Objectives and Purpose
What are the objectives of the faculties?
Each Faculty has three core objectives:
- To assist the PFS in the development of an annual educational programme for practitioners working in either the corporate financial planning market, the holistic personal financial planning market or the retirement and care market. This will include organising events, establishing key topics and finding and briefing suitable speakers
- To direct and support PFS lobbying on issues relevant to the development of the profession in the relevant market field.
- To sustain a mutually-rewarding relationship with the Faculty’s Founding Partners.
The faculties are an integral part of the PFS and benefits from its wholehearted support. A number of key organisations which provide products and services to the relevant markets have also pledged their backing to the faculties.
The essential aim is to promote professionalism and to raise standards of practice among persons engaged in the relevant sector. They will encourage progression through the CII Qualifications Framework to Chartered Financial Planner status. They will provide information, events and guidance on maintaining competence and good practice.
If you are engaged in one or more of these market areas or work for an organisation involved in these sectors, membership of the Faculty will support your training and competence needs and ensure you get the recognition you deserve.
As a member of the PFS and thus of the CII, you belong to one of the world’s major professional bodies, recognised and respected internationally. Membership demonstrates commitment to the profession while CII qualifications confirm you as a professional to your peers, your employer and the people with whom you do business.
What is the purpose of the faculties?
The purpose of each faculty is to:
- Define standards of conduct that reflect good practice
- Promote highest levels of professionalism
- Act as the primary centre of technical excellence and good practice that can be accessed by members, commentators, regulators and policy makers
- Contribute to debate on policy discussions
- Provide an extensive range of examination subjects to demonstrate members’ knowledge and understanding of the relevant market sectors and issues
- Provide a CPD programme that facilitates members’ professional development in line with career objectives, employer requirements and FSA regulations.
How will the faculties support firms?
The faculties are aimed at individuals, but they recognise that the firms for which individuals work also need support at a corporate level. Each faculty will therefore endeavour to support organisations by:
- Establishing guidance on minimum standards for training and competence
- Determining standards of professional and good practice
- Facilitating learning and CPD programmes for advisers
- Delivering qualification and certification modules specific to the relevant market sector
- Hosting a CPD program and events to support the enhancement of knowledge and skills
- Providing a wide range of services to assist members (and thus members of staff) in the attainment and maintenance of competence
How will faculty membership benefit you and your clients?
As an individual member of a faculty, you will gain access to a wide variety of information and services that will support you in your role as a professional adviser. The faculty will support you by:
- Defining standards of conduct that reflect good practice
- Providing a tailored CPD events programme to impart technical knowledge and to allow members to mix with peers to share insights and information that meets your needs as well as those of your employer and the FSA
- Acting as the centre of technical excellence and good practice
- Commenting on and influencing policy debate
- Providing an extensive range of examination subjects that will enable you to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the market
- Providing a programme of training and learning support
- Provide news and information on industry issues, events, best practice and technical developments
How can I join?
If you are an existing PFS member the easiest way to join is online. Alternatively please call PFS Customer Service on 020 8530 0852.
If you are not already a member of the PFS you will need to become a member to enable you to join a faculty. Please call PFS Customer Service on 020 8530 0852.
