The CISI will consider extending its offer of CPD hours for the Paraplanners Powwow to more events linked to the movement.

The professional body has become the first to offer CPD hours for the national event next month, saying it is in some ways “clearer to the true spirit of CPD” than more formal gatherings.

The unconventional conference is held inside teepees in Northamptonshire.

Having already made the move to offer CPD at the Powwow on 15 September, Financial Planning Today asked the CISI if it will be considering CPD hours for events linked to it, such as the mini Powwows around the UK.

Jacqueline Lockie CFPTM Chartered FSCI, said: “It will consider each on its merits but in principle there is no reason why we wouldn’t.”

Next month’s gathering will be the fourth national Powwow. It has become increasingly popular since launch in 2013 and has spawned various offshoots.

Ms Lockie said: “Unlike other events the delegates set the learning agenda and outcomes on the day.

“Different from the more formal, designed events most people are used to, but no less important a part of professional development. In some ways, it’s clearer to the true spirit of CPD as it is more likely to reflect each individual’s learning plan (if they have one).”

Asked by FP Today why the CISI decided to offer CPD hours for the Powwow, she said: “We were approached and asked to consider it by the organisers. They don’t have traditional learning outcomes in the way we assess with other events/activities, so it’s different to the usual approach we take. It’s the first time we’ve endorsed it for CPD, and it’s on the basis of the learning that has come out of previous events.”

No CISI managers or board members be attending the event on this occasion.

Ms Lockie said: “The Powwows are the preserve of a particular group of Paraplanners, and they generally make it clear that they want no intervention from outside agencies. The events are run by Paraplanners for Paraplanners.”

Following the merger with the IFP last year, the CISI set up a Professional Paraplanner Interest Group that is open to all Paraplanners, whether members or not. The group discusses and agrees what it would like to see the CISI do to help Paraplanning in future.

The ‘guru speaker’ at the national Paraplanners Powwow will be Rory Percival, the FCA technical specialist.

Topics for the sessions will range from dealing with the media and building a profile to communication and ‘gamification’ of reporting and cash-flow forecasting.

There will be tips about defined benefits scheme transfers and a compliance Q&A campfire covering the latest issues in regulation.

Other Powwow guests include ex-IFP board member Mel Holman, of Compliance and Training Solutions’, Preciousbluedot’s Lee Musgrave and Mark Betteridge, and Jones Sheridan’s Benjamin Fabi.

The day concludes with a 45-minute open discussion about topics voted for during the day by participants.

Tickets for the Powwow cost £25. See the Powwow website for details on getting a ticket to the event.