The Pensions Management Institute (PMI), the Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) and JLT Employee Benefits are pleased to announce that they have commenced development of an important new professional qualification for administrators, consultants, financial advisers and insurers who deal with pension scheme members. The new qualification, the PMI Certificate in Pension Scheme Member Guidance, is set at the equivalent of a Level 4 national qualification and will allow successful candidates to help pension scheme members understand the full range of options available to them.
Speaking of the joint initiative, Margaret Snowdon OBE, Director of JLT Employee Benefits said:
"JLT Employee Benefits is pleased to provide technical and other expertise to help develop this new qualification for the pensions industry. Pension scheme members want help with complex pension matters, but administrators feel unable to assist for fear of inadvertently providing regulated advice and thus falling foul of the regulator. Members are therefore left to make important choices on their own. When this qualification is launched to the industry early next year, we expect to see more confident administrators, leading to better decisions by members and better retirement outcomes."
Vince Linnane, Chief Executive of the PMI said:
"PMI is delighted to be collaborating with JLT Employee Benefits and its Training Academy on this new Certificate. We believe it will fill a gap in the market for non-regulated advice and for communicating directly with pension scheme members. Those completing this Certificate will be able to demonstrate suitable skills and expertise in financial matters as well as in face-to-face and telephone communications."
Marta Phillips OBE CA, Chief Executive of TPAS said:
“We welcome this opportunity to work closely with the PMI and the pensions industry to develop this important qualification. Over the last 30 years we have helped millions of people with their pension queries through our helpline and information service. This experience has enabled us to contribute real life examples of what people need to understand their options at retirement, which will form a vital part of this qualification.”
|
