Life at Fairway with Heidi Chilvers, Compliance Assistant Manager

We interviewed Heidi Chilvers, Compliance Assistant Manager, for our Life at Fairway series.

Heidi has over 10 years' experience in financial services, her role involves collaborating with the wider business to guide decision making and find practical solutions that meet regulatory requirements and business objectives. Get to know Heidi!

What attracted you to a career in Finance/ Compliance, and how did you get started in this field? 

I was first attracted to a career in finance because of the opportunity to continuously learn and grow within a professional environment. My career began as a trainee accountant, which gave me a solid understanding of the industry. I’ve since worked in several roles across the financial sector, and found myself particularly drawn to Compliance, having discovered my enjoyment for the Compliance-focused aspects of those roles, this naturally led me to pursue a more dedicated path in that area.

What do you enjoy most about working at Fairway?

Definitely the people. Having such a supportive team, not just within Compliance but across the wider business, makes a huge difference day-to-day. There is a great culture at Fairway, it’s easy to feel part of the team and it’s a place where I feel encouraged to grow and develop, both professionally and personally. 

What is one thing about your role that would surprise people?

People are often surprised to learn that Compliance isn’t just about enforcing rules and ticking boxes. A big part of the role involves building strong relationships across the business, enabling us to work in partnership with different teams to help guide decision making and find practical solutions that meet both regulatory requirements and business objectives. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work that helps you unwind or feel recharged?

I like having a personal challenge or goal outside of work - it keeps me motivated. Recently, I took part in a Charity White Collar Boxing event, which was such a rewarding experience. I’m now training towards running my first marathon, running for a charity that is close to my heart, which is a completely different challenge but equally exciting. 

Is there a particular mentor or piece of advice that has shaped your career?

Yes, our CEO Alistair Rothwell has played an instrumental role in my career. I’ve worked with him for over 10 years, from when I was a trainee accountant right through to my current role as Assistant Manager in the Compliance team. He has always been someone I could turn to for advice and guidance, and he’s helped me stay focused on my professional goals over the years.

If you could give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?

Don’t stress if your first job isn’t the perfect fit. Every role you take on will teach you something valuable and help you grow. Trust that you’ll find the right path for you, and enjoy the learning along the way.  

If you could switch roles with anyone else in the company for a day, who would it be and why?

I’d switch roles with our Money Laundering Reporting Officer, Jess De Momme. I think it would be really interesting to investigate a Suspicious Activity Report and go through the process of assessing whether it needs to be externalised. It would give me a valuable insight into another area of Compliance, which would really support my professional development.