On Friday 6th September, the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) launched an 'Inclusive Financial Planning' qualification exclusive to St James's Place (SJP) partners and advisers.

It has been designed to help SJP advisers develop a detailed and holistic understanding of vulnerable customers and their needs, and is exclusive to SJP for two years.

Almost every Financial Planner currently looks after one or more clients who are considered vulnerable and would benefit from having access to this course now, rather than having to wait two years. 

We understand SJP have helped create and fund the course and ask that rather than this being a reason for exclusivity, it is instead used as an opportunity to help benefit everyone in our profession. 

As a professional body we expect the CII to provide everyone the same opportunities to develop professionally, particularly as a greater level of importance is being placed on an advisers ability to understand consumer vulnerability by the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Please sign this petition asking CII and SJP to reconsider and allow everyone fair access to the course.