Training
Our nationally advertised programme offers a wide range of money advice courses from caseworker and specialist level through to advanced. Our tutors are experts in their area of work and draw on considerable practice and experience. Most of our courses are accredited by the Law Society.
The Institutes training courses can also be provided 'in-house' to meet the needs of your organisation. This can prove a cost effective way of training a group of people who require a particular course.
The Institute also works in partnership with Wiseradviser in the delivery of the Further Professional Development element of Wiseradviser training provision. This provides an opportunity to quickly pick up and disseminate immediate changes in practice and legislation enabling, advisers to update their knowledge, and practice on issues relating to money advice and maintain their skills and knowledge at the appropriate levels.
Click here download the PDF training brochure for October 2008 - January 2009
MORE INFORMATION
For more details on the courses please click on the links below to view details for that particular course.
Training needs - questionnaire
Level of Experience
(based on Wiseradviser standards)
Caseworker is the intermediate level. Training to this level helps you to deal satisfactorily with the majority of debt problems encountered: undisputed and undefended cases, which may include participation in court action at basic level. You gain an overview of the law relating to money advice, but are not expected to use it directly either in creditor negotiations or in court, as these imply a dispute on which specialist advice should be sought. As a caseworker money adviser, you will also be expected to act as a support to generalist money advisers.
Caseworker training courses are primarily aimed at developing the skills and knowledge of generalist money advisers.
Specialist Training to this level helps you deal with more complex cases. You gain (and are expected to maintain) an up-to-date and thorough knowledge and understanding of the case law, legislation, codes of practice etc, relevant to money advice, enabling you to guide and assist clients in disputed cases. You will be expected to act as a resource for others, helping them develop their money advice skills. As a specialist money adviser, you will also be able to identify when referral, possibly to an external source of information such as a legal professional, is appropriate. Specialist training courses are primarily aimed at developing the skills and knowledge of caseworker money advisers.
Advanced Training standards have not been agreed. However, as a guide the IMA suggests this level is aimed at the most experienced money advisers who are commonly providing consultancy and or training to colleagues.
Training Costs
The IMA regrets that charges have to be made for its training. The fee’s are:
IMA members (all categories) £85.00
Non members £150.00
A discount to the fee can be obtained if payment is made at the time of booking as follows:-
IMA members (all categories) £75.00
Non members £140.00
To download the booking form please click here.
Quality Assurance
The IMA endeavours to raise the standards of training by:
- Carrying out regular analysis of training needs
- Employing trainers who are specialist in their field
- Using the agreed wiseradviser training standards
- Encouraging all trainees to complete an evaluation
- Undertaking follow up evaluations
Course Materials
Detailed handouts are provided. The materials can be made available in large print where required. Requests can be made via the booking form.
Access to Training
We try to ensure all our training Location will be fully accessible to wheelchair users. We welcome carers, helpers and assistants. Please inform us if you will be accompanied. Where it is practicable, we will try to meet special needs if you give us sufficient time. Where we are unable to do so we will inform you immediately.
Venues
The IMA uses a variety of Location all over the country. We try to ensure they are fully accessible to those with mobility difficulties and are easily accessible for public transport. Most will also have nearby parking. If you require disabled parking – please check availability with the Training Manager. Maps are provided to all participants.
In-House Courses
Most of our training can be provided ‘in-house’ to meet the needs of your organisation. This can prove cost effective where a significant number of people require a particular topic saving on time and travel. We can also provide a range of courses in addition to those included in this programme.
Equal Opportunities Policy
The IMA is committed to actively opposing all forms of discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, sexuality, disability, age, religious or political beliefs. We also seek to oppose any developments in the credit industry which we perceive to be discriminatory. The IMA produces a policy statement on Equal Opportunities and this is available on request.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Time
Most of our courses are accredited by the Law Society. If you wish to claim CPD hours, please tick the relevant box on the booking form.
CPD Charges
£25 for IMA members, and £35 for non members.