The Personal Finance Society’s annual Officers’ Conference in Birmingham last week resulted in new initiatives for 2015.

They include enhanced CPD and professional development programmes, the formation of a ‘Financial Planning Academy’ and a new financial planning practitioner panel.

The event brought together most of the 110-plus volunteers who give up their time to support Personal Finance Society members nationwide, through a network comprising 26 regions.


Several volunteers were recognised for their outstanding contribution, including Geoff Butler and his Exeter & Devon regional committee.


The society celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, during which time membership has grown to a record high of 35,000 individuals. More than 4,500 are now chartered financial planners, with a further 7,500 on the journey to chartered status.

Regional officers who attended were the first to hear about the expansion of the Personal Finance Society’s national conference, which this year will be delivered in four key locations across the UK to allow greater access to its members. The four ‘Financial Planning Symposiums’ will provide business-relevant CPD and content on the practical implementation and soft skills related to evolving advice models.

“Our 2015 Financial Planning Symposiums have been designed to meet the changing needs of a growing chartered community, bringing together thousands of members committed to the highest professional standards,” said chief executive, Keith Richards.

He confirmed that a new financial planning practitioner panel is being set up to guide the society on event content such as effective use of technology, life-planning and the effective use of cash-flow modelling.


Also among the speakers at the event was inaugural PFS president, Brian Steeples, who reinforced the importance of the pension reforms as a rare opportunity for advisers to demonstrate the value of their advice and to earn the trust of consumers. He also predicted that the majority of advisers would be chartered in five years’ time, but cautioned that external perceptions of the profession risked being unduly influenced by a vocal minority.


Richards added: “Regional officers play a vital role disseminating a wealth of information to grass roots members and are passionate about the profession and supporting others within the community.

“Our annual Officers’ Conference is an invaluable opportunity for the board of the PFS to share strategy, announce key initiatives and gain invaluable input and feedback for future planning.”