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Saffery Champness Registered Fiduciaries has been awarded a STEP Platinum Training Partner accreditation, making it one of only three Guernsey-based firms to hold the certification.
The accreditation is part of STEP’s employer training scheme designed to help employers of STEP students and members to plan and deliver the best possible learning experience.
The process of achieving the accreditation involved a detailed application process led by learning and development manager Viv Roussel and director and head of the firm’s business development, and STEP member, Lisa Vizia.
The application demonstrated how Saffery Champness meets all of the standards required by STEP at any given level and how the firm intends to continue building on its learning and development programme. It also evidenced the firm’s learning and development training policy, the personal development training programme for each STEP member and student as well as an appraisal document for those obtaining a STEP qualification.
In addition to reviewing the written assessment, STEP representatives interviewed staff members Greta Allman and Joe Smale to discuss the training and development offered by Saffery Champness.
Ms Allman, a trust manager, holds the STEP Diploma in International Trust Management while Mr Smale, a senior trust officer, holds the STEP Certificate in International Trust Management and is currently working towards the STEP Diploma.
“The accreditation is an opportunity to highlight our commitment to up-skilling our staff and providing the best service to our clients,” said Ms Roussel.
“As one of only three Guernsey-based firms to receive this accreditation, it is a great achievement for us to be recognised by such a well-respected and professional body.”
Jenni Hutchinson, head of employer engagement at STEP, said: “Through the application and interview process it was evident that Saffery Champness is committed to the development of its people.
“There was strong evidence of an open and supportive learning culture with the managing director himself having worked his way up through the organisation. It’s clear that staff feel motivated and valued which is reflected in the excellent staff retention rate.
“It is a well-deserved achievement and we are very much looking forward to working with the firm to ensure that they gain maximum benefit from the programme.”
In August 2015 Saffery Champness also had its Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Approved Employer status successfully renewed and upgraded from silver to platinum, recognising the firm’s trainee development, practising development and professional development for the firm’s ACCA members and trainees.
“As part of our firm’s key strategic objectives we recognise the need for well-trained employees and having the opportunity to develop their professional skills is a key source of motivation at our firm,” said Miss Vizia.
“Through high quality structured training and development practices, procedures and effective communication, we are committed to providing learning and development opportunities for our staff and this accreditation assists us in ensuring that our training and development meets a global, best practice benchmark.”
