Welcome to the Perspective Academy. We created the Perspective Academy in 2014 to grow our next generation of financial planners and paraplanners who will share our clientcentric and ethical approach which is firmly embedded within our business and supports our employees’ growth and career aspirations.
Investing in our employees’ development to reach their full potential whilst creating a robust succession plan is very important to our business and clients. Our clients are accustomed to our industry leading expertise and trusted advice, and there is no better way to provide this in the future than cultivating talent through our Academy, where they are trained to the highest standards.
Whether you are fresh out of school, university, or simply wanting a career change, our Academy provides a range of financial planning training to help you progress through your financial services career. Our Academy prides itself on supporting you to embed and apply the knowledge you are gaining through your studies in practice, by working closely with one of our experienced and highly qualified team over a period of time, depending on your level of experience when you join the Academy. This allows you to build your career, whilst equipping you with the skills and experience required for your development for a long and satisfying career within the industry.
If a career with Perspective Financial Group Ltd appeals to you, please get in touch by emailing academy@pfgl.co.uk
Perspective Financial Group Ltd
Founded 2008
Over 160 financial planners supported by paraplanners and admin teams
Over 40 local offices across the UK. Strong growth through acquisitions and organically
Turnover £60m, £8 billion Assets Under Management
Our Purpose & Vision
Our Purpose
We provide expert, specialised financial planning and wealth management advice that enables our clients to make full and effective use of their financial resources, so they can plan for and achieve the future they desire.
Our Vision
To build a sustainable and socially responsible business that is trusted by our staff and clients, never detracting from our core value that our clients come first in everything we do.
Our Values
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. Six core values guide what we do every day. We are Client-centric We become a Trusted Member of the Family We will Do the Right Thing
Help individuals understand if a Financial Service career is right for them
Academy Outline
Trainee Financial Service Support Academy
Develop those starting a career in Financial Services
Develop strong Administrators/Paraplanners
Flexible journey across all aspects of academy – Full route to adviser expected to take between 4 to 6 years
Qualification/Technical knowledge support via CII – Supported by creation of study groups
Evaluate previous learning and qualify value add for all parties prior to sign off for further study
Mixture of local support with face to face and remote activities arranged via the Academy
Outcome
Is Financial Services the right fit
Continue learning office functions
Progress through Trainee Financial Service Support Academy
Outcome
Administrator role
Progress into Paraplanner role
Progress into Financial Planner Academy
Outcome
Senior Paraplanner role
(Possibly Technical Director)
Non Targeted Financial Planner
Targeted Financial Planner
Pathway Academy
Trainee Financial Planner Academy
Pathway Academy
Your Journey
Aim
Provide school leavers/ those seeking a new start with an opportunity to see if a career in Financial Services is right for them Learn and understand Financial Services industry Understand what is required to operate successfully within the industry Develop knowledge of Perspective’s client centric culture and what this means in practice
Structure Shadow various departments to understand roles
Start basic administrative duties under supervision
Complete a business plan of the next steps to suit individual career aspirations
Outcome
Reflect on career journey and if Financial Services is the right fit
Continue learning office functions
Progress through the Academy
Career Option
Paraplanner/Financial Planner role
Office support role
Regulatory Department
People Department
Accounts/Performance Department
Pathway Academy Outline
Spend time across various departments/roles to understand career options
Industry Awareness
Financial Service industry
Regulatory & compliance
Teamwork & collaboration
Providing advice
Personal development
Understand what a career in Financial Services looks like for individuals
Role Specifics
Systems & processes
Products
Platforms
Attention to detail
Gain insight into Financial Services whilst learning basic office functions
Flexible approach via discussion with Head of Academy to take in and release delegates during programme where appropriate for individual’s development
Trainee Financial Service Support Academy
Your Journey
Aim
Provide school leavers/ those seeking a new career with a route into Financial Services
Learn and understand Financial Service industry
Develop knowledge of Perspective’s client centric culture and what this means in practice
Understand processes and client requirements to be able to deliver client-centric support
Structure
Successfully deliver the day job
Start qualifications with aim of completing at least 3 whilst in this development stage of the Academy
Work through learning plan with known evaluation/competency check points
Outcome
Administrator role
Progress into Paraplanner role
Progress into Financial Planner Academy
Trainee Financial Service Support Academy Outline
Business Awareness/Expectations
Financial Service industry
Regulatory & compliance
Teamwork & collaboration
Areas of competency that require sign off to complete Academy
Technical Capability
Systems & processes
Products
Platforms
Attention to detail
Soft Skills
Quality service delivery
Planning & prioritising
Communication skills
Personal commitment
Personal development
Successfully delivering the day job through demonstration of above competencies
Professional qualifications (subject to sign off from Head of Academy)
Flexible approach via discussion with Head of Academy to take in and release delegates during programme where appropriate for individual’s development
Application of Learning
Managing risk
Basic report writing
Challenging the information
Business plan
Trainee Financial Planner Academy
Your Journey
Aim
Provide support colleagues with a route to become a Financial Planner
Develop client centric approach to providing advice
Gain deeper understanding of Financial Services industry Understand Perspective’s culture and requirements to provide advice
Structure
Successfully deliver the day job
Complete qualifications required
Focus on soft skills and learn more about client behaviours
Work through learning plan with known evaluation/competency check points
Outcome
Senior Paraplanner role (possibly Technical Director)
Non targeted Financial Planner role
Targeted Financial Planner role
Achieve Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (RO1 to RO6)
Trainee Financial Planner Academy Outline
Business Awareness/Expectations
Culture
Understanding self
Business plan
Areas of competency that require sign off to complete Academy
Technical Capability
Systems
Products/Risk profile
Cash flow modelling
Client objectives
Soft Skills
Know your customer
Communication skills
Questioning
Business development
Learning objectives
Personal development
Successfully delivering the day job through demonstration of above competencies
Professional qualifications (subject to sign off from Head of Academy)
Flexible approach via discussion with Head of Academy to take in and release delegates during programme where appropriate for individual’s development
Application of Learning
Professionalism
Relationship management
Managing risk
Business plan
Testimonials
The training offered through Perspective provided me with an introduction to an industry I had little knowledge of and as I had expected it was a steep learning curve, but a challenge that I have really enjoyed.
While studying towards the exams does take a lot of hard work, having the necessary support in place from colleagues and external sources has been a huge help towards becoming qualified.
Sitting the exams alongside the day to day job has given me the opportunity to apply the knowledge learned through studying.
In addition, being able to sit the exams at my own pace has allowed me to find the right balance between life at work and home. I feel having the flexibility to plan my study has also allowed me to focus on my strengths.
I have found the training to be very engaging and enjoyed having the responsibility of being able to manage my own workload.
Michael Gahagan Senior Paraplanner Perspective (North East) Ltd
I started working as a Trainee Paraplanner in July 2016 and gained my Certificate in Paraplanning and Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in May 2018. As a result of achieving the Certificate in Paraplanning I am now working as a Paraplanner.
I am also now studying for the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and in December 2018 passed my first exam for this. I find working alongside studying really helps to give the information I read in the study books a real life perspective and how it works for our clients in practice.
I have also received a lot of support and guidance which I feel has been extremely valuable in helping me pass my exams and in my role as a Paraplanner.
Jessica Wright Senior Paraplanner Perspective (North East) Ltd
I joined Perspective Academy to start my second career, with a long-term ambition of becoming a financial planner. I wanted to immerse myself into a company where I can understand the industry thoroughly, yet also be challenged and encouraged to develop from Administrator through to an adviser.
I have really benefited from the weekly training alongside the ongoing support from colleagues. The academy here at Perspective provides a very clear progression framework which highlights what is achievable through time, hard work and completing the necessary exams to progress up the ladder - these clear milestones help motivate me! I truly believe this academy has provided many graduates/second careerists an incredible opportunity to build such a rewarding and fulling career, whilst also having the on-demand support throughout the journey. Exciting times ahead!
