Each region will be overseen by a dedicated PTFS regional manager, who in turn will report to the head of sales development – also a new role.
At the same time, PTFS will evolve to incorporate a completely employed training and competence team, who will work alongside each regional manager.
Recruitment for all of these positions is currently underway, following September’s appointment to the board of Karen Pearson as HR director. PTFS aims to begin operating its new structure from early 2011.
The move comes after PTFS completed a detailed review of its current regional model, which operates via 16 regional support centres (RSCs).
At the moment most RSCs are themselves appointed representatives of PTFS, with a remit to provide local delivery of the community’s training and competence scheme, alongside ongoing support and development. The RSCs are also responsible for recruitment of new members to the PTFS community.
Doug Crawford, chief executive of PTFS, said: “There is no doubt that the decision to adopt a regional model two years ago was a strategically sound one. It has proved to be a key differentiator and allowed us to significantly increase productivity levels while providing regular, local support to our members.
“What this new structure will deliver is consistency and co-ordination of delivery. We recently undertook a detailed consultation process with our members, RSC principals and supplier partners, and the feedback was unanimous – in light of the rapidly changing financial services landscape, and particularly in anticipation of the RDR and MMR, they are looking to us for more technical support, more training and more consultancy.
“This new structure will allow us to provide a greater level of support to our community through a more controlled and co-ordinated delivery. The new model will continue to be supported by agency development, training, IT, compliance and other of our central functions. This will ensure that we continue to deliver what our members need to provide the best possible service to their clients.
“Of course, this is a significant piece of work, and we will be working with the principals of the RSCs over the coming months to ensure we deliver a smooth transition to the new structure.
“This a very exciting time for PTFS as we recruit a new sales team into a reinvigorated regional structure, so that we can continue to build the most supportive and values-driven financial services community in the industry.”
