Just Group and the Society of Later Life Advisers have updated their training advice on brokers should work with vulnerable clients and their families.

The training module includes a new section on coronavirus – with more people expected to become vulnerable due to ill-health, bereavement or financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic.

The updated guidance also includes a section on cognitive decline and how this links to vulnerability.

Just Group and SOLLA say the new module “takes into account” updated guidelines by City watchdog Financial Conduct Authority on vulnerability, which are expected to be published in the first three months of this year.

They add, advisors completing the updated course will qualify for 60 Continuing Professional Development minutes.

Just Group communications director Stephen Lowe says: “We’ve made some important updates to this popular training module. Vulnerability continues to be a major consideration for the financial planning industry with the FCA expected to issue finalised guidance in the first quarter of this year, and we’ve revised this module to help advisers be confident they are identifying and interacting with vulnerable clients sensitively and appropriately.”

Lowe adds: “The first edition of this module proved immensely popular with the adviser community and received great feedback, so we’d encourage all advisers to make use of this free training. The updates will make it pertinent to advisers who are new to the issue of vulnerability or those who have already completed the original module.”

SOLLA founder and joint chairman Tish Hanifan says: “The FCA continues to increase its focus on vulnerability with its ongoing consultation aiming to ensure there is appropriate protection for vulnerable consumers.”