We’re thrilled to announce that two members of our team have been named as finalists at this year’s Women in Credit Awards.

The first well-deserving nominee is Iona Murray, our Partnership Development Manager, who’s been shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year. In just four years, she’s built a strong reputation across the industry and has been instrumental in transforming creditors’ digital debt advice journeys for customers affected by the pandemic. Iona also played a pivotal role in launching the support service PayPlan now offers to housing associations – and the delivery of our market-leading Referral Hub to all creditor partners.

Peter Munro, our Partnerships Director said: “Iona’s an outstanding individual that we are very lucky to have here at PayPlan.  The pandemic has seen unprecedented demand for PayPlan support from creditor partners and Iona has risen to that challenge magnificently over the last 12 months – working tirelessly and passionately on innovative new ways to help struggling consumers engage with their creditors and seamlessly transition to receiving free debt advice.

“Iona’s enthusiasm and energy are infectious with great customer outcomes always at the heart of everything she does – something which shines externally with partners – and internally where she is a fantastic example to all aspiring young colleagues.”

Our second shortlisted star is our Vulnerability Lead, Emma Gibbons, who’s hoping to win Vulnerability Leader of the Year. Emma has revolutionised the service PayPlan provides to vulnerable clients – both through the introduction and implementation of a dedicated team, as well as through ongoing initiatives and tools she’s introduced to support their day-to-day roles. These ensure clients with disabilities and additional needs can access advice and support in the way they need to.

Our CEO, Rachel Duffey, said: “The way in which Emma talks about our vulnerable clients shows this is more than a vocation, it’s a personal mission. She’s personally led an initiative to provide debt advice to victims of domestic abuse, navigating an extremely complex set of challenges to empower survivors to get back on track financially. Her work on gambling and debt has again been influential in shaping our collective response on how to support those living with addiction. Crucially, her work on mental health has had a very powerful impact across our entire organisation, making a difference to our clients by preventing individual cases of suicide, and improving the lives of our own people.

“During a time of financial turmoil for our clients, PayPlan has quickly adapted and remained focused on delivering the same high level of debt advice and support throughout the pandemic. Emma and Iona have contributed to this and I’m delighted they’ve been shortlisted for their awards – they both thoroughly deserve to win.”

The Women in Credit Awards champion the work of incredible women across the credit and financial services industry. They aim to empower, connect, support and uncover achievements among inspirational females in the profession. The ceremony is taking place on 30 September 2021 in London.

Find out more about PayPlan here.