Firstly, thanks to all 214 members who took time to respond. We're your organisation, here to provide the services you tell us you want and value most.
It's essential therefore that we understand your views, what's working for you and what isn't, your likes and dislikes in order to know where you want us to focus our resources. Through this we aim to ensure you get the best possible value from your membership going forward.
One important question relates
to why you're an IFP member. In 2012, over 90 per cent reported that improving knowledge and Financial Planning skills are strong reasons, as was the case for sharing best practice and accessing Financial Planning qualifications. Since then we've introduced our new Integrated Financial Planning training programme and our first series of CPD workshops. Both have been extremely well received and we'll be doing lots more of these in future – unless you tell us otherwise of course!
So what's changing in the businesses of IFP members?
The biggest change was a 44 per cent rise in those viewing life planning as important or very important in their business, rising from 61 per cent in 2012 to a massive 88 per cent this year. Paraplanning is also on the up, with a 26 per cent rise in numbers deeming it to be important or very important to their business, from 65 per cent in 2012 to 82
per cent this year. Unsurprisingly, social media is on the rise, over
50 per cent rate it as important or very important to their business.
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We're pleased that more are using our CPD online platform – 45 per cent compared to 35 per cent last year. It's a real asset particularly if you're using the IFP as your Accredited Body.
Feedback on branch meetings also remains
very positive indeed, with the organisation, content, relevance and networking all scoring very highly.
The IFP Membership Committee is working on the feedback and developing a plan for 2014 to incorporate the key findings.