Strategi has produced a tip sheet for advisers needing to focus more on their continuing professional development (CPD) activities.
The industry training firm states the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services requires advisers to engage in CPD to maintain their competence, knowledge, and skills.
Among Strategi’s key tips are that CPD is not about ‘ticking a box’ or “mindlessly accumulating an arbitrary number of hours”.
“Step one involves identifying your CPD gaps by looking at what you and your business are currently doing and what is in the pipeline,” states the firm in a blog post.
“Include regulatory changes and guidance over the past 12 months, evolving client expectations, new products and services and the way you deliver them – this will help identify what competence, knowledge and skill you currently have versus what is required.”
The firm also recommends that once an adviser has completed their gap analysis, that they formulate a professional development plan – a roadmap for justifying what CPD you need to do and when.”
Strategi says that depending on your business, you might be able to self-certify your CPD.
“If this is the case, then ensure its robustness and evidential support. Opt for courses or webinars with attendance registers for an externally validated audit trail.”