Supporting staff with one of life’s biggest decisions

For many colleagues, buying a home, remortgaging or moving home can be one of the most stressful financial decisions we make. Through the University’s Mortgage Advice Service, delivered by Charles Cameron & Associates (CC&A), staff can access free, independent, professional mortgage advice designed to reduce stress, save money, and provide reassurance at every step of the journey.

Making a real difference in 2025

Throughout 2025, the service continued to support colleagues across the University with a wide range of housing needs, successfully completing 12 mortgages for staff, including first-time buyers, remortgages and buy to let applications.

Staff voices: real experiences

Feedback shows that colleagues value not only potential financial savings, but also the professional guidance and reassurance provided throughout what can be a complex and pressurised process. Having access to an adviser who understands the market — and who is independent and fully regulated — can make a real difference.

“I had no idea where to start with actually buying my first home. The adviser explained everything clearly — I felt supported, not overwhelmed.”
— Sussex colleague (First Time Buyer)

“Remortgaging during a turbulent market was daunting. The advice helped me understand my options and ultimately save money.”
— Sussex colleague (Remortgage)

A positive sustainability impact

CC&A goes beyond mortgages by embedding environmental responsibility into their work. For every mortgage completed, one mangrove tree is planted, and for every remortgage or client referral, two trees are planted. Planting focuses on locations such as Madagascar, where mangroves are highly effective at storing carbon while also supporting biodiversity and protecting coastal communities.

In 2025, this resulted in 19 trees planted on behalf of University of Sussex staff, with each colleague receiving a tree-planting certificate to recognise their contribution. It’s a tangible way that individual financial decisions can also support positive environmental impact.

CC&A’s work forms part of a wider commitment to being a climate-positive business, partnering with long-term, nature-based projects that remove carbon and restore ecosystems.

Thinking about your next step?

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, considering a remortgage, or planning a move, the mortgage advice service is available to all University of Sussex staff.

Find out more and book a confidential consultation via Sussex’s dedicated landing page, www.ccameron.co.uk/us.