The Chartered Insurance Institute and insurer Scottish Widows are to link-up to produce a 'professionalism package'.

The CII is setting up, in collaboration with the insurer, extensive learning material and support, such as model answer papers, e-learning and face-to-face training.

It signals a major step forward in terms of raising professional levels between a leading provider in the independent financial advice sector and the CII.

CII group chief executive Sandy Scott said: "The strategic partnership between the CII and Scottish Widows will implement a package of professionalism to support the sector through the transition from Certificate level to Diploma.

"This support will benefit those advisers who are facing the challenges of a post RDR (Retail Distribution Review)."

Commenting on the tie-up, Andy Briggs, from Scottish Widows, said that professional development in the financial services sector was a "hot topic" at the moment and the new programme would offer support to advisers who were studying for the CII qualification

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