Member Article

Operations Manager Rachel encouraged by Active ethos to continue studies

Active Chartered Financial Planners is celebrating once again after a further team member gained a new qualification.

Operations Manager Rachel McCulloch has been awarded a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management by the Chartered Management Institute.

Despite having already spent 18 months completing the self-learning course, she is planning to continue her studies to achieve Chartered Manager status.

Rachel, who oversees the day to day running of the office as well as managing the team of Client Support Officers, was inspired by the many other team members studying towards their financial qualifications.

She said: “Although my role doesn’t require any formal managerial qualifications, the Active ethos is about supporting its team members to help them achieve their full potential.

“The qualification has given me a much greater appreciation of the many different aspects of my managerial role but, above all, it has given me much more confidence in myself and my own abilities.”

Rachel, who joined Active in 2009 having spent 19 years with Yorkshire Bank, added: “The course has allowed me to broaden and develop my skills and has inspired me to gain further qualifications.”

The Thornaby-based firm, named North East Employer of the Year by the Federation of Small Businesses recently announced that seven members of the team had achieved success working towards Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualifications.

Rachel said the team, including Managing Director Karl Pemberton, had all encouraged and helped her in various aspects of the course – which included being able to take advantage of flexible working arrangements.

Karl Pemberton said: “I’d like to congratulate Rachel, as I know how much time and effort she has put in to gain this qualification.

“She is the glue that holds the office together and we’re proud to invest in her development.

“It’s heartening to know that all our people – not just those involved in providing financial advice – are eager to constantly update and improve their knowledge and expertise.

“By doing so, they not only grow their own talents but add value to Active and to the service it provides to clients.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Andrew Douglas .