Who Are We?
Unburdened is the brainchild of former compliance officer Alan Whittle.
Alan realised that there was often a gap between what the teams at financial planning firms can do, and what they need to do in order for their businesses to operate at the highest level. Unburdened exists to help bridge that gap.
The name Unburdened was inspired by conversations with financial planners about the weight of responsibility that comes with running an advisory business. Working with Unburdened means sharing that load.
Our Values
Honesty
We want to build lasting relationships with our clients. This means being open and honest with you, whether that is reporting back the results of a file check or in setting clear expectations for the work you require from us.
Competency
Our support for education is not confined to those we work with and we will always strive to improve our understanding. Sometimes this means accepting that there are areas where we aren't the best person to help you (like Defined Benefit Pension Transfers).
Passion
We believe in the power of financial planning to help people and the importance of sustainable, ethical and values-driven advice. We want to see financial planning grow into a successful profession.
The Team
We are here to help you succeed. At Unburdened, we are passionate about the power of good financial planning and committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Our team brings together a wealth of experience across finanial services, compliance, ethical investment, sustainability, and learning and development, combining technical expertise with a genuine focus on outcomes.
We work collaboratively to help you deliver the results your clients expect with integrity and confidence.
Dr Alan Whittle, MSc MA FPFS
After a career spanning roles as Paraplanner, Compliance Officer, and Money Laundering Reporting Officer, Alan founded Unburdened in 2019 to deliver ongoing compliance, learning, and development support to financial planning businesses.
Alan’s experience includes working with the Scottish Government’s Rural Communities Division and a private welfare-to-work service provider, fuelling a deep commitment to social and environmental sustainability.
A strong advocate of lifelong learning, Alan is a Chartered Financial Planner, Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, and Chartered MCSI. He holds an MSc in Financial Planning and Business Management, alongside specialist qualifications in Impact Investing, Investment Management, Financial Crime, Risk Management, Green Finance, and Climate Risk.
In February 2025, Alan was awarded a PhD in Financial Planning by Manchester Metropolitan University. His thesis explored how reference points, frames, and framing influence investment decision-making in advised Impact Investing (read it here).
His ongoing research focuses on social and responsible investing, investor motivation, and applied ethics in financial services.
Alan currently sits on the Board of the Personal Finance Society as a Member Director and is a Past President of the Aberdeen Institute of Insurance and Financial Planning.
Awards & Recognition
2025: GoodStock.Live Better Together Award
2022: CII Distinguished Service Award
Find me on ORCID
Rebecca Kowalski, FPFS
Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in Sustainable Finance and contributes to our work as an independent consultant.
Rebecca worked as a Sustainable Finance Champion under her Overstory brand from 2021 to 2024, following a career as a Paraplanner, Compliance Manager and Sustainability Lead for several Scottish IFA firms. Rebecca supports Unburdened in the development of Sustainable Finance solutions and research.
A Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Rebecca also holds a degree in Russian and Spanish as well as specialist qualifications in Sustainable Finance.
Rebecca's primary focus is on good client outcomes in the sustainable finance space, by providing education and training materials for the advisory profession, scrutinising the output of the investment industry and developing clear communications for clients.
Rebecca collaborates widely in pursuit of positive change, working with Alan via Unburdened Solutions and Present Change, the FCA ASG group, the PFS Sustainability Panel and is an organiser of the Goodstock.Live conference.
Rebecca is motivated by helping her daughter, a climate activist, carry the burden of the climate crisis.
Neville White
Neville brings almost three decades of experience in ethical, responsible and sustainable investment to Unburdened. Widely respected across the industry, he has spent his career helping investors, charities and institutions navigate complex ethical and governance challenges.
Prior to becoming an independent consultant in 2024, Neville spent thirteen years at EdenTree Investment Management, serving as Head of Responsible Investment Policy & Research and Head of Corporate Governance. He led the firm's work on responsible investment research, stewardship, corporate engagement, ethical screening and proxy voting activities.
Earlier in his career, Neville held senior ethical investment and engagement roles working with major institutional investors, including CCLA, helping develop investment policies and engagement programmes on issues ranging from corporate governance and executive remuneration to human rights and sustainability.
Through Unburdened, Neville provides specialist support on ethical and responsible investment, stewardship, governance, corporate engagement and investment policy, bringing a rare combination of strategic insight, practical experience and independent challenge to client projects.
Neville helps organisations align investment decision-making with their values, responsibilities and long-term objectives, bringing clarity and independent challenge to complex ethical and governance questions.
Scott Dakers
Scott Dakers is an independent strategic consultant with more than 40 years’ experience helping wealth managers, asset managers and financial advice businesses achieve sustainable commercial growth. He has held senior leadership roles across investment consulting, asset management and wealth management, building high-performing teams, national distribution strategies and strategic partnerships that deliver long-term value.
A recognised leader in business development and commercial strategy, Scott has worked with executive teams, boards and investment committees to deliver transformation, improve distribution effectiveness and strengthen client relationships. His expertise spans managed portfolio services, centralised investment propositions, investment governance, Consumer Duty, due diligence, adviser education and strategic change.
Scott is also widely recognised for his commitment to responsible and sustainable investing. As a founding member of Titan Square Mile’s Sustainability Board, he helped shape the firm’s sustainability strategy and supported advisers and investment professionals in understanding and communicating sustainable investment solutions.
Today, Scott advises financial services businesses on commercial growth, distribution strategy, sustainable investing and organisational development. His collaborative approach gives firms flexible access to senior executive expertise, helping leadership teams solve complex commercial challenges, build stronger relationships and create sustainable competitive advantage. He combines strategic thinking, practical implementation and trusted relationships to deliver measurable, lasting results.
Collaboration
We are very pleased to be working in collaboration with some fantastic people in the work that we do, particularly:
- Michaela Pashley and colleagues at Practical Financial Exams (PFE)
- Max Leslie of Leslie Learning
Need a little light reading?
We have a selection of articles and research papers available in our Research and Articles section.
Read More...