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Breaking into paraplanning: ‘Who should I work for?’

Beginner
Intermediate
Personal development
Self certified
Event
Podcast
Video
Date:

Wednesday 6th August 2025

Location:

Online at Crowdcast

Duration

1 HRS

Whether you’re considering a move into paraplanning, just landed your first role or are just curious about the options, one question you might keep wondering about: ‘What kind of organisation should I work for?’

Do you choose in-house team or outsourced provider? A small boutique practice or large corporate? Whichever you choose, there will be pros and cons, so how do you decide which is most suitable for you?

This Assembly – recorded on 6 August 2025 – lifts the lid on different paraplanning career paths and workplace structures. It’s the second in a series of Assemblies looking at careers in paraplanning and supported by Aegon.

Our host Caroline Stuart of Sparrow Paraplanning is joined by Julie South, owner of Bee Paraplanning, Sarah Lees, senior paraplanner at Forvis Mazars and Jo Parkes, paraplanning manager at Navigatus – paraplanners with experience of working in all kinds of organisations and are ready to share what it’s meant for their careers.

Over the course of the Assembly, they discuss:

  • The different paraplanning structures out there – and what they’re really like to work in
  • How to get your foot in the door – and what to look for in potential employers
  • What support and development you can expect from types of organisations
  • Practical tips for adapting and thriving wherever you land

You’ll leave with a clearer picture of your paraplanning options, practical insights from experienced practitioners, and the confidence to take your next career step.

Don’t forget your CPD

Once you’ve listened to this Assembly, you can request a certificate for 1 hours CPD. Just follow the link below.

Don’t miss the first Assembly in this series

This is the second Assembly in a series on breaking into and developing your career in paraplanning. Discover the first in the series Breaking into paraplanning: where do I even start?.

Thanks to Aegon

This Assembly would not be possible without the generous support of Aegon. Thank you to the team at Aegon for supporting and for backing the development of paraplanners and paraplanning in the UK through their support of the Paraplanners’ Assembly.

Speakers

1
Caroline Stuart
Sparrow Paraplanning

Caroline is a leading figure in the UK’s wealth management and financial advice community.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Caroline's worked in-house as a paraplanner, senior paraplanner and head of technical for small and large firms until, in 2019, she founded outsourced paraplanning practice, Sparrow Paraplanning. In 2024, Caroline launched Sparrow Solutions which offers training, learning and development, and operational support to financial planning and outsource paraplanning businesses. Soon after, she co-founded The Co-Laboratory with Melissa Kidd - a service which offers planners, advisers and paraplanners help and training with the ‘human skills’-side of financial planning and advice.

1
Sarah Lees
Forvis Mazars Financial Planning

Sarah is a Senior Paraplanner at Forvis Mazars Financial Planning Ltd. She has been a paraplanner for 13 years, and around 20 years in financial services.

She sees herself as a career paraplanner and is always keen to pass on her knowledge and guidance to support her peers and people new to the industry. She enjoy the technical side of the role and working with her team to provide great outcomes for clients.

1
Jo Parkes
Navigatus

Having joined Navigatus in 2019 as a paraplanner, Jo now leads their paraplanning team, making sure everything runs smoothly, on time, and to the highest standard.

Jo started her career in pensions at Friends Provident, working across individual and group schemes before moving into compliance and pension transfer specialist roles. She later became a paraplanner for a small IFA before joining Navigatus.

With her wealth of experience, Jo is brilliant at keeping the team organised and motivated, always focused on quality and client outcomes.

1
Julie South
Bee Paraplanning Services

Julie has over 18 years experience in the financial services industry. Passionate and dedicated to a career in paraplanning, Julie has applied her knowledge, experience and high level organisation skills to assist financial planners with excellent paraplanning support.

Event resources

Useful links

There are loads of links following this Assembly. First of all, once you’ve listened to this episode, make sure you tap the first link in the list to receive your CPD certificate. 

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