The Academy, launched by Equity Advice, are looking for advisers to have “joined up thinking” in sectors such as equity release, annuities and long-term care, according to managing partner of Equity Advice and Later Life Academy Stuart Wilson.
Wilson said: “The LLA will ensure that every member can keep pace with the market and has the necessary skills and learning, plus the product and wider sector knowledge, in order to work effectively in this market.”
Members will be able to take an annual ‘LLA MOT’ to keep their product knowledge up to date, while the Academy runs modules on annuities and investments, equity release and long-term care, benefits and taxation, trusts, wills and planning and marketing.
Wilson added: “We want to engage and support with committed advisers who understand the need to continually learn and develop, and accept that this requires resource and investment on their part.”
Training is available on either a full or half day basis, with joining fees starting at £20 per person. The Academy aims to have over 250 members in its first year.
Equity Advice were launched in 2006 to support members of its Equity Release Club, which has over 3,500 members including a core membership of around 500 equity release advisers.
Simon Little, managing director of Autumn Life Retirement Services, said: “It is pleasing to see a proposition actually being delivered that will undoubtedly add great value to this sector for those advisers looking to engage more fully with their customers.”
The Later Life Academy will work with a number of provider Ambassadors, who will develop and offer modules in areas such as trusts, wills and estate planning.
Investment Platform Skandia have been introduced as the first Ambassador, while more are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Robert Champion, retirement product lead at Skandia, said: “As Ambassadors we are looking forward to helping advisers demonstrate their value by assisting with the delivery of training, tools and support which will ultimately improve consumer outcomes.”
