Meet Lee - a new recruit with a wealth of experience

Age-friendly Employer: FSCS

Lee Fortt

New Recruit

Lee Fortt

Current role: Emerging Issues Specialist
Age at time of interview: 52
Time at FSCS: 8 months

After a few false starts – including working as a scaffolder and as a milkman – Lee found his stride in financial services. But when he wanted to change from contract work to a permanent position as a mature worker, he discovered subtle signs of ageism in his employment search. He persisted, though, and was delighted to land a role with FSCS.

When I was growing up, I was never sure what I wanted to do. I dreamed of being a footballer or playing with a band. I never got beyond a certain point with football, but I did end up singing with a couple of bands: Scooby, and The Carlottas. We even had some of our songs played on the radio. I’ve got great memories from that time, but sadly singing in a band was never going to be a career.

Workwise, I flitted in and out of different jobs. At one point I tried life as a scaffolder because I wanted to get out of an office environment. But I discovered it was really hard and dangerous work, so I didn’t do it for long! I also worked as a milkman for about two weeks, but the 4.30am starts weren’t for me.

Five years looking for a permanent role

Following voluntary redundancy from the FOS, I started contract work, which turned into a 10 year rollercoaster of work.

Eventually, I’d had enough of the stop-start, self-sufficient nature of contracting and wanted to find a permanent role. I wanted a job with an enlightened organisation that would challenge me and give me new experiences, a place where I could learn new skills and develop myself in a meaningful way.

During the job hunting process, I did experience some subtle ageism issues. In some cases, recruiters would initially be interested until someone gauged that I was approaching 50. Then, all of a sudden, the interest would drop off. Or an interview would go well, but I’d be passed over.

I knew that I had a good cv, so I reckoned that maybe ageism was the reason why I wasn’t managing to land a job. My response was to be more determined, to keep trying, and to develop a positive mindset towards my job hunt.

And now for the good news

Then one day, a recruitment consultant approached me about the Emerging Issues role at FSCS. It appealed to me because it touched on a lot of the experiences I’ve had in financial services and I had the relevant skills for the job. I’ve worked in many different areas of banking and compliance, as well as doing investigation work. There was an obvious match there that I was keen to explore.

A refreshingly straightforward application process

I found the application process at FSCS refreshingly to the point. It was much less long-winded than some other places where there would sometimes be four interviews over the course of six weeks. The FSCS process was much faster, but still very professional. The initial interview lasted for an hour and a half, with three people. Then there was a second interview and I was offered the job. They were very quick to make a decision.

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What I love about my job

I really enjoy the autonomy we’re given, as each Emerging Issues investigation is like a project. I’m responsible for designing a process and liaise with internal and external departments to obtain any information necessary to conclude my investigation. As I’m new, I’ve been given a lot of support, which has really helped me develop within the role. At the same time, I’ve been able to draw on my financial services knowledge and experience, which has definitely helped me hit the ground running.

What makes this work meaningful

FSCS underpins the financial security of the industry by providing customers with a safety net and reassurance when they invest or deposit their money. Quite simply, the Scheme makes a huge difference each year to thousands of people who have lost money which they would otherwise be unable to retrieve. FSCS has the potential to help people in really tangible ways. When I leave work at the end of the day, it’s a really nice feeling to know that I’ve helped people get their money back.

What's Great About The FSCS?

Age is irrelevant here

I would definitely say FSCS is an age-inclusive organisation. I’ve seen other places where there are issues with age, but here, it doesn’t even crop up. It’s not even a consideration, to be perfectly honest. I think that’s a really positive thing. Age is irrelevant to FSCS. It’s just a number, which makes this a really good place to work.

Everyone pulls together

Everyone here is so supportive and open. The Resolution Team encompasses four teams, including Emerging Issues, which means I have a fair amount of involvement with other members of the team. You feel like a member of a team, like you’re all going in the right direction and you’re just trying to do the right thing for customers. I get a genuine sense that everyone is working towards the same goal which I think is rare and encouraging.

Opportunities are open to all ages

Whether you’re 20 or 60, the opportunities are the same for everybody. FSCS is keen to open up opportunities for training and progress to everyone, regardless of age. In that sense, there’s a really good culture within the Scheme. They promote self-development and offer so many different ways of developing your skills. It’s everything I was looking for, and that’s what has made my first months working here so fantastic.

“You know when you leave work each day you could’ve helped change someone’s life”

Lee Fortt
Emerging Issues Specialist, FSCS

Lee's Career Journey

Lee's Advice to Others

Think positive at interviews

Initially, when I approached some job interviews, I was worried that organisations were really looking for someone younger. But that mindset doesn’t help you get a job. So instead of worrying about what an organisation might think about my age, I consciously worked on focusing on everything I had to offer, so I could present a more positive outlook. And that worked!

It's worth taking a risk

There have been so many times in my life that I’ve taken a risk, whether it was to do with friends or my personal relationships or work. And every time, even though it’s been challenging, it’s been worth it. If you don’t take a risk, you don’t change or grow. Risks give you a chance to move on and make a better life for yourself in the long-term, once you’ve dealt with the short-term discomfort.

Thinking of joining FSCS? Go for it!

My advice to anyone who’s thinking of applying to FSCS would be: “Go for it!”. Don’t hesitate. This organisation has a lot to offer, and I’ve had nothing but a good experience here. It’s got a very inclusive culture, it’s very strong on self-development, and it has a very well-rounded approach to staff and their wellbeing. It’s a good place to work.

Singer and band member, keen gardener, plays tennis, golf and cricket.

Just a few of Lee’s interests and side hustles