Scottish Widows and CII

Edited by the Insidemoneytalk editorial team Feb 8, 2008

Launch new learning programme

Scottish Widows has joined forces with the The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) to develop a unique joint learning programme aimed at supporting the professional development of Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs).The programme, which is the first of its kind, has been designed to offer personalised support for IFAs studying for the CII's Diploma in Financial Planning.

It will use a learning approach which complements the existing CII study material, and will supplement the existing Scottish Widows exam revision workshops with a range of newly developed online e-learning services and paper-based study material.

Scottish Widows is investing in excess of a quarter of a million pounds in the programme, which will be made available initially to all IFAs who have signed-up to the current Scottish Widows revision programme.Commenting on the learning programme, Andy Briggs, Managing Director, Marketing and Distribution at Scottish Widows, said: "Scottish Widows has, for a long-time, been at the forefront of offering support for financial advisers training towards professional qualifications.

In the last ten years Scottish Widows has trained and supported over 18,000 IFA delegates through the CII qualifications, and are the only provider to have a study workshop programme accredited by the CII."Professional development in the financial services sector is a hot topic, and there is increasing momentum across the industry towards finding solutions to help aid development.

This new programme will offer support to advisers who are studying for the CII qualification and offer real flexibility when it comes to learning, critical for people trying to manage the demands of a challenging job at the same time as pursuing a professional qualification."CII Group chief executive Sandy Scott said: "The strategic partnership between the CII and Scottish Widows will implement a package of professionalism to support the sector through the transition from certificate level to diploma.

This support will benefit those advisers who are facing the challenges of a post-RDR landscape.

"Scottish Widows, and many other providers, are looking to guide the profession and encourage advisers to raise standards.

These are not short-term, quick wins, but long-term strategies and investment to secure the longevity and prosperity of our industry.".