HLPartnership has been listening closely to the feedback provided by our members, and we understand that social media approval is a major challenge for many of your businesses.
That’s why we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Social Media Licence, which will enable AR firms to post content and use social media without prior approval from the Network.
Providing You with Greater Flexibility
At HLPartnership, we understand the importance of social media in today’s business world. That’s why we are excited to introduce our new Social Media Licence, which will not only provide greater flexibility to AR firms in their social media activities but also help them manage their business efficiently. With our new licence, you can post content and use social media without prior approval from the Network, making it easier to connect with your clients and promote your business.
Additionally, our Financial Promotions Policy & Guidance and the Social Media Policy & Guidance cover FCA regulations, ASA guidelines, and PERC, ensuring that you can recognise the associated risks and manage them effectively. With these new resources, you can post with confidence, knowing that you are in compliance with industry regulations.
Social Media Licence Application and Compliance Monitoring
To obtain the Social Media Licence, as well as having a compliant website, the AR firm principal/nominated individual must review the materials, complete an e-learning module, pass the assessment, and record their CPD. Once the Firm has obtained the licence, it can carry out permitted social media posts and follow the guidance processes.
To ensure compliance with our guidelines, there will be sampling of social media activity completed by both the Financial Promotions team and your RCM as part of your firm’s annual audit visit.
How to Kickstart Your Application
To apply for the licence, please email the training team at training@hlpartnership.co.uk There is no deadline date to apply, and the decision to obtain a licence is entirely up to your firm.
Upon completion of these requirements, the Membership team will confirm the Social Media Licence permissions for the firm principal.
If you’re a non-selling firm principal and require assistance on accessing and recording your CPD, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Partner Support team for guidance.
Social Media Licence Permissions for Registered Individuals within the Firm
Whilst the firm principal holds overall responsibility for compliance with social media regulations, it may be necessary for a dedicated individual within the business to also hold a Social Media Licence. This could be the case if they are responsible for monitoring content and posting on behalf of the firm’s social media accounts.
To obtain an additional licence, the same process as for the firm principal must be followed. The dedicated individual must complete the E-Learning Social Media module and record their CPD activity on the advisor portal. To apply for the licence, an email should be sent to training@hlpartnership.co.uk
Social Media Policy & Guidance and Support
We understand that not everyone may be familiar with our Social Media Policy & Guidance and the FCA regulations, so we highly recommend that you take some time to read the guidance documents to help you post with confidence.
We have replaced the existing Financial Promotions Network Procedures and Quick Reference Guide with these new documents and are available in the social media folder within the document library which is hosted within the Network’s Advisor Portal.
Learn More
Should you have any questions about the new licence, please do not hesitate to reach out to your RCM or the Financial Promotions team.
We are excited to see how this new licence will enable your business to thrive on social media and we are here to support you every step of the way!
