CML launches training solution for local authority staff

The CML is launching a desktop training solution to help ensure loans offered by local authorities and housing associations meet mortgage sales guidance standards set down by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

The training solution is designed to help local authority staff offering loans to home-owners to meet the requirement to offer a "comparable service" to regulated mortgage lenders. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has regulated lenders since October 2004. Local authorities offering loans and equity release packages are exempt from regulation, but required by the ODPM's mortgage sales guidance to provide a similar standard of service.

With its partner Absolutely Training, the CML developed courses to help mortgage lenders train staff to fulfil the FSA requirements. So far, lenders have booked 44,000 CML courses, and the training solution went on to win the best commercial initiative award from the Trade Association Forum.

The new training solution for local authorities and housing associations provides:

• clear, concise guidance on 'cradle to grave' treatment for customers, covering everything from loan applications to possession procedures;
• standard forms and procedures enabling staff to meet standards for disclosing information about loans swiftly and efficiently; and
• information on how complaints should be treated, and the recourse available to consumers.

The package delivers stimulating, interactive course content directly to the desktop. Courses are designed to aid learning and provide information that can be easily remembered. They incorporate random questions so that staff can question themselves at the end of each module. Test results and progress are recorded and can be monitored by line managers. Annual license fees are £50 per user, plus VAT (minimum invoice value of £100).

Commenting on the new training package, the CML's head of commercial activities Julia Jepps said:

"Our courses have been highly popular and effective and have helped our members successfully train tens of thousands of staff. We have now produced a new course to help local authorities and housing associations to fulfil their requirement to meet the same standards as mortgage lenders."

For more information about the training package, call 020 7618 1120.  To see a demonstration module or buy the package online, log on to www.cmle-learning.com.

Notes to editors

1. Local authorities are using new powers under the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 to switch from offering grants to home-owners for housing repairs to offering loans and equity release packages. In some cases, they are working in partnership with housing associations.

2. Since October 2004, all mortgages and loans for home-owners that are a first charge on the property have been regulated by the FSA. Local authorities and housing associations are exempt from full regulation but required to provide a "comparable service."

3. The CML's members are banks, building societies and other lenders who together undertake around 98% of all residential lending in the UK. There are 11.6 million mortgages in the UK, worth around £942 billion.