Paradigm Norton for Charities

Questions often asked by Trustees

1. Why should we appoint Paradigm Norton for Charities?

We are passionate about the work that we do for our clients and genuinely seek to serve them with excellence.
We have a Client Board whose regular feedback helps influence the way in which we build the business.
We have an exceptionally talented team of investment and financial planning professionals.
We work on a fee basis, based on either assets under our management or time spent, whichever is preferred by our clients.
We are fully compliant with the forthcoming Financial Services Authority (FSA) led Retail Distribution Review in terms of:

Adviser competence – All our Senior Financial Planners are qualified to QCA level 5 or above.
We are well capitalised and meet the FSA’s new financial resources requirements.
We have operated on a fee only basis since the firm was founded in 2001.
Our staff turnover is negligible.
We are focused on the needs of our clients and what it is that they are seeking to achieve.
We can be there when you need us to be. We don’t operate a ‘one size fits all’ approach so we will meet with you when you want us to - we are client led in all that we do.
We are competitive. Our charging structure is designed to adequately compensate us for what we do whilst not overly depleting the resources of your charity. We believe that there is a win-win to be achieved here.
Our approach to investing is somewhat unconventional, and to some may be considered as “safe and boring”, but we believe that we can only control three key variables: the asset allocation and hence risk level of a portfolio, the amount of tax that is paid (to the extent that this is relevant for charities) and the costs associated with managing an investment portfolio.

2. Are you happy to provide references?

We will gladly provide the names of two referees upon request.

3. Is Paradigm Norton for Charities regulated by the FSA?

Yes. Paradigm Norton for Charities is a trading style of Paradigm Norton Financial Planning Limited, which is regulated by the FSA to provide investment advice on an advisory rather than a discretionary basis.

4. What practical experience do the charity team have other than in their professional advisory capacity?

Richard Child who heads the team currently holds the following positions:

European Association for Philanthropy and Giving
Board member and trustee.

The EAPG is a membership network which brings together charities, professional advisers, such as lawyers, accountants, financial planners, wealth managers, to ensure best practice within the broad area of charitable giving and philanthropy.

The Paradigm Norton Trust
Chair of trustees.

This is a grant making trust which receives a proportion of the profits of Paradigm Norton Financial Planning, together with contributions from staff which result from their own fundraising activities. Distributions are made within the aims of the charity, most of which result from requests and recommendations made by staff and clients.

British Youth for Christ
Board member and trustee.

BYFC is a Christian outreach charity aimed at young people within the UK. The board oversees the work of the national team, which in turn provides overall leadership, direction and resources for the 60 plus local centres.

East Norfolk Youth for Christ (Unite)
Trustee.

Unite is one of the local YFC centres (see above). Its purpose is to bring together the churches in the borough of Great Yarmouth to serve the young people in this socially deprived area. Richard’s main role is fundraising, which has involved negotiating with individuals, churches and Norwich Diocese.

Community Foundation Network (CFN)
Member of Professional Advisor Council

The CFN is a registered charity that leads a movement of community foundations committed to positive social change in the UK through the development of "community philanthropy".

5. How would you describe the Paradigm Norton for Charities Investment Process?

Determine the trustees’ goals, future plans, aspirations for the trust.
Determine the level of investment return required to meet those objectives.
Assess the trustees’ attitude to risk – can the trustees tolerate the risk associated with the returns they need?
Agree an asset allocation strategy.
Implement the asset allocation using the best low cost institutional managers available.
Determine the most tax efficient wrapper to hold the investments if appropriate.
Review quarterly/biannually/annually.

6. How frequently do you report and comment to the trustees on investment and financial planning related issues that may impact the charity?

We would envisage meeting with the trustees twice yearly, but will gladly meet more frequently if required. As with all client relationships we will respond to your needs.

As a planning led firm, our reporting will focus upon the goals of the charity and how these can best be achieved using the resources available. We will understand the purposes for which the charity exists and will work with you to ensure that the trustees have peace of mind in knowing that the funds under their stewardship are being utilised to the optimum, bearing in mind their attitude to investment risk. We will agree with you at outset the style of reporting that is required concerning the portfolio, and ensure that our reports are delivered with clarity, and with the degree of detail which is required.

To find out more please email Richard Child (Head of Paradigm Norton for Charities) at rchild@pn4charities.co.uk or call 01275 370 670

Follow Richard at ‘Paradigm Norton for Charities’ on Twitter