24 Aug 2009

Karl Hopper-Young announced as Chairman for NSAFS South East Region

The National Skills Academy for Financial Services (NSAFS) has appointed Karl Hopper-Young as Chairman of the South East Regional Board and member of the National Board of the National Skills Academy for Financial Services.

Karl Hopper-Young is an expert in financial education and professional development and joins the NSAFS with 20 years experience in the financial services sector. Mr Hopper-Young is Director of Sussex Independent Financial Advisers Ltd, chartered financial planners. He began his working life in the armed forces, where he served with the 5th Airborne Brigade for six years. Mr Hopper-Young has a Masters degree in Marketing from Leicester University, and is a certified chartered financial planner.

As Chairman of the South East Board, Mr Hopper-Young’s role is to oversee the development of the Skills Academy in the South East region, working with regional director Stephen Smith and other members of the Board, to build on the Skills Academy’s achievements and further increase awareness among employers and employees within the region.

Sylvia Perrins, CEO of NSAFS, commented: “Karl has a detailed understanding of the skills needs of the industry and is acutely aware of the challenges that the financial services industry has ahead and the role that the Skills Academy should play. Karl brings valuable experience and extensive knowledge of qualifications and industry issues.”

Karl Hopper-Young, Chairman South East Region, commented: “I am delighted to be leading NSAFS in the South East Region. Whilst RDR (Retail Distribution Review) and TCF (Treating Customers Fairly) pose important challenges for the sector, the Skills Academy offers quality opportunities for employers to develop solutions which will attract individuals to the financial services industry and up-skill existing staff. I look forward to working together with the team and promoting skills training in the region and representing those needs and views at the National Board level.”

The National Skills Academy for Financial Services offers national centres of excellence in education, skills training and development, working in partnership with employers to develop a workforce with the knowledge and skills they need to more than match the best in the world.

Since launch in May 2007, NSAFS network has grown from four to over 20 providers that are now located in seven regions. The Skills Academy in the South East is represented by Regional Director Stephen Smith and Farnborough College of Technology is the lead training provider.

Notes to Editors

1. The National Skills Academy for Financial Services is a registered charity which was created with the express purpose of delivering world-class education and training aligned with employer needs in the financial services industry to people of all age groups and learning backgrounds, helping them to prepare for and develop financial services careers.

For more about the National Skills Academy for Financial Services or to get involved with us, email info@nsafs.co.uk.

For further information please contact Sarah Evans-Toyne, Tania Vie Riba or Saira Khan (Broadgate) 020 7726 6111 or
email nsafs@bgate.co.uk.