Quality of advice

The overall aim of this exploratory study was to establish the most appropriate way of designing a credible and authoritative survey to measure the quality of advice given to consumers by tied, multi-tied and independent financial advisers.

The study was undertaken in two stages:

1. Stage one included a review of research undertaken in the area of measuring the quality of advice - both in the UK and overseas, and the production of a paper addressing the study objectives and making recommendations on the most appropriate method for the study.
2. Stage two explored in detail the survey design, including sampling, of the recommended approach. It also involved development of the survey instruments that would be needed in a subsequent survey.