Following the initial success of the Government’s Train to Gain initiative, the funding for many financial advisers to obtain ISO 22222 has been extended for a further year.
The continued availability of this Government funding means some advisers may only have to pay around a third of the cost of obtaining ISO 22222 certification - a fee of £437.50 instead of £1,375.
Applications for this funding stream were due to come to an end this month but have now been extended to August 2010.
However, it is important that advisers apply as soon as possible because the Government has confirmed it has capped the amount of workplace training it will support in some UK areas - after being swamped by demand. This means that advisers could miss out if they don’t apply soon.
Standards International, the UK’s leading certification body for ISO 22222, has welcomed the news as a "real boost for the adviser community" and suggested that continued funding should lead to a rise in the number of advisers gaining this important certification.
Michelle Hoskin, Business Development Director at Standards international said, “Advisers are increasingly seeking to gain certification for this international standard.
“The reasons for doing so range from the fact that the standard can help to improve performance and compliance and standardises good working practices to the fact it can help with profile raising and lead to improved sales and marketing opportunities.
“Whatever the reasons for seeking ISO 22222, being able to receive significant financial assistance will certainly make the standard even more attractive. This is a real boost to the adviser community and given the potential Government cap on funding I’d urge all advisers to make an application ASAP.”
An eligibility application form can be obtained from the Standards International web site at: www.standardsinternational.co.uk or by calling Standards International on 01462 790894.
