Learning & Development Consultant - Ascot Lloyd in London

Role title: Learning & Development Consultant

Reports to: Head of Learning & Skills Development

Location: One of regional offices

Hours of work: 35 hours p/w (with flexibility to meet deadlines as required)

SMCR Function: Conduct

Purpose of role

To deliver Learning and Development (L&D) initiatives across Ascot Lloyd, supporting client-facing and client-supporting teams, including Advisers, Paraplanners, and Administrators, as well as wider business services functions. To ensure L&D activity aligns with organisational goals, regulatory requirements, and the evolving needs of the business, enhancing capability, performance, and employee engagement. To act as a trusted partner to stakeholders across the organisation, shaping and embedding a culture of continuous learning and professional development. To contribute to the design and implementation of enterprise-wide learning programmes, including leadership development, onboarding, compliance, and technical training. To provide strategic insight through meaningful management information and evaluation, demonstrating the impact and value of L&D activity across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement and evaluate learning interventions that meet the diverse needs of client-facing, client-supporting, and business services teams.
• Partner with stakeholders, including team leaders, department heads, and HR Business Partners, to co-create L&D programmes that support strategic business objectives and future capability needs.
• Conduct targeted learning needs analyses across functions to inform the design of effective training plans and development pathways.
• Create engaging, innovative learning content that drives knowledge transfer, behavioural change, and improved performance.
• Lead the design and delivery of induction programmes for new joiners and acquired colleagues, ensuring consistent onboarding experiences aligned with company standards.
• Deliver tailored coaching and training support to individuals and teams, addressing identified performance gaps and supporting career development.
• Develop training materials to support product launches, regulatory changes, and process updates, ensuring clarity and consistency across the business.
• Apply a blended learning approach using face-to-face, virtual, and digital delivery methods to maximise accessibility and impact.
• Evaluate training effectiveness using agreed KPIs and feedback mechanisms, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain current knowledge of internal policies, regulatory frameworks, and industry developments, sharing relevant updates with oversight bodies and stakeholders.
• Produce and present management information (MI) and insights to demonstrate the value and impact of L&D activity.
• Ensure all learning activity complies with regulatory standards and supports a culture of professionalism and ethical practice.
• Build strong relationships across the organisation, acting as a coach and trusted advisor to support learning and development at all levels.
• Manage L&D budgets effectively, ensuring cost-efficient delivery and accurate reporting of expenditure.
• Collaborate with the Adviser Academy team to shape and deliver structured learning programmes, including technical and behavioural development.
• Facilitate Academy modules and broader learning initiatives, supporting the development of future talent and succession planning.

SM&CR Responsibilities

As an FCA regulated Company, Ascot Lloyd are required to adhere to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR), to develop a culture where employees take personal responsibility for their own actions.

Individual Conduct Rules

• You must act with integrity
• You must act with due care, skill and diligence
• You must be open and co-operative with the FCA, PRA and other regulators
• You must pay due regard to the interests of customers and treat them fairly
• You must observe proper standards of market conduct
• You must act to deliver good outcomes for clients

Experience / Skills Required

Essential

• Diploma qualified or Chartered
• Strong financial services product knowledge
• Solid awareness of FCA regulation and compliance within the financial services industry
• Proven experience in designing and delivering financial planning training and coaching
• Experience facilitating learning programmes for diverse roles and levels, including leadership and technical pathways
• Ability to train on various software platforms, including Intelligent Office (IO), risk profiling tools, and research systems
• Effective self-management and a proactive approach to work
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet agreed deadlines
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ownership and delivery of training and development strategies
• High standards of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders
• Well-developed organisational and planning capabilities
• Willingness to travel across the UK as required

Desirable

• Formal training qualification (e.g. CIPD, TAP, TPMA), or willingness to obtain
• Experience with digital learning design tools, particularly Articulate 360
• Up-to-date awareness of current and emerging training technologies and digital learning trends