Role title: Learning & Development Consultant
Reports to: Head of Learning & Skills Development
Location: One of regional offices
Hours of work: 35 hours p/w (with flexibility to meet deadlines as required)
SMCR Function: Conduct
Purpose of role
- To deliver Learning and Development (L&D) initiatives across Ascot Lloyd, supporting client-facing and client-supporting teams, including Advisers, Paraplanners, and Administrators, as well as wider business services functions.
- To ensure L&D activity aligns with organisational goals, regulatory requirements, and the evolving needs of the business, enhancing capability, performance, and employee engagement.
- To act as a trusted partner to stakeholders across the organisation, shaping and embedding a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
- To contribute to the design and implementation of enterprise-wide learning programmes, including leadership development, onboarding, compliance, and technical training.
- To provide strategic insight through meaningful management information and evaluation, demonstrating the impact and value of L&D activity across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, implement and evaluate learning interventions that meet the diverse needs of client-facing, client-supporting, and business services teams.
- Partner with stakeholders, including team leaders, department heads, and HR Business Partners, to co-create L&D programmes that support strategic business objectives and future capability needs.
- Conduct targeted learning needs analyses across functions to inform the design of effective training plans and development pathways.
- Create engaging, innovative learning content that drives knowledge transfer, behavioural change, and improved performance.
- Lead the design and delivery of induction programmes for new joiners and acquired colleagues, ensuring consistent onboarding experiences aligned with company standards.
- Deliver tailored coaching and training support to individuals and teams, addressing identified performance gaps and supporting career development.
- Develop training materials to support product launches, regulatory changes, and process updates, ensuring clarity and consistency across the business.
- Apply a blended learning approach using face-to-face, virtual, and digital delivery methods to maximise accessibility and impact.
- Evaluate training effectiveness using agreed KPIs and feedback mechanisms, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Maintain current knowledge of internal policies, regulatory frameworks, and industry developments, sharing relevant updates with oversight bodies and stakeholders.
- Produce and present management information (MI) and insights to demonstrate the value and impact of L&D activity.
- Ensure all learning activity complies with regulatory standards and supports a culture of professionalism and ethical practice.
- Build strong relationships across the organisation, acting as a coach and trusted advisor to support learning and development at all levels.
- Manage L&D budgets effectively, ensuring cost-efficient delivery and accurate reporting of expenditure.
- Collaborate with the Adviser Academy team to shape and deliver structured learning programmes, including technical and behavioural development.
- Facilitate Academy modules and broader learning initiatives, supporting the development of future talent and succession planning.
SM&CR Responsibilities
As an FCA regulated Company, Ascot Lloyd are required to adhere to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR), to develop a culture where employees take personal responsibility for their own actions.
Individual Conduct Rules
- You must act with integrity
- You must act with due care, skill and diligence
- You must be open and co-operative with the FCA, PRA and other regulators
- You must pay due regard to the interests of customers and treat them fairly
- You must observe proper standards of market conduct
- You must act to deliver good outcomes for clients
Essential
Experience / Skills Required
- Diploma qualified or Chartered
- Strong financial services product knowledge
- Solid awareness of FCA regulation and compliance within the financial services industry
- Proven experience in designing and delivering financial planning training and coaching
- Experience facilitating learning programmes for diverse roles and levels, including leadership and technical pathways
- Ability to train on various software platforms, including Intelligent Office (IO), risk profiling tools, and research systems
- Effective self-management and a proactive approach to work
- Ability to prioritise workload and meet agreed deadlines
- Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ownership and delivery of training and development strategies
- High standards of accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders
- Well-developed organisational and planning capabilities
- Willingness to travel across the UK as required
Desirable
- Formal training qualification (e.g. CIPD, TAP, TPMA), or willingness to obtain
- Experience with digital learning design tools, particularly Articulate 360
- Up-to-date awareness of current and emerging training technologies and digital learning trends
