Symponia has launched a long term care (LTC) academy with a view to supporting specialist long term care advisers and raising standards of financial advice for the elderly.
The body for care fees planning professionals said this follows new FSA guidelines which state that IFAs who are not qualified in long term care must refer clients to advisers who are.
The Academy will also provide an interactive online community for members, in addition to regional hands-on workshops designed to enhance advisers' competency.
The agenda will include; writing Immediate Care Plans, Planning Ahead, Presentation Skills and Account Management and Ghost Report Writing.
Janet Davies, joint managing director of Symponia, said: "The recent FSA statement, after months of deliberating and stalling finally paves the way for a new beginning; one where long term care is given its rightful place and where non-qualified - and non-interested - advisers have to refer to others.
"But those qualified advisers receiving the referrals must make sure they are at the top of their game, understand the legislation, the processes and know exactly how to respond to the clients of their colleagues.
"Each of the workshops answers specific needs faced by advisers every day, giving them the confidence and authority to broach difficult and unpalatable subjects."
For a list of regional workshops during 2012:
[email protected]
