In conversation with... Katie Orme

What was your journey to your role today, would you say it’s been a typical career path?

While the starting of my career was typical, sixth form , straight to university followed by a newly qualified social worker role in a local authority, coming to Octopus energy was anything but typical. I’m in a very fortunate position that I get to do a role that has never been done before and pave the way for other social workers.

If you weren’t working in credit and financial services, what would you be doing?

I would carry on in local authorities continuing my role an independent reviewing officer supporting looked after children. 

What is something that not many people know about you?

I preach and practice a lot about fitness and keeping healthy then turn into such a hypocrite at night and have a full chocolate addiction. 

What is the most significant challenge facing the credit/financial services industry today?

The term "vulnerability" is thrown around too much , labelling people who do not wish to be labelled and creating oppressive behaviour. We should be empowering people using a strengths based approach.

What trend or development are you excited about in the credit /FS sector? 

Whether AI increases positive outcomes more long term or whether they are quick wins that quickly lose traction.

What do you hope to take away from Credit Week 2026? 

Last year I walked away with a new partnership that supports customers so keen to see if the trend can continue.  

What advice would you give to someone who’s starting their career in the industry?

The financial sector can be a very overwhelming place when you are are walking in blind with no previous experience, but it only takes a few months before those strangers in the room become good friends and then all of a sudden it no longer feels overwhelming and you are able to network and learn so much more when you know you are not alone. 

Join us for Credit Week 2026!