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Employers FAQs

Why are employers important to the National Skills Academy for Financial Services (NSAFS)?

Employers are central to everything the NSAFS does. Employers are involved at every level to ensure that the NSAFS is responding to the industry’s training needs and to ensure that the Vision and mission is met.

How many employers are involved with the NSAFS?

Over 60 local, national and multinational financial services businesses are supporting the NSAFS’ work through the membership of the national and regional boards. Hundreds more are receiving training through the NSAFS network of training providers. Companies also support the work of the NSAFS through other means such as sponsorship. NSAFS sponsors include:

  • Alan Boswell Group
  • Cattles plc
  • Countrywide Legal
  • Ipswich Building Society
  • Norwich and Peterborough Building Society
  • Aviva Norwich
  • Aviva York
  • Stadia Trustees
  • Virgin Money
  • YFM Group

How is the NSAFS responding to employer needs?

Financial services employers need a properly trained workforce. This is vital for business and economic stability. The NSAFS provide vital ‘job-ready’ skills training for our learners. Being involved in the NSAFS is a way in which employers can respond to skills shortages in their organisations. Involvement actively contributes to the future success of the financial services sector and the long-term vitality of the British economy.

Why is employer involvement so important?

Employer involvement is central to ensuring that the training solutions being provided are adequately meeting employer needs.

Developing new talent and the up-skilling of employees are key ways companies can gain a competitive advantage, especially in the current economic environment. By working together we can ensure that we are delivering skills that are appropriate for employers’ needs and designing industry-led solutions.

What are the main benefits of being involved?

The NSAFS is the UK’s hallmark for excellence in financial services development and training. Our unique approach enables us to blend the skills demanded by our employers to the quality of training experienced by the learners. NSAFS training:

  • is employer led – with the industry for the industry
  • places financial services at the top of the skills agenda
  • offers value for money training solutions
  • opens doors to public funding

What do employers bring to the strategic success of the NSAFS?

The NSAFS feeds on the dynamism and support of the employers who bring:

  • an understanding of businesses in the sector
  • first-hand knowledge of education and training needs
  • financial resources
  • a commitment to high quality skills, education and training solutions
  • fresh ideas, an enthusiasm for innovation and a challenge to traditional ways of thinking

We’re a small business. Can we still be involved in supporting the NSAFS?

We welcome support from businesses of all sizes. As a vital sector for the UK economy, the voice of your business is essential.

How can I get involved in sponsoring the NSAFS?

One way to be involved in the work of the NSAFS is through regional employer boards. Regional boards work in partnership with our Regional Directors to set training priorities and standards at a regional level. In addition, we have a national board which is made up of the chairs of the regional boards, as well as independent employer board members. Employers can contribute in a number of other ways, such as development costs or costs towards one of the regional centres.

As an educational charity we welcome employer sponsorship. If you feel that your company can contribute to our success, contact us

How do I find out more?

If you would like to find out more, please contact the NSAFS CEO, Sylvia Perrins at our London head office on 0845 6182353. Alternatively, e-mail info@nsafs.co.uk and we will contact you.