It's great to see that our events are hitting the spot for the Financial Planning community with the conference and all our events achieving unbelievably high praise from delegates and speakers alike. All will be developed further into 2015.
Why I believe that we deliver what members want is that IFP has a firm grip on the fact that we exist for our members, are run by our members, and involve our members in delivering what you want and need. We also work with corporate members operating across a wide range of products and services that are aligned with members' needs to help support our events and to help spread the word about Financial Planning.
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Our mission is to build the profession of Financial Planning for the benefit of consumers and so we need to let more financial planning professionals into the 'best kept secret in financial services' - the IFP!
All of our member research shows that we deliver great value and something different to other professional bodies, focused as we are on true Financial Planning and the highest professional standards. Our spread the word campaign was launched in October to encourage our members to talk to colleagues and other professionals about the value of membership. There is a lot of noise and confusion in the market place that we can cut through by enthusiastic members talking to others face to face.

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We don't know if there is an advice gap and look forward to some compelling evidence emerging either way, but let's say we fill whatever gap exists, I think we will then realise there is a Financial Planning gap. Delivering Financial Planning requires a process, skills and knowledge and so we've continued to develop our education programmes leading to both Accredited Paraplanner and CFPCM professional status. We've also developed the assessment processes for the level 4 Certificate in Paraplanning and Level 6 Diploma in Financial Planning Ofqual recognised qualifications that sit behind the designations. The education programme and the Diploma that now leads to CFP certification not only provides knowledge but also learning and skills that are of immediate use in delivering a successful Financial Planning proposition.
In 2015 we'll continue to deliver even more of what members need and want. We will look to build on the relationships with other professionals and trade bodies to enhance services to members and ultimately to the public.
In summary we will spread the word, support the development of skills and knowledge, and reduce the Financial Planning Gap. That's a happy new year!
Steve Gazzard
IFP Chief Executive