Toronto – May 4, 2010 � The CLU Institute’s CE Accreditation Independent Advisory Council met for the first time as a group late last week. This new group will provide oversight, guidance and input on strategic direction for The CLU Institute’s CE Accreditation Service.
“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.”
At the first meeting, the group 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.
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.
Advisory Council members include: Gerry Matier, British Columbia Insurance Council; Ron Fullan, Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan; John Wickett, Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC); Sam Albanese, Centre for Financial Services, Seneca College; Mike Steele, Manulife; Frank R. Tooton, Chartered Financial Consultant. The group will meet quarterly to provide guidance on emerging issues. Helping to facilitate the process is Dr. Tony Lam, Associate Professor, University of Toronto (OISE/UT).
“The Advisory Council is one more level of assurance for CE providers, advisors, designationgranting bodies and regulators that the accredited programs meet the needs of advisors and planners,” continued Mr. Pollock.
About CLU Institute
The CLU Institute is a professional standards body and is responsible for administering and enforcing a Code of Professional Conduct for its members. The Institute is also the accreditation, education, disciplinary and marketing body for the CLU and RHU designations in Canada. CLU-designated advisors and planners are specialists in advanced life insurance applications, tax, estate planning and business succession solutions. Advisors and planners with the RHU designation have completed advanced educational courses in living benefits. For more information about the CLU Institute, please visit www.cluinstitute.ca
