Openwork is to offer its advisers a structured programme to take them to Chartered financial planner status, as part of a drive to provide training services to its appointed representative firms.
Designed to dovetail with its recently launched graduate training academy, which helps member firms build succession planning into their practices, the ‘route to Chartered status’ programme will provide principals, advisers, paraplanners and other nominated members of the business, with flexible tutor-led support.
The programme will initially deliver face-to-face support at Openwork’s headquarters in Swindon, with each advanced study module being delivered over three days rather than the standard two and with participant numbers capped at 12 per module to enhance the learning environment.
Advisers who already hold AF qualifications can join the programme to acquire the additional points they require to achieve chartered status.
Subject to demand, Openwork is also looking to deliver the face-to-face courses at a number of locations around the country.
Mike Gummerson, development director at the network, said that after launching the graduate training academy last year, they have been looking to help advisers study for the higher qualification within a structured programme that can be tailored to suit their needs and timeframes.
“We look forward to delivering this exclusive study package and will continue to launch programmes and initiatives that help our advisers and paraplanners enhance their expertise and proficiency.”
The launch follows this morning’s announcement from Attivo that it is opening a training school to ensure all client-facing staff will be qualified up to chartered status level six.
However, not all networks have been able to support their ARs’ continued professional development, as today also saw a communication from Sesame Bankhall Group’s managing director Stephen Gazard to members informing them that their financial adviser school is to be wound down.
Also in related news, the not-for-profit business development firm New Model Business Academy stated that it has recruited 16,000 registered users.
Launched in 2008 as part of the Simplybiz Group, it was originally designed to support advisory firms in gaining their ‘level 4’ qualification and making the business transition changes necessary to comply with the RDR.
peter.walker@ft.com
