The SimplyBiz Group has improved its Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR) support for its members and clients.
Launched earlier this year with a dedicated programme including online and face-to-face support, the programme now includes a dedicated session at its flagship learning events and a full round of focussed workshops, which coincides with the appointment of a new group training and knowledge manager to further strengthen the solution.
The Group will provide over 1,500 advisers and 400 brokers with regular SM&CR updates delivered by one of its compliance directors at its learning and development events, and has announced a series of 20 focussed workshops running across the UK between June and August.
The workshops, which begin in Edinburgh on the 25th June, are designed to provide advisers with an overview of FCA expectations and a practical guide to implementing any necessary changes to their firm and processes before the December deadline.
The Group has also announced the appointment of a group training and knowledge manager, Michael Pashley, who will facilitate the SM&CR workshops as part of his wider role developing and delivering training and learning across the Group. Pashley is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (FPFS) and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments.
Janice Laing, managing director of Compliance First and project leader of the Group’s SM&CR programme, said: “We know that ensuring they are fully prepared for the Senior Managers and Certification Regime is a priority for many adviser firms at the moment, which means it is also top priority for The SimplyBiz Group. These additional events will provide delegates with both the knowledge about what they need to do, and a real, practical outline of how to get started.
“We have already provided guides, update sessions at our regular events and new documentation, and in a few weeks will be launching an online training module on conduct rules; these face-to-face events will further strengthen our already robust support proposition. Over 300 advisers have already booked a place at the workshops, and we believe numbers will continue to grow substantially in the coming weeks.
“I’m delighted to welcome Michael to the team. He brings with him a real wealth of knowledge and experience which I’m sure our Members and Clients will find hugely valuable, both at the upcoming SM&CR workshops and across our wider learning and development programme and services.”
The latest SM&CR guide from the Group is also now available, providing practical support for firms ahead of the December implementation date.