An IIA member has been congratulated for his contribution to the Government's Mortgage Rescue Scheme with an invitation to Number 10 to meet the Prime Minister.

Gordon Brown personally thanked Nationwide internal auditor Paul Underwood for his part in implementing a £285m package designed to prevent vulnerable families losing their homes. Paul was part of a small team seconded to the Department for Communities and Local Government tasked with designing and delivering an effective Mortgage Rescue Scheme. 

Selected for his expertise in mortgages and drawing on his skills as a qualified internal auditor, Paul's work aims to help 6,000 families retain their home over a two year period; furthermore a further 300,000 homeowners have already received help and advice in relation to their mortgage problems. Paul explained:

"As an auditor it is possible to bring a considerable amount of knowledge and expertise to the table. I was asked to work on this project because I had the necessary understanding of processes and risk control to be able to assist with the design and development of the scheme. We provided a robust, workable and pragmatic solution which the Government were very pleased with and we had the opportunity to go to Number 10 and be thanked by the Prime Minister."

Paul has gone on to work with the Financial Services Authority as a financial capability presenter, visiting some of the country's biggest employers and educating staff about how to make their money go further. This summer he was awarded the Nationwide corporate citizen of the year award.  Paul added:

"It's great to know as an internal auditor you can make the kind of contribution that has a positive effect on so many people's lives. For me working as an internal audit has been a hugely rewarding career path."

To find out about about training as an internal auditor click here and to learn more about IIA qualifications click here. For further information contact 020 7819 6734.  

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Paul Underwood arrives at Number 10