign up for our talent network today

UK’s 17th most inclusive employer

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:55:04 +0000

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been named the UK's 17th most inclusive employer.
Featuring on the prestigious Inclusive Top 50 Employers index (IT50) for the sixth year in a row is a fantastic achievement.

Compiled by Inclusive Companies, the IT50 acknowledges and ranks organisations which are most consistent throughout the whole of their organisation and encompass all types of diversity.

“I’m incredibly proud that we’ve been recognised once again in the Top 50 Inclusive Companies for the sixth year in a row,” says Andrew Polloway, Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager.

“This achievement is far more than a title; it represents the ongoing dedication, compassion, and commitment that every single one of you brings to our workplace. Inclusion isn’t the responsibility of one person / team, it is lived through the actions, choices, and voices of our people across Novuna.”

“That’s why this recognition truly belongs to all of us. It reflects the everyday efforts we make to support one another, to challenge inequality, and to create a space where everyone can thrive and feel they belong. I want to say a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for showing what an inclusive organisation looks like in practice. Thank you for continuing to push us forward. And thank you for believing in the importance of this work.”

“This is a collective win, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be on this journey with you, bring on 2026!”

Discover just how we are making Novuna an inclusive work place for all.

Growing with Data: How Novuna Is Building a Future-Ready Data Culture

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:25:58 +0000

At Novuna, data is a catalyst for growth. Over the past two years, teams have worked together to modernise data foundations, improve quality, and empower smarter, faster decisions that are reshaping work and opening new possibilities for customers and employees.

A Journey Powered by People

Our Head of Data, Jake Rowett, recently joined industry peers at Collibra’s Data Citizens on the Road event to talk about the progress Novuna has made in strengthening its data culture.

Creating Strong Data Foundations

Like many organisations, Novuna started with multiple systems and processes. To enable a consistent, business-wide approach, the team established a governance framework supported by modern tools.

A key achievement has been the rollout of Collibra, our data governance and cataloguing platform. It now serves as the single source of truth, enabling colleagues to quickly and securely find information.

Our Information Librarian, Marni Roelof, has been instrumental in shaping this new structure.

Technology That Unlocks Value

Alongside Collibra, Novuna has adopted powerful tools such as Databricks for scalable processing and Power BI for clear, interactive visualisations. These technologies are helping teams turn information into insight — and insight into impact.

One example comes from Risk & Compliance Senior Analyst Dennis Berry, who built a detailed Power BI dashboard combining data from Databricks with metadata from Collibra. His work revealed valuable insights into customer behaviours, agreement trends, and operational performance.
Jake is particularly proud of the work:

Building a Data-Driven Future

The team continues to build momentum through ongoing training, collaboration, and regular data-focused sessions to help colleagues build their confidence. The future focus is clear: empower people, strengthen data literacy, and continue building a culture where data is a natural part of everyday decision-making.

As Data Governance Lead, Dave Smith shared:

Why This Matters

A strong data foundation helps us to:

make smarter, quicker decisions
create even better customer experiences
innovate with confidence
maintain high standards of data quality and compliance
support long-term sustainable growth

Novuna’s data journey is still evolving, but one thing is certain: growth with data is already transforming how we work — and shaping a future where insight and innovation go hand in hand.

If you are interest in a career in our data and technonlogy check out our latest vacancie. Nothing for you right now? Sign up to our job alerts to be the first to hear about new roles.

Mentoring Moments: When One Conversation Changes Everything

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Sometimes growth doesn’t come from a course, a promotion, or a big career move.

Sometimes it comes from a single sentence, said at exactly the right time.

Across Novuna, mentoring is creating moments like these for our colleagues. Quiet breakthroughs. Shifts in perspective. Realisations that change how people see themselves, their confidence, and their impact.

Here are a few of those mentoring moments, shared by our colleagues in their own words.

“It’s not low confidence, it’s people-pleasing.”

Laura Wetherald, Senior HR Advisor, used mentoring to help her reframe something she’d been trying to tackle for years.

“I requested mentoring for ‘low confidence’, but after a contracting session, my mentor said, ‘It’s not low confidence, it’s people-pleasing.’ That moment completely changed everything.”

Laura realised she’d been solving the wrong problem and that insight unlocked real change.

“I now feel ten times more confident to challenge in my own way, and I understand my worth isn’t determined by agreeing with people for fear they’ll dislike me.”

Sometimes mentoring isn’t about adding something new; it’s about realising what’s already there.

“Imposter syndrome isn’t a weakness; it’s protection.”

For Ashley Moon, Collections Team Leader, a conversation about imposter syndrome changed how she relates to self-doubt.

“My mentor explained that imposter feelings aren’t a weakness, but a form of protection. Our mind is trying to keep us safe.”

Instead of fighting those feelings, Ashley learned to acknowledge them and move forward anyway.

“I now thank it and move on. That shift has helped me trust my abilities, speak up more confidently, and believe that I deserve to be where I am.”

Mentoring helped turn uncertainty into self-belief and confidence into action.

“Commitment that turns ambition into action”

For Marie Watson, Customer Experience Advisor, the turning point wasn’t a single comment; it was sustained belief and structure.

“The moment that changed my mindset was seeing my mentor’s commitment to supporting me to achieve my aspirations.”

Through a documented learning journal and ongoing guidance, Marie gained clarity on her goals and the steps to achieve them.

“The advice and support opened opportunities that wouldn’t have come to light before. I was guided to other areas to develop, showcase my skills, and demonstrate my capabilities.”

In Marie’s case, mentoring turned ambition into momentum.

“You don’t need all the answers.”

One sentence reshaped how Carla Travis-Martin, Fleet Compliance Manager, viewed leadership.

“You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to know how to create the environment for other people to succeed.”

That insight lifted pressure and reframed her role.

“It helped me approach challenges with more confidence and less self-criticism and strengthened how I support my team.”

Mentoring doesn’t just develop individuals; it helps to shape better leaders.

“Seeing the colour through the black and white”

It was mentoring that helped Shazad Iqbal, Customer Care Officer, expand his approach to complex situations.

“My mentor helped me see that things aren’t always black and white. Sometimes, customers we perceive as acting fraudulently may be victims themselves.”

That broader lens has strengthened his judgment and problem-solving skills.

“I now approach situations with a more balanced view, which has really helped me develop in my role.”

“Just believe in yourself.”

For Sarah James, Deputy Team Manager, mentoring focused on interview confidence and self-belief.

“My mentor helped me realise I give strong explanations, but I don’t always emphasise my role or impact.”

Through mock interviews and honest feedback, Sarah shifted her mindset.

“I repeated my mentor’s words, ‘just believe in yourself,’ during my last interview. And it really helped.”

Sometimes the right encouragement makes all the difference.

Why mentoring matters

These moments may look small on the surface, but their impact is lasting.

Mentoring at Novuna isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about:

Creating space to reflect
Asking the right questions
Challenging assumptions
Building confidence, capability and belief

Because when people are supported to grow, they don’t just develop skills, they find their voice.

Ready to create your own mentoring moment?

Development at Novuna isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s mentoring, coaching, on-the-job learning or formal programmes, we’re committed to giving our people the time, support and opportunities to grow.

Explore Your Development at Novuna to find out how we support learning, confidence and career progression.

Breaking barriers, opening doors

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

How Novuna is building a Disability Confident workplace

What does it really mean to build a workplace where everyone can thrive?

For us at Novuna, it starts with removing barriers — in recruitment, in the workplace and in the systems people rely on every day.

Since becoming a Disability Confident Committed employer in 2023, we’ve been focused on turning that ambition into practical action. In early 2026, we reached the next milestone, achieving Disability Confident Employer status ahead of schedule.

But the real progress isn’t about a badge. It’s about the everyday changes that help people feel supported, valued and able to do their best work.

Because when people have the opportunity to bring their full selves to work, they have the time to shine, the confidence to make a difference, and the space to keep learning and growing.

Creating a more inclusive recruitment experience

One of the biggest areas of progress has been recruitment.

From the moment candidates first interact with Novuna, we want it to be clear that we welcome disabled applicants and will support adjustments throughout the hiring process.

We’ve also strengthened the way we collect and review disability data to better understand where barriers might exist and how we can improve.

That means:

Job adverts that focus on essential skills and potential, rather than unnecessary requirements
Flexible interview formats, timings and assessment methods
Clear guidance for hiring managers on inclusive shortlisting and interviewing
Recruitment audits that now include a dedicated Equity, Diversity and Inclusion review

These changes are already having a measurable impact.

Over the past year, 48% of candidates who disclosed a disability were offered an interview, reflecting a stronger focus on potential and essential criteria.

As Andrew Polloway, Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager at Novuna, explains:

And the benefits go beyond accessibility. Clearer communication, better preparation and more thoughtful assessments help create a better experience for every candidate.

Designing accessibility into everyday working life

Creating an inclusive workplace doesn’t stop once someone joins the organisation.

That’s why we’re moving away from adjustments being treated as one-off responses and instead focusing on building accessibility into everyday working life.

Across our offices, accessibility reviews have led to practical improvements, including:

Automated doors and improved building access
Ramps and enhanced visual contrast
Induction loops in key meeting spaces
Quiet areas where colleagues can rest, decompress or manage sensory needs

We’re also continuing to strengthen digital accessibility, to ensure colleagues can personalise how they work from day one through built-in accessibility tools and assistive technology.

As Andrew Herbert, Chief Technology Officer at Novuna, explains:

Learning from lived experience

A key part of our journey has been listening and learning.

Through our partnership with Disability Action Yorkshire, colleagues at Novuna have worked alongside people who often face barriers in traditional recruitment processes.

Work experience placements and assessment days provide participants with a supportive introduction to working life, designed to build confidence and insight.

For our teams, these experiences provide a valuable perspective and help challenge assumptions about how recruitment and workplaces should work.

As Zoe Kitching, Operational Training Manager and Co-Lead of our Colleague Ability Network, explains:

A milestone on an ongoing journey

Achieving Disability Confident Employer status is an important milestone for Novuna, but it’s not the finish line.

For us, the goal remains simple: continuing to remove barriers, open doors and build a workplace where everyone can thrive.

As Chief Risk Officer, John Shiels explains:

Interested in joining Novuna?

We believe great workplaces are built by people who bring different perspectives, experiences and ideas.

If you’re looking for a place where you’ll have the opportunity to learn, the support to grow, and the chance to make a difference, explore opportunities with Novuna on our careers site.