The Personal Finance Society has unveiled a £1 million investment in initiatives to attract and nurture talent in the financial planning sector.
The initiatives will make up a new PFS ‘Pathway to the Profession’ and will focus on investing in early careers; boosting education; creating opportunities for those joining the profession and involving more of its members to become active PFS volunteers.
The PFS has identified an initial £500,000 worth of initiatives, including more than £200,000 to support 500 new entrants to take their first step towards gaining their Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
A further £50,000 has been allocated to the delivery of a new annual symposium to showcase the profession to young people. This will be held alongside the organisation’s flagship National Conference.
Additionally, the PFS will provide nearly £200,000 of funding for activities to support education and career development for future professionals, alongside Coventry University, everywoman, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, UCAS and upReach.
These initiatives include university scholarships, business internships, and support to help promote routes to enter or return to the profession.
Funds have also been earmarked to refresh content currently used by PFS member volunteers at the Society’s existing outreach events.
The PFS Board is calling on members to suggest other initiatives, which if approved, will take the total to £1 million.
Carla Brown, president of the PFS, invited members to begin to suggest options for the remaining funds at a launch event held in London on Wednesday.
She said: “I’m proud to share that the PFS Board has approved the launch of our new Pathway to the Profession – a bold initiative backed by an initial £1 million investment in our 20th anniversary year.
“This marks a significant and deliberate step, we are demonstrating our ongoing commitment to nurture the next generation of professionals and support the vibrant future of the financial planning sector.
“We know that real impact comes from collaboration, and we’re excited to work with our members to shape meaningful initiatives that support them, their teams, and their communities. Alongside the partnerships already announced, this initiative is about opening doors and building a profession that is inclusive, aspirational and accessible to all.”
Main image: chris-lawton-3Ik7xWYJv3U-unsplash
