Schroders Personal Wealth (SPW) has joined forces with The Verve Foundation to become a strategic partner on its ‘We are Change’ training initiative to help attract talent to the financial planning industry.
We are Change is a not-for-profit project helping individuals achieve their Level 4 Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
It also equips them with the practical skills needed to work in the industry and educates students on a broad range of careers available.
As a strategic partner, SPW will sponsor places on the scheme, helping to pay for the training, exams and upskilling of those looking to become financial advisers.
Marietta Connery, people director at Schroders Personal Wealth, said: “We are proud to be supporting The Verve Foundation and be part of the We are Change initiative. SPW is committed to training the next generation of advisers.
“We believe there is a need to bring more talent into the industry and rather than talking about this issue we want to be part of the solution by helping to get people qualified.”
‘Removing the financial barrier’
Cathi Harrison, chief executive of The Verve Foundation’s parent firm the Verve Group, said: “The We Are Change initiative is made possible by the support of altruistic individuals and businesses who understand their role as change-makers.
“Thanks to Schroders Personal Wealth, we have been able to launch our second cohort earlier this month. It is both eye-opening and humbling to hear the personal stories from those students who this initiative is making a difference for – for many of them, it’s quite literally a lifeline and a chance for them to take their career in a different direction.
“By removing the financial barrier to studying for a professional qualification, we have a real chance to make a difference to those individuals and attract high quality talent to the industry where, for them, the door would otherwise have remained closed.
“We talk a lot about ‘investments’ in our industry, but not enough action is taken when it comes to investing in the future of our industry.
“SPW is the first large firm to come on board as a key strategic partner to the initiative – sharing the values of the foundation and inspired by our mission – and it’s exciting to work with those who are prepared to stand tall and take action.”
