Sesame defends networks' RDR record

Sesame has defended itself against accusations networks are not doing enough to help members reach the Level 4 qualifications required under the RDR.

Last week, training provider Competent Adviser urged networks to address the extra support needed for advisers to reach the correct level.

Gillian Tait, director at Competent Adviser, says there is an urgent need to identify and address any potential memory gaps that exist prior to the start of studying at Level 4, along with an ongoing requirement to provide hands-on support to advisers throughout their studies.

However, Sesame has hit back and says it is recognising a lot of advisers are going to need extra help during this time and is making plans to help them.

Neil Walkling, head of compliance at Sesame, says the first step for the company is trying to work out the needs of members.

"We have thousands of members across the country all at different stages and their needs are different. Therefore we are carrying out an online survey audit exercise towards the end of March, where we will ask our members questions about what point they are starting from, what qualifications they already have and what route they are going down."

Walkling says the results of the survey, which will be collected at the end of April, will help the company focus its support on the areas where its members need help.

The network is also looking at the kind of exam packages they can put together to help support members even further.

"One of the things we are looking at is discounted access to distance learning study aids material, like audio CDs or correspondence courses," Walkling explains.

"Sesame will be able to use its buying power to get a better deal for our members than they could get for themselves if they bought them straight from the CII or other suppliers."

He says they are also planning to put together packages that include face to face learning: "We recognise people like learning in this way and we are working on it."

Walkling says one of the main challenges facing advisers will be getting used to exam techniques.

"Most advisers are used to the multi-choice based exams which are used for Level 3, whereas some of the Level 4 exams require short written answers," he says.

"A lot of it is realising what examiners are looking for in the answer. There is a temptation to write a load of waffle when all you really need is some bullet points. A lot of it is exam technique and we recognise we need to include something about this in our revision packages," he adds.