Service Level Agreement – Student Support Package
(0–24 Months)
This SLA applies to newly appointed compliance officers and key individuals in their first 0–24 months in the South African financial services industry.
Service Level Agreement: Student Support Document (0–24 Months)
Which SLA applies? This Service Level Agreement applies to the Student Support Package (0–24 Months), designed for newly appointed compliance officers and key individuals in their first 0–24 months in role. For shorter 0–3 or 6 month engagements, please refer to the Core Support Package SLA.
1. Introduction and Purpose
This Service Level Agreement (SLA) defines the specialized support framework provided by Fit and Compliant Consulting to newly appointed compliance officers and key individuals. The 'Student' phase (typically the first 24 months in a compliance role) is recognized as a high-risk, high-learning period requiring intensive mentorship and structural support to ensure long-term regulatory success.
2. Eligibility and Duration
This package is limited to individuals who have been formally appointed or are seeking appointment as a Compliance Officer or Key Individual in the South African financial services sector for less than 24 months. The agreement automatically expires at the conclusion of the 24th month, at which point the client may transition to the Core Support Package.
3. Training and Education Coordination
Fit and Compliant Consulting acts as a project coordinator between the student and accredited education providers. We assist with RE Exam preparation schedules, monitoring of CPD point requirements, and ensuring all Fit and Proper criteria regarding qualifications are tracked and met according to FSCA BOARD NOTICES.
4. Practical On-the-Job Mentorship
The core of the Student Package is the 'shadow-learning' model. The newly appointed officer will receive guided assistance in real-world tasks, including conducting internal audits, drafting compliance reports, and managing conflict of interest registers. Our goal is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical daily operations.
5. Regulatory Submission Guidance
We provide step-by-step guidance for mandatory FSCA submissions. This includes assistance with the drafting of Compliance Reports, Bi-Annual Returns, and ensuring that all regulatory deadlines are clearly signaled to the firm's leadership well in advance of due dates.
6. Compliance Framework Development
Student officers will be assisted in the customization of the firm's Risk Management and Compliance Programme (RMCP). We provide templates and logical structures to ensure the firm's internal policies—covering FICA, POPIA, and FAIS—are not only theoretically sound but functionally implemented.
7. Service Standards and Communication
Fit and Compliant Consulting commits to a 48-hour response window for routine queries. The Student Package includes a mandatory monthly check-in (virtually or in-person) to review progress against the development roadmap and address any emerging regulatory risks within the firm.
8. Obligations of the Appointed Officer
The effectiveness of this mentorship relies on transparency. The appointed officer must attend all scheduled sessions, provide full access to relevant firm records needed for mentorship exercises, and proactively flag any areas where they feel their understanding is insufficient.
9. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Both parties agree to uphold strict confidentiality regarding proprietary firm information, client data, and strategic planning. All data handling within this mentorship framework will be performed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
10. Limitation of Liability
Fit and Compliant Consulting provides support, mentorship, and coordination services. We are not an education provider, law firm, or the appointed compliance officer of the firm. The ultimate legal responsibility for regulatory compliance remains with the firm's leadership and the formally appointed officer.
11. Termination of Mentorship
Either party may terminate the Student Support Package with 30 days' written notice. Upon termination, all outstanding coordination fees must be settled, and Fit and Compliant Consulting will provide a handover report detailing the progress made during the mentorship period.
This Service Level Agreement is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Specific terms may be updated or supplemented in a formal engagement letter or contract.