GPOD Wealth | IFA CPD Action Guide

Action Steps:

1. Review GPOD Amana's core ethical principles at GPOD's Ethical Investment Statement
2. Study the 5 pillars of GPOD's ethical wealth approach (Ethical Investments, Profit-Sharing Savings, Takaful & Protection, Islamic Home Finance, Legacy & Wills)
3. Complete the online course "Islamic Finance Fundamentals" by CISI (Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment) - CISI Islamic Finance
4. Book a virtual meeting with Sarah Khan, GPOD's Ethical Finance Specialist (sarah.khan@gpodwealth.co.uk) to discuss application of these values in your practice

Key Resources:

• GPOD Wealth Ethical Framework Document (internal document - request access from compliance@gpodwealth.co.uk)
• AAOIFI Shariah Standards Summary - AAOIFI Standards
• UK Islamic Finance Council Guide - IFC Guide

Expected Outcome:

Develop a clear understanding of GPOD's ethical investment principles and how they apply to financial advice. Create a one-page summary of these values to share with potential clients.

Products to Review:

1. GPOD Gas Well Fixed Return (6-8% p.a.)
   • Managed by: Adam Aziz, Investment Director
   • Contact: investments@gpodwealth.co.uk | 020 7123 4567
   • Minimum investment: £10,000
   • Terms: 2-5 years
   • Product documentation: GPOD Investment Tiers
2. Amber Energy Gas Well Fund (7.5% p.a.)
   • Managed by: Amber Energy Partners Ltd
   • Contact: Mohammed Rashid, Director | m.rashid@amberenergy.com | 0121 456 7890
   • Minimum investment: £25,000
   • Terms: 3-7 years
   • Product documentation available via secure portal (request access from compliance@gpodwealth.co.uk)
3. Tayyib Natural Resources Fund (5-9% p.a.)
   • Managed by: Tayyib Ethical Investments
   • Contact: Amina Hussein, Distribution Manager | a.hussein@tayyib-investments.com | 0161 789 0123
   • Minimum investment: £5,000
   • Terms: 1-10 years (tiered returns)
   • Shariyah Review Bureau certified
   • Product brochure: Request via email

Assessment Criteria:

• Shariah compliance certification and methodology
• Risk profile and capital protection measures
• Projected vs. historical returns analysis
• Fee structure and transparency
• Exit options and liquidity provisions
• Environmental and social impact assessment

Action Steps:

1. Request product documentation for all three products
2. Schedule product demonstrations with each provider
3. Complete the comparison matrix template (available in the GPOD Wealth adviser portal)
4. Attend the virtual product training session on GPOD Gas Well Fixed Return (held every Tuesday at 11am - register via the adviser portal)

Key Components to Include:

• Short-term savings solutions (0-2 years)
  • Al Rayan Bank Everyday Saver (Expected Profit Rate: 1.5-2.5%)
  • Gatehouse Bank Easy Access Account (Expected Profit Rate: 1.4-2.3%)
  • GPOD Digital Gold Savings (Asset-backed, no profit rate)
• Mid-term savings solutions (2-5 years)
  • GPOD Fixed Term Ethical Plan (Expected Profit Rate: 3-4.5%)
  • Wahed Invest Sukuk Fund (Expected Return: 3-5%)
  • Al Rayan Bank Fixed Term Deposit (Expected Profit Rate: 2.5-3.5%)

Template Resources:

• GPOD Ethical Savings Plan Template - Request via email
• Product comparison matrices from the GPOD Adviser Portal
• Cashflow modeling templates (CashCalc integration available)

Action Steps:

1. Download the GPOD Ethical Savings Plan Template
2. Research current expected profit rates for all listed products
3. Create client scenarios for different savings goals:
   • Emergency fund (3-6 months expenses)
   • Home deposit (3-5 years)
   • Hajj/pilgrimage funding (5 years)
   • Education fees (various timeframes)
4. Draft savings plans for each scenario using the template
5. Book a review session with Rahman Ali, GPOD's Savings Specialist (rahman.ali@gpodwealth.co.uk) to refine your approach

Key Documents to Review:

• FCA Handbook: Training and Competence (TC) section - FCA Handbook TC
• Personal Finance Society CPD Requirements - PFS CPD Requirements
• Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) CPD Guide - CII CPD Guide
• GPOD Compliance Guide for Ethical Finance Advisers (internal document - request from compliance@gpodwealth.co.uk)

Key Focus Areas:

• Minimum CPD requirements (35 hours annually, 21 structured)
• Recording and evidencing CPD activity
• Acceptable CPD categories and activities
• Special considerations for ethical/Shariah-compliant advice
• Consumer Duty requirements and implementation

Action Steps:

1. Schedule 3 hours of dedicated time to review all documents
2. Create a personal CPD policy document based on these requirements
3. Register for the next FCA update webinar (held monthly - register via the FCA website)
4. Schedule a 30-minute compliance check-in with Tariq Ahmed, GPOD Compliance Director (tariq.ahmed@gpodwealth.co.uk)

Components to Include:

• Your ethical finance value proposition
• Core client segments and their specific needs
• Key product and service offerings
• Fee structure and business model
• 12-month revenue and client acquisition targets
• Strategic partnerships (including GPOD Wealth)
• Marketing and client acquisition strategies

Resources:

• GPOD Business Vision Board Template - Request via email
• PFS Business Planning Guide - PFS Resources
• Access GPOD's market research on ethical finance client segments (available in the adviser portal)

Action Steps:

1. Schedule a 2-hour focused session to draft your vision board
2. Research local market opportunities for ethical finance
3. Book a review session with Zainab Wilson, GPOD's Business Development Manager (zainab.wilson@gpodwealth.co.uk)
4. Refine and finalize your vision board based on feedback

Key Contact:

• James Thompson, Senior SIPP Consultant
• Email: james.thompson@barnett-waddingham.co.uk
• Phone: 020 7776 2200
• Book a consultation: Appointment Booking

Research Areas:

• White Label SIPP structure and customization options
• Fee structure (platform, investment, administration)
• Available ethical/Shariah-compliant investment options
• Ethical screening process and methodologies
• Property investment options within SIPP
• Integration capabilities with back-office systems
• Adviser portal functionality and client-facing features

Key Documents to Request:

• White Label SIPP Terms & Conditions
• Fee Schedule (adviser and client versions)
• Investment Universe Guide
• Ethical Investment Policy
• Sample client illustrations

Action Steps:

1. Book initial consultation with James Thompson
2. Request all documentation prior to meeting
3. Prepare specific questions about ethical investment options
4. Inquire about GPOD Wealth partnership possibilities
5. Complete the SIPP Provider Evaluation Matrix (available in the adviser portal)

NEST Pension Review:

• Review NEST's ethical fund options:
  • NEST Ethical Fund
  • NEST Sharia Fund
• Website: NEST Ethical Fund
• Key aspects to research:
  • Fund composition and screening methodology
  • Historical performance
  • Fees and charges
  • Compatibility with personal ethical requirements
• Register for NEST Connect (adviser portal) to access detailed information

Pension Wise Review:

• Website: Pension Wise
• Review guidance on pension options at retirement
• Understand the service's limitations for ethical/Shariah-compliant advice
• Identify gaps where your specialized knowledge adds value
• Create a comparison document between standard Pension Wise guidance and specialized ethical pension advice

Action Steps:

1. Register for NEST Connect
2. Download fund factsheets and performance data
3. Complete a thorough review of both websites and services
4. Create a client-facing document explaining the ethical considerations of NEST funds
5. Book a knowledge-sharing session with Fatima Brooks, GPOD's Pension Specialist (fatima.brooks@gpodwealth.co.uk)

Software Solutions to Evaluate:

1. Intelliflo Office
   • Contact: sales@intelliflo.com | 0330 102 8402
   • Request a demo: Intelliflo Demo
   • Key features: CRM, client portal, integrations with multiple platforms
2. IRESS XPLAN
   • Contact: sales@iress.com | 020 7330 8000
   • Request a demo: XPLAN Demo
   • Key features: Comprehensive financial planning, client portal, compliance tools
3. Fintech Solutions
   • Products: Islamic Finance Reporting Suite, Ethical Investment Screener
   • Contact: Omar Khan, Director | omar.khan@fintechsolutions.co.uk | 0121 270 8300
   • Specializes in ethical finance reporting and compliance
4. Pulse360 Documentation Software
   • Website: Pulse360
   • Contact: support@pulse360.com
   • Key features: Client meeting notes, action items, customizable templates

Evaluation Criteria:

• Ethical investment screening capabilities
• SIPP management and reporting features
• Integration with product providers (especially Barnett Waddingham)
• Client portal functionality and user experience
• Compliance and record-keeping capabilities
• Cost structure and scalability
• Training and support options

Action Steps:

1. Book demos with all four providers
2. Request trial access where available
3. Complete the Software Comparison Matrix (available in the adviser portal)
4. Consult with GPOD's Technology Integration Manager, David Chen (david.chen@gpodwealth.co.uk)

Key Components to Include:

• Introduction to ethical/Shariah-compliant pension planning
• Available pension types (personal pension, SIPP, workplace)
• Screening methodology for investments
• Fee structure and service level agreement
• Case studies demonstrating outcomes
• Integration with broader financial planning
• Your unique value proposition

Resources:

• GPOD Ethical Pension Template - Request via email
• Islamic Finance Council Pension Guide - IFC Pension Guide
• GPOD Ethical Investment Screening Methodology (available in the adviser portal)
• Approved product provider materials (NEST, Barnett Waddingham, etc.)

Action Steps:

1. Gather all necessary resources and information
2. Draft the initial client offer deck using GPOD templates
3. Submit for review to GPOD's Marketing Compliance Team (marketing.compliance@gpodwealth.co.uk)
4. Revise based on feedback
5. Create a personalized version that reflects your practice

Article Components:

• Introduction to Islamic principles in retirement planning
• Explanation of riba (interest) and why it's problematic in conventional pensions
• Available halal pension options in the UK market
• Comparison between conventional and Shariah-compliant pensions
• Case study showing practical implementation
• Steps to convert existing pensions to Shariah-compliant options

Resources:

• GPOD Content Guidelines for Advisers (available in the adviser portal)
• Islamic Financial Planning Handbook by CISI
• PFS Good Practice Guide: Writing Financial Content
• GPOD Halal Pension FAQ Document (available in the adviser portal)

Action Steps:

1. Research and gather information for article content
2. Draft a 1,000-1,500 word article
3. Submit to GPOD's Content Team for review (content@gpodwealth.co.uk)
4. Revise based on feedback
5. Publish on your professional platforms and submit for inclusion in GPOD's adviser content library

Template Components:

• Standard factfind sections:
  • Personal information
  • Employment and income details
  • Assets and liabilities
  • Protection needs
  • Investment experience
  • Objectives and goals
• Ethical/Shariah-specific sections:
  • Ethical investment screening preferences
  • Shariah compliance requirements
  • Existing non-compliant investments (for conversion planning)
  • Zakat/charitable giving considerations
  • Family values and inheritance priorities

Resources:

• GPOD Ethical Factfind Base Template - Request via email
• PFS Factfind Best Practice Guide
• FCA Consumer Duty Guidance for Information Gathering
• CISI Islamic Finance Factfinding Guidelines

Action Steps:

1. Review all resource materials
2. Customize the GPOD base template to your practice needs
3. Add your branding and contact details
4. Create digital and print-friendly versions
5. Book a review session with Nadia Rahman, GPOD's Client Experience Manager (nadia.rahman@gpodwealth.co.uk)

CRM Options to Evaluate:

1. GPOD Adviser CRM
   • Contact: adviser.support@gpodwealth.co.uk | 020 7123 4567
   • Key features: Built-in ethical finance tools, GPOD product integration
   • Pricing: Free for GPOD partner advisers
2. Intelliflo Office
   • Contact: sales@intelliflo.com | 0330 102 8402
   • Key features: Comprehensive practice management, client portal
   • Pricing: From £200/month depending on firm size
3. IO Digital
   • Contact: sales@intelligentoffice.com | 0330 102 8402
   • Key features: Cloud-based, suitable for smaller practices
   • Pricing: From £150/month
4. Genovo
   • Contact: support@genovo.co.uk | 0845 872 5557
   • Website: Genovo
   • Key features: Report writing software with integration capabilities
   • Pricing: From £30/month per user

Evaluation Criteria:

• Core CRM functionality and usability
• Integration with ethical finance product providers
• Client portal and digital factfind capabilities
• Report writing and document generation
• Compliance tracking and record-keeping
• Cost and value for money
• Training and support options

Action Steps:

1. Book demonstrations with all providers
2. Request trial access where available
3. Complete the CRM Comparison Template (available in the adviser portal)
4. Discuss integration options with GPOD's Technology Team
5. Make a final selection based on your practice needs

Tools to Evaluate:

1. GPOD Ethical Risk Profiler
   • Contact: risk.team@gpodwealth.co.uk
   • Key features: Specifically designed for ethical investment considerations
   • Pricing: Free for GPOD partner advisers
2. Dynamic Planner
   • Contact: clientsupport@dynamicplanner.com | 0333 6000 500
   • Website: Dynamic Planner
   • Key features: Industry standard risk profiling, cash flow modeling
   • Pricing: From £175/month
3. Distribution Technology
   • Product: Risk Mapper
   • Contact: enquiries@dynamicplanner.com
   • Key features: Scientific approach to risk assessment
   • Pricing: Available on request
4. Finametrica
   • Contact: support@finametrica.com
   • Website: Finametrica
   • Key features: Psychometric risk profiling
   • Pricing: From £30/month

Specific Considerations for Ethical Finance:

• How the tool handles ethical investment constraints
• Availability of Shariah-compliant model portfolios
• Ability to screen investments against ethical criteria
• Risk calibration methodology for restricted investment universes
• Client reporting on both risk and ethical alignment

Action Steps:

1. Book demonstrations with all providers
2. Request sample reports with ethical portfolio examples
3. Complete the Risk Profiler Comparison Template (available in the adviser portal)
4. Book a consultation with Hassan Ahmed, GPOD's Investment Risk Specialist (hassan.ahmed@gpodwealth.co.uk)
5. Make a selection that best aligns with your client approach

Walkthrough Components:

• Initial client engagement process
• Ethical/Shariah needs assessment approach
• Factfinding methodology and tools
• Risk profiling and ethical screening process
• Solution research and selection criteria
• Report preparation and presentation
• Implementation and ongoing service

Recording Options:

• Video walkthrough (recommended)
  • Use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to record
  • Create slides to support your explanation
  • Demonstrate actual tools where possible
• Audio recording with supporting document
  • Use any audio recording app
  • Create a detailed process document with screenshots
• Written process document with flowcharts
  • Use Lucidchart or similar for visual flowcharts
  • Include detailed explanations of each step

Action Steps:

1. Plan your process walkthrough using the GPOD Process Template
2. Prepare any slides or supporting materials
3. Record your walkthrough (aim for 20-30 minutes)
4. Save the recording and any supporting documents
5. Submit to your supervisor or GPOD mentor for feedback

Required Documents:

• Initial Disclosure Document
• Client Agreement
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Business
• Fee Agreement
• Ethical Investment Policy Statement
• Shariah Compliance Disclaimer

Resources:

• GPOD Compliance Document Templates - Request via email
• FCA Handbook: Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) - FCA COBS
• PFS Compliance Guide for Financial Advisers
• GPOD Ethical Finance Disclosure Guidelines (available in the adviser portal)

Action Steps:

1. Download all template documents from GPOD
2. Customize with your firm details and branding
3. Add specific ethical finance disclosures where relevant
4. Submit to GPOD Compliance for review (compliance@gpodwealth.co.uk)
5. Revise based on feedback and finalize documents

Top SIPP Providers to Consider:

1. GPOD Property SIPP
   • Provider: Barnett Waddingham (white labeled for GPOD)
   • Contact: sipp@gpodwealth.co.uk | 020 7123 4567
   • Key strengths: Property focus, shared ownership model, institutional pooling
   • Best for: Schools, mosque committees, charitable organizations
2. Hartley SIPP
   • Provider: Hartley Pensions
   • Contact: info@hartleypensions.com | 0117 316 9991
   • Key strengths: Diverse investment options, competitive fees
   • Best for: Individual clients with varied investment preferences
3. Novia SIPP
   • Provider: Novia Financial
   • Contact: clientservices@novia-financial.co.uk | 0345 680 8000
   • Key strengths: Platform integration, wide fund choice
   • Best for: Clients with existing Novia relationships
4. AJ Bell Investcentre SIPP
   • Provider: AJ Bell
   • Contact: investcentre@ajbell.co.uk | 0345 83 99 060
   • Key strengths: Widely recognized, extensive investment options
   • Best for: Fee-sensitive clients and those requiring extensive fund choice

Decision Criteria:

• Shariah compliance capabilities
• Available ethical investment options
• Fee structure and transparency
• Property investment capabilities
• Platform technology and user experience
• Adviser support and training
• Institutional capabilities (for community organizations)

Action Steps:

1. Complete the SIPP Provider Evaluation Matrix (available in the adviser portal)
2. Conduct final research on shortlisted providers
3. Book a decision consultation with Yusuf Collins, GPOD's Head of Pensions (yusuf.collins@gpodwealth.co.uk)
4. Make your final selection
5. Begin the provider onboarding process

Bundle Concepts to Develop:

1. Family Protection Package
   • Islamic Family Protection Plan (Takaful)
   • Emergency Fund Setup (Digital Gold Savings)
   • Islamic Will Service
   • Pricing: £X one-off + £Y monthly
2. Young Professional Start-Up
   • Ethical Savings Account Setup
   • Home Deposit Savings Plan
   • Income Protection
   • Pricing: £X one-off + £Y monthly
3. Business Owner Essentials
   • Business Protection Plan
   • Director's Pension Setup
   • Succession Planning
   • Pricing: £X one-off + £Y monthly
4. Community Organization Package
   • Group SIPP Arrangement
   • Key Person Protection
   • Asset Purchase Planning
   • Pricing: £X one-off + £Y monthly

Resources:

• GPOD Service Bundle Builder Template
• Protection Provider Factsheets (available in the adviser portal)
• Savings Product Comparison Matrix
• Fee Calculator Tool

Action Steps:

1. Define each bundle's components and target audience
2. Determine pricing strategy for each bundle
3. Create marketing descriptions and key benefits
4. Develop client-facing materials for each bundle
5. Submit to GPOD's Marketing Compliance Team for review

Launch Content to Create:

• Professional announcement post (LinkedIn, professional networks)
• Ethical finance introduction video (2-3 minutes)
• Series of educational posts on key ethical finance topics:
  • "Understanding Shariah-Compliant Investments"
  • "Ethical Pensions: What You Need to Know"
  • "How Takaful Differs from Conventional Insurance"
  • "Islamic Home Finance Options in the UK"
  • "Ethical Wealth Planning: A Holistic Approach"
• Client testimonials (if available)
• Free resource offer (e.g., "Guide to Ethical Financial Planning")

Launch Timeline:

• Week 1: Initial announcement and introductory video
• Week 2: Educational content (2-3 posts)
• Week 3: Client testimonials and case studies
• Week 4: Service offerings and free resource promotion

Resources:

• GPOD Marketing Toolkit for Advisers (available in the adviser portal)
• Social Media Content Templates
• Canva Pro Account (free for GPOD partner advisers)
• GPOD Ethical Finance Image Library

Action Steps:

1. Create a content calendar for your launch
2. Draft all written content
3. Prepare visual assets using GPOD templates
4. Record your introduction video
5. Submit all materials to GPOD's Marketing Compliance Team for review

Evidence to Organize:

• Structured CPD certificates:
  • CISI Islamic Finance Fundamentals
  • GPOD Ethical Investment Training
  • Product provider webinars
  • Technical workshops and seminars
• Unstructured CPD evidence:
  • Reading logs and summaries
  • Research notes
  • Recorded reflections
  • Professional discussions
• Work products as evidence:
  • Service bundles
  • Process documentation
  • Client materials
  • Articles and content

GPOD CPD Log Template:

The GPOD CPD Log Template includes the following sections:

• Date of activity
• Type of CPD (structured/unstructured)
• Description of activity
• Provider/source
• Hours claimed
• Learning outcomes
• Application to practice
• Evidence reference (file name/location)

Action Steps:

1. Download the GPOD CPD Log Template from the adviser portal
2. Gather all certificates and evidence documents
3. Create a digital filing system for CPD evidence
4. Complete the CPD log with all activities from the 4-week program
5. Submit for review to GPOD's Compliance Team

Meetings to Schedule:

1. GPOD Partnership Review
   • With: Jamal Wilson, Partnership Director
   • Email: jamal.wilson@gpodwealth.co.uk
   • Purpose: Finalize partnership terms and support
2. Product Provider Onboarding
   • With: Selected SIPP provider and protection providers
   • Purpose: Complete agency setup and training
3. Client Proposition Workshop
   • With: Zainab Wilson, Business Development Manager
   • Email: zainab.wilson@gpodwealth.co.uk
   • Purpose: Finalize client value proposition and marketing
4. Technical & Compliance Briefing
   • With: Tariq Ahmed, Compliance Director
   • Email: tariq.ahmed@gpodwealth.co.uk
   • Purpose: Final compliance check and documentation review
5. Launch Strategy Session
   • With: Your team/business partners
   • Purpose: Coordinate launch activities and responsibilities

Launch Week Plan:

• Monday: Final system checks and documentation reviews
• Tuesday: Team briefing and launch strategy finalization
• Wednesday: Social media launch and announcement
• Thursday: Host webinar or live event introducing your services
• Friday: Follow up with interested prospects and schedule initial consultations

Action Steps:

1. Contact all relevant individuals to schedule meetings
2. Create a detailed launch week schedule
3. Prepare agendas for each meeting
4. Distribute schedule to all relevant team members
5. Set up calendar reminders and confirmations