The FSA announces the formation of the Training Advisory Panel

The Training Advisory Panel has principally been established to advise the FSA on:

policies and arrangements for the assessment of competence and the promotion of training within authorised businesses; approval of examinations for regulatory purposes; and the encouragement of appropriate standards of competence in the industry at large. Commenting on the formation of the Panel, Phillip Thorpe, Managing Director, said:

"Training and Competence plays a key role in consumer protection. Training is and has to be an ongoing and developing process and firms owe it to their customers to offer the highest possible standards. I am delighted we have been able to form a Panel with such extensive expertise. This reflects the FSAs commitment to draw on the experience of those in industry, education and with consumer interests to assist in the shaping and future direction of Training and Competence".

Notes for editors

TAP is chaired by David Jackman, Head of Industry Training.

In addition to the Chairman, TAP will consist of 14 practitioners and one consumer interest representative and four observers from educational and trade union backgrounds.

TAP will hold its first meeting in September 1999.

The Panel members are:

David Jackman Head of Industry Training, Financial Services Authority Alan Ainsworth Managing Director, Threadneedle Investment Managers Ltd Nick Ansell Managing Director, IFA Network Nicola Baker Executive Director, Goldman Sachs International Charles Bishop Partner, Cazenove & Co Roy Brimblecombe Principal & Actuary, Aon Consulting David Cassidy Chairman, Nelson Money Managers plc Edward Creasy Managing Director, Cassidy Davis Syndicate Management Ltd Keith Griffiths Group Training and Development Director, Robert Fleming & Co Ltd Simon Leeming Training and Compliance Officer, Virgin Direct Personal Financial Services Ltd Julie Lord Managing Director, Cavendish Financial Management Andy Purvis Assistant General Manager, Axa Sun Life Rob Rogers Compliance Officer, Royal Liver Assurance Ltd Jane Vass Independent Consumer Consultant Mike Watson Regional General Manager, Halifax plc

Observers:

Judith Compton Qualifications & Curriculum Authority Brian Humphrey Scottish Qualifications Authority Ekwaeju Ohwoisi Department for Education and Employment Ken Perry Confederation of Insurance Trade Unions