The PFS has called for more planners to get involved in volunteering to teach students about money skills as schools re-open their doors to external education providers.

The PFS has run a successful campaign in recent years called ‘My Personal Finance Skills’ to encourage more planners to visit schools.

The PFS says teachers whose pupils have taken part in My Personal Finance Skills workshops want to see more Personal Finance Society members to join the initiative. 

More than 900 financial advisers have so far committed to delivering My Personal Finance Skills free financial education sessions to secondary school pupils in the UK.

In the past academic year, more than 600 My Personal Finance Skills educational workshops were held in the UK, many remotely during the lockdowns.

Financial advisers who contact the My Personal Finance Skills team receive educational material to share in the classroom plus training to help students improve their financial resilience.

The Personal Finance Society is offering to help arrange a session at a local school or assist Financial Planners to set-up their own workshop with a college they have established a link with.

Emma Fox, learning mentor at Mirfield College in West Yorkshire which has welcomed PFS members to give talks, said: “Sessions were delivered with lots of enthusiasm and humour, which really engaged and inspired our students. 

“It was particularly valuable to have a finance specialist in to deliver the content of the session as they were able to give them such a good insight into all things finance, which I truly believe will have a positive impact on decision-making when planning for their next steps.”

Samima Chati, school business manager and senior administrator at Islamiyah School, said: “I believe strongly that it has planted a seed and given them a glimpse into an important part of their 'grown-up' life, which I think they will appreciate later.”

Jo Connolly, director at The Compliance Partnerships and an Education Champion who delivers My Personal Finance Skills sessions in schools, said: “Just do it – The children will love your input and interaction with them and you will leave positive education with them.”  

Wilf Moralee, Chartered Financial Planner at Wesleyan and another Education Champion, urged planners to get involved. He said: “Give it a go as it is a great way to increase public speaking skills and a fantastic way to pass on your knowledge to the next generation.” 

George Tsounias, education relationship manager at the Personal Finance Society, said: “We are particularly interested in financial advisers with a secondary school contact in their area to come forward and become an Education Champion, widen the reach of this amazing scheme and provide much needed financial education to even more young people with our support.”

• For more information visit: www.mypersonalfinanceskills.org