We are thrilled to announce that Maple Wills Legal Executive Assistant, Hayley Bastable has successfully achieved the STEP Certificate for Financial Services – Trusts and Estate Planning. This highly regarded accreditation from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing clients with the highest standard of professional expertise.
This achievement demonstrates Hayley’s dedication to professional excellence and reinforces Maple Wills’ position as a trusted provider of comprehensive estate planning services across the UK.
What is STEP and Why Does This Qualification Matter?
The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) is the premier global professional body for advisers who specialise in inheritance and succession planning. With more than 21,000 members across 100 branches in over 95 countries, STEP sets the benchmark for professional standards in the trusts and estates industry.
STEP’s mission is to inspire confidence in families planning their assets across generations by setting and upholding high professional standards, informing public policy, promoting education, and connecting practitioners globally to share knowledge and best practice.
About the STEP Certificate for Financial Services – Trusts and Estate Planning
This specialist qualification is designed for professionals who work closely with clients on complex estate planning matters. The comprehensive curriculum covers the core legal, tax, and investment issues that overlap with estate planning, ensuring practitioners can deliver truly holistic advice.
Key areas covered by the qualification include:
• Lifetime trust structures – Understanding the various trust arrangements commonly employed in private client work
• Will trusts and estate planning – Comprehensive knowledge of how different will structures protect families and assets
• Inheritance tax planning – Calculating transferable nil rate bands and implementing tax-efficient strategies
• Residence and domicile – Understanding how these factors impact clients’ estate planning needs
• Powers of attorney – Managing the affairs of incapacitated clients under various legal frameworks
• Trustee duties and responsibilities – Investment matters and fiduciary obligations
The qualification is assessed through a rigorous five-hour open-book examination, testing candidates’ ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and client situations.
What This Achievement Means for Maple Wills Clients
For our clients, Hayley’s STEP qualification provides additional assurance that they are receiving advice from a practitioner who understands the complex interactions between legal requirements, taxation, and financial planning. This enhanced expertise enables us to:
• Provide more holistic advice that considers all aspects of estate planning
• Identify opportunities for inheritance tax mitigation through exemptions and lifetime gifts
• Navigate complex family situations with greater confidence and expertise
• Work more effectively with solicitors, accountants, and other professionals
• Stay current with the latest developments in trust law and estate planning regulations
The Journey Towards Full STEP Membership (TEP)
This STEP Certificate represents an important step on Hayley’s path towards achieving full membership of STEP and the prestigious Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation. The TEP designation is internationally recognised as the benchmark qualification for professionals working in trusts and estates, signifying the highest level of expertise and professional standing.
Hayley is now working towards the STEP Diploma, which requires candidates to complete four Advanced Certificates covering private wealth administration, governance, tax, and compliance. Upon completion, practitioners earn the TEP designation and can use the letters ‘TEP’ after their name.
This ongoing commitment to professional development reflects Maple Wills’ dedication to providing our clients with the most knowledgeable and qualified estate planning advice available.
A Year of Recognition
This latest achievement follows Hayley’s recognition as a finalist for the STEP Rising Star Award, further cementing her reputation as an emerging leader in the estate planning profession. These accolades reflect not only her technical expertise but also her commitment to client service and professional excellence.
“Achieving this STEP qualification has been a significant professional milestone. The comprehensive curriculum has deepened my understanding of the complex interactions between law, taxation, and financial planning that affect our clients’ estate planning decisions. I’m committed to continuing my professional development and working towards full TEP status to ensure Maple Wills clients receive the highest standard of advice.”
— Hayley Bastable, Maple Wills
Maple Wills’ Commitment to Professional Excellence
At Maple Wills, we believe that ongoing professional development is essential to providing our clients with the best possible service. Our team members hold qualifications from respected professional bodies including the Society of Will Writers (SWW), the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), and now STEP.
This commitment to excellence has been recognised throughout our journey, including co-founder Bal receiving The Entrepreneur Will Writer of the Year Award in 2023. We continue to invest in our team’s development to ensure we remain at the forefront of estate planning best practice.
Speak to Our Expert Team
Whether you need assistance with will writing, Lasting Powers of Attorney, trusts, or comprehensive estate planning, our qualified team is here to help. We offer confidential, no-obligation consultations to discuss your specific circumstances and how we can protect your family’s future.
Contact Maple Wills today on 01908 478 988 or email info@maplewills.co.uk to book your consultation.
