The CLU Institute announced Tuesday that it has established a CE accreditation independent advisory council to provide oversight, guidance and input on strategic direction for the institute’s accreditation service.

The institute’s CE accreditation service provides an impartial review of CE programs that meet published guidelines. An institute-accredited education program means that the program has met a clear standard of educational quality and it is relevant for financial advisors and planners.

The council met for the first time as a group late last week. At the meeting they formalized a process to ensure that each of the groups represented on the council can provide feedback as the accreditation service evolves to meet the needs of the industry.

“Advisory Council members represent all groups that have a stake in the validity of the CE accreditation service that we provide the industry,” said Greg Pollock, The CLU Institute’s chief operating officer. “We need their voices at the table to ensure that our service continues to be current and relevant.”

Advisory council members include: Gerry Matier, British Columbia Insurance Council; Ron Fullan, Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan; John Wickett, Financial Planning Standards Council; Sam Albanese, Centre for Financial Services, Seneca College; Mike Steele, Manulife; Frank Tooton, Chartered Financial Consultant. Also helping to facilitate the process is Tony Lam, an associate professor at the University of Toronto.

The group will meet quarterly to provide guidance on emerging issues.

“The Advisory Council is one more level of assurance for CE providers, advisors, designation-granting bodies and regulators that the accredited programs meet the needs of advisors and planners,” said Pollock.

The CLU Institute is the accreditation, education, disciplinary and marketing body for the CLU and RHU designations in Canada, and is responsible for administering and enforcing a Code of Professional Conduct for its members.

IE