Best Practice Associate

Equilibrium is more than just a Chartered Financial Planning company - were an award-winning, independent firm based in Handforth, Cheshire, with one clear purpose: making peoples lives better. Whether its our clients, our team, our community, or anyone who crosses our path We believe in creating a positive impact in everything we do.

Weve been named one of the top 10 companies to work for in the _Best Companies Top 100 List 2023_, and were the #2 Best Financial Services Company to work for in the UK. Plus, were proudly managing over £1.25bn in assets for our clients. Ready to be part of something big? This is where it all happens

Finding the right people is the secret to our success. We're incredibly proud of our amazing team and their dedication to excellence. Join us and you'll enjoy fantastic benefits, a challenging, exciting role, with boundless opportunities for growth and development. Were serious about what we do, we dont take ourselves too seriously though, and make time for fun along the way too

We do things differently at Equilibrium, which is why we have a Best Practice department instead of a traditional compliance team. We are now looking for an Associate to help drive excellence for our clients and team members. This varied role includes preparing KPI and management information, conducting pre-approval file checks, and performing post-sale thematic reviews. The Best Practice Associate will provide guidance on regulatory financial planning issues, ensuring compliance with standards and delivering good client outcomes. They will collaborate with internal teams, including Client Managers, Financial Planners, Investment, Marketing, and Finance, to enhance advice quality and maintain clear, fair, and accurate communications.

**To achieve this, our new Best Practice Associate will**:

- Conduct file and annual reviews to ensure the suitability of advice and adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies.
- Work with all areas of the business to embed the culture of Best Practice, Consumer Duty and Treating Customers Fairly.
- Where required, challenge existing policies and procedures to ensure Equilibrium continues to provide positive outcomes and improve efficiencies.
- Ensure financial promotions are clear, fair, accurate and not misleading to our clients and wider audiences. This includes an ongoing review of existing comms such as our website, articles and blogs to ensure continuing compliance in a changing landscape.
- Be involved in complaint handling in line with regulatory guidelines and Equilibriums standards.
- Develop, review, and update policies, procedures, and regulatory documentation to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Work with the Financial Planners and Client Managers to discuss the most appropriate financial strategies that meet the client's financial objectives and circumstances.
- Conduct thorough file reviews using company systems, technology, and wrap platforms to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
- Be responsible for the integrity of Equilibriums data, ensuring all data is inputted and maintained to the required standard, within agreed timescales.
- Be involved with relevant projects and perform ad hoc tasks as required.

**Qualifications**:

- Required - Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
- Ideally - Chartered Insurance Institute CII Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning or an equivalent qualification.

**At Equilibrium, we live our values through the following**:

- Integrity we treat everyone with respect, take responsibility for ourselves and what we do, and are open and authentic in all of our dealings.
- Growth we foster a growth mindset, with a curiosity and desire to learn and grow both professionally and personally.
- Simplicity we look for the clearest path to the best outcome, being adaptable in our approach. We are clear communicators with the ability to land a message appropriate to our audience.
- Excellence we will consistently work to high standards, showing great care and attention to detail in everything that we do.

**So why join us?**

At Equilibrium, the work environment is fast-paced. We have a hard-working, energetic team, who adapt to change easily. We are a friendly and supportive bunch, and Equilibriums culture is rooted in fun, collaboration, learning, and growth. We strive for excellence, setting high standards, while fully committing to supporting and nurturing your development, which means we expect your best but well also give you ours.

Helping people live the lives they want to live, look after those they love, and leave powerful legacies is part of the day job. We genuinely want to help create more choices and more freedom for our clients, ultimately making their lives, and the lives of those around them, better.

To support our team's development, we cover the costs of study materials and exam fees for relevant qualifications. Additionally,