SJP training scheme gains CII accreditation

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SJP training scheme gains CII accreditation

A development framework created by St. James’s Place to "drive higher professional standards" across the industry has gained accreditation from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

The wealth management firm developed the framework to support and upskill practice support specialists in its adviser back office teams across the UK.

The scheme, which was introduced to partner practices in August and accredited by the CII in November, aims to "continue professional development" through technical, business, systems and process training.

The training is delivered via a combination of face-to-face, e-learning, webinars, audio presentations and reading packages.

Steve Jenkins, CII development director, said: "St. James’s Place has adopted a proactive approach to promoting professional standards right across its partnership.

"It is important that existing and prospective clients have trust in their adviser and the organisations that they work with."

Hugh Morton, executive director of practice support specialist at St. James’s Place, said the firm was committed to ensuring people across the partnership have access to quality training to maintain high professional standards.

He said: "We acknowledge the need for solid infrastructure in an age when our partners are having to deal with more complex financial solutions and increased regulation.

"The new framework will be an essential tool to support the firms that do not always have the resources to meet this challenge alone, while enabling continuing professional development of all staff."

Mr Morton said he believes the framework and accreditation will also generate a positive impact on client experience and quality of service.

Martin Bamford, chartered financial planner and managing director at Informed Choice, said it was equally important to invest in the training and development of back office staff as it was to focus on adviser development.

He said: "The back office plays a growing role in the financial planning process and upskilled staff are a must for all businesses.

"With a relatively small pool of talent in the retail financial services sector, training and development will aid in the recruitment and retention of great people."

rachel.addison@ft.com