In the second half of our Protection Forum session, the discussion moved from principles to practice, exploring how advisers can translate compliance, value and client understanding into tangible client outcomes.

Our expert panel —

  • Samm Walker, Protection Adviser – John Charcol

  • Tracey Boyd, Managing Director – Mortgage Hub Expert

  • Ian Merriman, Recruitment Director – Try Mortgage Network

  • Zoe Priselac, Managing Director – Way More Solutions

— continued to share their insights on how compliance and consumer duty are shaping modern protection advice. This part of the discussion focused on ensuring value for clients, evidencing suitability, and helping clients see the everyday benefits of their policies beyond the core cover.

The conversation also turned to the importance of holistic advice, understanding learning styles in adviser training, and maintaining trust through transparency and ongoing communication.


From income protection nuances to the growing role of value-added benefits such as virtual GP access and second medical opinions, the session demonstrated how thoughtful compliance and quality-led advice can genuinely enhance client wellbeing.

“When we follow up with our clients after the policy is live, that’s when the education really continues. It’s about reminding them of what they have, and how to use those added features. It’s not just about the sale; it’s about making sure they see the ongoing value.”

“We send reminders every year, especially when there are family changes or new mortgages. It keeps the conversation open and reinforces the protection. Clients forget what they’ve got, and that’s when they start cancelling — keeping that engagement is part of good compliance.”

“Compliance doesn’t stop once the policy is written. It carries on through the lifetime of the relationship with that client. Ongoing service is part of evidencing good outcomes.”

“I think we’re in a much stronger place now as an industry. We’re not just talking about compliance in terms of process; we’re talking about protection as a core part of financial planning.”

Tracey Boyd

Mortgage Hub Expert

Click the audio playback below to listen to the full session.

Full session audio

Part 1:

Part 2:

“You can’t just tell advisers to sell protection — you’ve got to give them the tools, the confidence and the understanding to do it properly. Training has to fit the individual adviser. Some will learn best from workshops, others from one-to-one mentoring.”

“Networks have a responsibility to make sure advisers are comfortable discussing protection, not just feeling like they have to. If advisers see compliance as a burden, they’ll avoid it. The more we make it about helping clients, the more they’ll engage.”

“From a network perspective, we’re focusing on practical training — case studies, example conversations — so advisers can see how compliance helps them rather than hinders them.”

Ian Merriman

Try Mortgage Network

“I think sometimes advisers are nervous about protection because they overthink it. If you just have an honest conversation about what would happen if something changed — if they got sick or couldn’t work — it naturally leads to the right recommendation.”

“When I talk about protection, I make it as relatable as possible. I’ll ask about their job, their family, their lifestyle. Once they see how it fits into their real world, the penny drops.”

“With income protection, for example, I explain that it’s not just about replacing income — it’s about protecting their future. The quality of cover and how it pays out are far more important than saving a few pounds on the premium.”

Samm Walker

John Charcol

“Advisers should always document when clients decline parts of the recommendation — that’s just as important as what they take. It protects everyone involved and shows that you’ve had the right conversation.”

“I always include quotes for options they don’t take, because if circumstances change, we can revisit them later. It keeps the advice dynamic.”

“The post-sale process is key. We send clients details on how to use their added benefits and encourage them to register straight away. Once they’ve used something like a GP service or counselling, they see the value immediately.”

Zoe Priselac

Way More Solutions