The John Ellis Award

The John Ellis award is made to an individual who, in the eyes of the judges, has made a significant contribution to the professional development of the financial services sector. The individual need not be a member of the PFS.

They will not necessarily be active in the PFS regions but may have made a contribution in other spheres for instance - promoting financial education in schools, working with and developing young people in the business, building schemes to promote generic advice to consumers, they may be an ‘unsung hero’ in the financial services sector or a public figure. The award will not be used for commercial gain and is not necessarily made on an annual basis.

Nominators will be asked to provide full background information to support their nomination so that an independent profile can be passed onto the judging panels.

This should include a CV or biography (or a seconder) covering their career and providing evidence of their achievement using the following criteria as a guide:

1) Personal Sacrifice:

Giving up free personal time on a regular, meaningful, continuous and energetic basis.

2) Seen as a people leader – i.e. by regional committee and nationally

Encouraging members, employers and possibly other organisations. Mentoring, coaching, people contact. Leadership whereby persuading people to do something.

3) PFS/CII thought leader – influence PFS/CII

Challenging or changing existing PFS/CII beliefs. Improving/leading changes in policy (regionally and nationally)

4) Innovative

Thinking outside the box

5) Financial Services Ambassador:

Promoting financial services in the market and in the wider community

6) Respected as a market leader

Recognised by the market as a leader who is followed by others

7) Educational Aspects:

Actively promoting higher educational standards.

The John Ellis Award was created with the intention to be made only on an ‘as merited’ basis to mark outstanding achievement and service by individuals associated with the PFS and CII. 

John Ellis was one of the most influential figures in the development of the financial services market during the 1980’s and campaigned vigorously for professionalism until his retirement from his position as CII Director of Public Affairs in November 2007. 

John began his involvement with the financial services sector at the Department of Trade before moving to the Life Assurance and Unit Trust Regulatory Authority (LAUTRO) in the early days of regulation. He then joined the Life Insurance Association (LIA) and was instrumental in forging links between the LIA and the CII.

He campaigned for compulsory examinations for financial advisers, which was achieved in the mid-1990’s. Perhaps, one of John’s main achievements was to provide valuable momentum to the merger between the LIA and SOFA in 2004 which led to the creation of the Personal Finance Society in 2005.  

How to nominate

If you know someone who has made a significant contribution to the professionalism of the financial advisory sector in the UK please complete a short nomination form by clicking on the nominate button below.

Entries for the Chartered Awards are now closed. Thank you for your interest