In an increasingly complex financial environment, St. James’s Place believe high-quality, relationship-based advice is important for everyone.
As a FTSE 100 company with in excess of £150 billion of funds under management, St. James’s Place is well established as the UK’s leading advice-led wealth management business. They promote their trusted advice exclusively through the St. James’s Place Partnership, with whom they enjoy a close and symbiotic relationship. As a business, their focus is on providing the Partnership with the tools and support advisers need to build sustainable businesses and develop long- term client relationships.
Their purpose is clear: ‘To give you the confidence to create the future you want’.
By “you”, they mean all of their stakeholders: employees, their advisers, the partnership, clients, shareholders and society. What connects this community is a common goal of delivering financial wellbeing in a world worth living in.
Whether you are new to financial services or already have experience, SJP Academy programme will help you gain the right qualifications and skills.
With over 30 years of experience in supporting their Partnership to thrive, the Academy was first launched in 2012 to train new advisers. It is now the leading training programme to develop the qualifications, knowledge, and practical skills required to deliver high-quality advice to clients.
Upon completion of the training, newly qualified advisers will have the opportunity to either start a successful business or career within an existing Partner practice.
Their programme is a full-time commitment and lasts between 12 and 24 months, depending on your progress. It moves from immersible, on demand learning to supported learning and practical application. Their approach is industry-leading, using cutting-edge technology blended with ‘real-world’ exposure and support.
About the qualification
To give financial advice in the UK, you need to hold a Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. They have partnered with the Chartered Insurance Institute examination body. Their industry-recognised qualification is made up of six exams: R01 to R06.
Although it was difficult, there wasn’t any point that i regretted it. I knew that the business would come if I worked hard enough, and I knew that I didn’t want to get back to production or to work for anybody else.
Emily Man, Film Director to Financial Adviser
Nothing in my education or previous career pointed me towards becoming a financial adviser. But having now taken this route I have in fact applied most of my skills to this career; my sporting worth ethic combined with my passion for teaching has really benefitted me in my own business.
Olly Biddulph, Financial Adviser & Academy candidate
I feel that with this new role I can have greater impact than I have done before. And the sense of belonging to something which the SJP umbrella offers means I’m not entirely on my own. This vision I have for my business feels achievable.
Stephanie Smith, Pilates Practitioner to Financial Adviser
In an increasingly complex financial environment, St. James’s Place believe high-quality, relationship-based advice is important for everyone.
As a FTSE 100 company with in excess of £150 billion of funds under management, St. James’s Place is well established as the UK’s leading advice-led wealth management business. They promote their trusted advice exclusively through the St. James’s Place Partnership, with whom they enjoy a close and symbiotic relationship. As a business, their focus is on providing the Partnership with the tools and support advisers need to build sustainable businesses and develop long- term client relationships.
Their purpose is clear: ‘To give you the confidence to create the future you want’.
By “you”, they mean all of their stakeholders: employees, their advisers, the partnership, clients, shareholders and society. What connects this community is a common goal of delivering financial wellbeing in a world worth living in.
Whether you are new to financial services or already have experience, SJP Academy programme will help you gain the right qualifications and skills.
With over 30 years of experience in supporting their Partnership to thrive, the Academy was first launched in 2012 to train new advisers. It is now the leading training programme to develop the qualifications, knowledge, and practical skills required to deliver high-quality advice to clients.
Upon completion of the training, newly qualified advisers will have the opportunity to either start a successful business or career within an existing Partner practice.
Their programme is a full-time commitment and lasts between 12 and 24 months, depending on your progress. It moves from immersible, on demand learning to supported learning and practical application. Their approach is industry-leading, using cutting-edge technology blended with ‘real-world’ exposure and support.
About the qualification
To give financial advice in the UK, you need to hold a Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. They have partnered with the Chartered Insurance Institute examination body. Their industry-recognised qualification is made up of six exams: R01 to R06.
Although it was difficult, there wasn’t any point that i regretted it. I knew that the business would come if I worked hard enough, and I knew that I didn’t want to get back to production or to work for anybody else.
Nothing in my education or previous career pointed me towards becoming a financial adviser. But having now taken this route I have in fact applied most of my skills to this career; my sporting worth ethic combined with my passion for teaching has really benefitted me in my own business.
I feel that with this new role I can have greater impact than I have done before. And the sense of belonging to something which the SJP umbrella offers means I’m not entirely on my own. This vision I have for my business feels achievable.
Become a financial planner
Typical Earnings
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Information and Culture
This is SJP’s chance to work together to determine the right goals for you, whether that’s aiming to start a business or to join an existing one.
SJP take the time to listen and consider your background and ambitions, helping you to discover the right path, and providing you with resources and guidance to support your application.
They are looking for candidates with the right attributes to help clients and to meet their needs. based on their 10 years’ experience of delivering first class client outcomes, the application process is designed to attract the candidates they’re looking for. It helps them make the most informed decision, while preparing you for the commitment you will be making to yourself and your training.
How it works:
- Initial meeting – Identifying your drivers for success, strengths, weaknesses and transferable skills.
- Development plan meeting – Attending an event to further your understanding of SJP and creating your own personal development plan.
- Review meeting – SJP review your progress and help prepare you for your final meeting.
- Final meeting – A panel meeting with the experts who are supporting your application and an impartial Partnership Selection Manager.
Key qualities they are looking for:
P – Personal Impact
R – Resilience
I – Integrity
D – Drive
E – Empathy
The programme is split into four terms, designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become a financial adviser.
Term 1 – For those not already qualified, your journey starts here.
Gain professional qualifications
Secure the core technical knowledge needed to become a financial adviser.
A 3 month term with on-demand learning as well as face-to-face support designed to help you complete your Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- Engaging, accessible, accredited learning content.
- Online modules, virtual classrooms and live drop-in surgeries.
- Support form industry-leading experts and mentors.
- Bespoke study journey and support for learning differences.
- Access to the Academy’s online study portal, packed with learning tools.
At the end of terms 1, you’ll spend two weeks with your Academy Development Manager to review and reflect on your learning so far.
Term 2 – For those already qualified, your journey starts here.
Train to advise clients
Build on your technical knowledge and further develop your skills for working with clients
A 3 month term that provides you with the confidence and knowledge needed to deliver goal-based financial planning to clients.
- World-leading learning technology with virtual reality headsets for a truly immersive training experience.
- Inclusive, flexible digital learning – including box sets and podcasts delivered by industry experts.
- Live virtual training sessions delivered by experts.
One day each week in a successful financial advice business, enabling you to turn theoretical knowledge into practical application.
Term 3 – Achieve Competent Adviser Status
Start seeing clients and demonstrate your ability to provide advice.
A 3 to 6 month term with workplace learning, delivered via structured development, observations and shadowing as you meet clients for the first time.
- Meet clients and further your skills under supervision until you reach Competent Adviser Status and receive a Statement of Professional Standing.
- Receive training in advisery and client acquisition skills.
- Learn commercial skills and how to grow a business or develop your own client relationship within one of our existing businesses.
Term 4 – Grow a sustainable business
Establish a sustainable business and graduate from the Academy
A 4 to 6 month term that offers you practical, hands-on leaning alongside tailored classes to support your continued development.
- Continued support via your Academy Development Manager and a St. James’s Place mentor who is an existing Adviser within our partnership.
- Focus on the right learning at the right time for you.
- A series of core and elective modules.
The support and guidance offered throughout the Financial Adviser Academy doesn’t stop once you have completed the programme. St. James’s Place will provide unrivalled support to you in your new business or career.
Your career development
- A development manager throughout your career.
- Continued professional development.
- A community of like-minded individuals.
- Shared expertise and continued learning.
Meritocracy
Efforts are reflected in your rewards
Opportunity
50,000 advisers needed to fill the ‘advice gap’
Autonomy
Grow the career or business that suits you.
Connections
A meaningful career helping others by supporting clients.
The St. James’s Place Academy is full time.
You will be given a timetable and all the learning tools, including online workbooks, virtual reality practise sessions, online quiz’s/ videos etc.
If you’re setting up your own partner practice, you will be given £1000 per month for the first 3 months for financial support when passing your exams.
In term 2, you then go up to £2000 per month.
If you’re looking to join an existing practice, you will have an initial meeting with that firm to arrange financial support, possibly a salary if you’re employed.
They will take time to understand your position and find the right practise which suits you, to the level that you need.
On your marks, get set, go!
International Day Of Charity gives the opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness around the many charitable issues and fundraising activities that are happening all over the world.
In August, members of the Academy team came together for a charity sports day in aid of the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation. The Foundation was set up in 1992 as a way for SJP staff and advisers to give back in their communities.
The Foundation
This year marks 30 years of the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, and what a 30 years it has been!
The Foundation was set up in 1992 as a way for SJP staff and advisers to give back in their communities. 30 years on with the support of the SJP community and £1 for £1 matching from the company the Foundation has raised £116m for charities and become one of the largest corporate foundations in the UK.
“I’m so proud to work for a company that places such a huge emphasis on giving back to those less fortunate than us. Let’s keep pushing for the last part of this year, making the effort to do our bit, and striving towards a world worth living in.”
Damian Bradbury, Establishment Director SJP
The St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation funds small and medium sized charities across the UK and overseas working with children who are disadvantaged physically, socially or economically. We also fund hospices, mental health charities and cancer support charities.
They aim to make positive and lasting change to people’s lives and have already directly supported millions of people around the world.
SJP’s long-term and holistic approach to charity partnerships enables them to create transformational and sustainable change in organisations that will benefit people for years to come.
- £115m raised since 1992
- 4,000+ charities who have been awarded grants
- 2.43m people directly supported
- 64% of beneficiaries have experienced substantive or transformational change through their funding
St. James’s Place their vision is to create a vibrant place to work where difference is recognised as a strength and where talented people can flourish and achieve their highest potential. They know that talent is not dictated by race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, social class or background.
SJP understand that diverse teams and inclusive environments provide the foundations for creativity, innovation and business growth. That’s why they aim to attract, retain and develop the best people from all walks of life and from all backgrounds. Their focus is on building a community with equal opportunities where everyone has clarity of purpose and feels valued.
“We’re very fortunate to have an executive board who are 100% committed to inclusion and diversity at St. James’s Place.”
Vicki Foster,Head of Inclusion & Diversity, St. James’s Place
Their Approach
SJP believe in the value of difference and know that cultivating an inclusive culture helps us to benefit from those differences. Attracting, retaining and developing a diverse workforce is central to their approach. Quite simply, inclusion and diversity are vital ingredients to the future success of the business.
A diverse community of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and with a range of experiences, skills and approaches, will help better understand and meet the needs of clients, making the business stronger and driving creativity, innovation and continued growth. This is why creating an inclusive workplace and improving diversity around the Board table, across the employee base and the Partnership is a strategic priority for them.
Accountability starts at the top. The SJP Executive leadership team are committed to driving the change needed for them to harness the benefits of a truly inclusive and diverse business.
Gender pay equality
This is SJP’s chance to work together to determine the right goals for you, whether that’s aiming to start a business or to join an existing one.
SJP take the time to listen and consider your background and ambitions, helping you to discover the right path, and providing you with resources and guidance to support your application.
They are looking for candidates with the right attributes to help clients and to meet their needs. based on their 10 years’ experience of delivering first class client outcomes, the application process is designed to attract the candidates they’re looking for. It helps them make the most informed decision, while preparing you for the commitment you will be making to yourself and your training.
How it works:
- Initial meeting – Identifying your drivers for success, strengths, weaknesses and transferable skills.
- Development plan meeting – Attending an event to further your understanding of SJP and creating your own personal development plan.
- Review meeting – SJP review your progress and help prepare you for your final meeting.
- Final meeting – A panel meeting with the experts who are supporting your application and an impartial Partnership Selection Manager.
Key qualities they are looking for:
P – Personal Impact
R – Resilience
I – Integrity
D – Drive
E – Empathy
The programme is split into four terms, designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become a financial adviser.
Term 1 – For those not already qualified, your journey starts here.
Gain professional qualifications
Secure the core technical knowledge needed to become a financial adviser.
A 3 month term with on-demand learning as well as face-to-face support designed to help you complete your Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- Engaging, accessible, accredited learning content.
- Online modules, virtual classrooms and live drop-in surgeries.
- Support form industry-leading experts and mentors.
- Bespoke study journey and support for learning differences.
- Access to the Academy’s online study portal, packed with learning tools.
At the end of terms 1, you’ll spend two weeks with your Academy Development Manager to review and reflect on your learning so far.
Term 2 – For those already qualified, your journey starts here.
Train to advise clients
Build on your technical knowledge and further develop your skills for working with clients
A 3 month term that provides you with the confidence and knowledge needed to deliver goal-based financial planning to clients.
- World-leading learning technology with virtual reality headsets for a truly immersive training experience.
- Inclusive, flexible digital learning – including box sets and podcasts delivered by industry experts.
- Live virtual training sessions delivered by experts.
One day each week in a successful financial advice business, enabling you to turn theoretical knowledge into practical application.
Term 3 – Achieve Competent Adviser Status
Start seeing clients and demonstrate your ability to provide advice.
A 3 to 6 month term with workplace learning, delivered via structured development, observations and shadowing as you meet clients for the first time.
- Meet clients and further your skills under supervision until you reach Competent Adviser Status and receive a Statement of Professional Standing.
- Receive training in advisery and client acquisition skills.
- Learn commercial skills and how to grow a business or develop your own client relationship within one of our existing businesses.
Term 4 – Grow a sustainable business
Establish a sustainable business and graduate from the Academy
A 4 to 6 month term that offers you practical, hands-on leaning alongside tailored classes to support your continued development.
- Continued support via your Academy Development Manager and a St. James’s Place mentor who is an existing Adviser within our partnership.
- Focus on the right learning at the right time for you.
- A series of core and elective modules.
The support and guidance offered throughout the Financial Adviser Academy doesn’t stop once you have completed the programme. St. James’s Place will provide unrivalled support to you in your new business or career.
Your career development
- A development manager throughout your career.
- Continued professional development.
- A community of like-minded individuals.
- Shared expertise and continued learning.
Meritocracy
Efforts are reflected in your rewards
Opportunity
50,000 advisers needed to fill the ‘advice gap’
Autonomy
Grow the career or business that suits you.
Connections
A meaningful career helping others by supporting clients.
The St. James’s Place Academy is full time.
You will be given a timetable and all the learning tools, including online workbooks, virtual reality practise sessions, online quiz’s/ videos etc.
If you’re setting up your own partner practice, you will be given £1000 per month for the first 3 months for financial support when passing your exams.
In term 2, you then go up to £2000 per month.
If you’re looking to join an existing practice, you will have an initial meeting with that firm to arrange financial support, possibly a salary if you’re employed.
They will take time to understand your position and find the right practise which suits you, to the level that you need.
On your marks, get set, go!
International Day Of Charity gives the opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness around the many charitable issues and fundraising activities that are happening all over the world.
In August, members of the Academy team came together for a charity sports day in aid of the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation. The Foundation was set up in 1992 as a way for SJP staff and advisers to give back in their communities.
The Foundation
This year marks 30 years of the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, and what a 30 years it has been!
The Foundation was set up in 1992 as a way for SJP staff and advisers to give back in their communities. 30 years on with the support of the SJP community and £1 for £1 matching from the company the Foundation has raised £116m for charities and become one of the largest corporate foundations in the UK.
“I’m so proud to work for a company that places such a huge emphasis on giving back to those less fortunate than us. Let’s keep pushing for the last part of this year, making the effort to do our bit, and striving towards a world worth living in.”
Damian Bradbury, Establishment Director SJP
The St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation funds small and medium sized charities across the UK and overseas working with children who are disadvantaged physically, socially or economically. We also fund hospices, mental health charities and cancer support charities.
They aim to make positive and lasting change to people’s lives and have already directly supported millions of people around the world.
SJP’s long-term and holistic approach to charity partnerships enables them to create transformational and sustainable change in organisations that will benefit people for years to come.
- £115m raised since 1992
- 4,000+ charities who have been awarded grants
- 2.43m people directly supported
- 64% of beneficiaries have experienced substantive or transformational change through their funding
St. James’s Place their vision is to create a vibrant place to work where difference is recognised as a strength and where talented people can flourish and achieve their highest potential. They know that talent is not dictated by race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, social class or background.
SJP understand that diverse teams and inclusive environments provide the foundations for creativity, innovation and business growth. That’s why they aim to attract, retain and develop the best people from all walks of life and from all backgrounds. Their focus is on building a community with equal opportunities where everyone has clarity of purpose and feels valued.
“We’re very fortunate to have an executive board who are 100% committed to inclusion and diversity at St. James’s Place.”
Vicki Foster,Head of Inclusion & Diversity, St. James’s Place
Their Approach
SJP believe in the value of difference and know that cultivating an inclusive culture helps us to benefit from those differences. Attracting, retaining and developing a diverse workforce is central to their approach. Quite simply, inclusion and diversity are vital ingredients to the future success of the business.
A diverse community of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and with a range of experiences, skills and approaches, will help better understand and meet the needs of clients, making the business stronger and driving creativity, innovation and continued growth. This is why creating an inclusive workplace and improving diversity around the Board table, across the employee base and the Partnership is a strategic priority for them.
Accountability starts at the top. The SJP Executive leadership team are committed to driving the change needed for them to harness the benefits of a truly inclusive and diverse business.
Gender pay equality
So what are you waiting for?