Luke Holloway reports from the new-format Network Conference held recently in Manchester
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Network Conference was held on Thursday 29 June at The Principal Hotel in Manchester. More than 160 delegates, representatives and members were in attendance, representing all 58 local institutes. The conference began with a video address on the presidential focus for 2017/2018 from Dame Inga Beale, CII president, followed by a talk from CII CEO Sian Fisher on the 'Your CII' strategic manifesto. There was then a presentation on three of the main workstreams that form part of the manifesto: -'Open for Business' by Grant Scott, vice president of the local institutes, which is focusing on employing a dynamic mix of channels to ensure the CII is accessible to members, including developed support for the local institutes; 'Living Learning' from workstream leader Nicola Mellor, qualifications architect, explaining how we are ensuring our learning products are fit for tomorrow's needs and changing educational practice; and -- 'A Great Big World' from workstream leader Margaret West, head of international operations, which will be extending our reach internationally.
CII managing director of engagement, Keith Richards, then spoke about engagement strategy, citing how the CII is building stronger relationships with the government, regulators and policymakers, after which, head of group member engagement, Lee Travis, discussed the regional support programme.
Delegates then split into groups, led by members of the regional staff team, for interactive sessions focusing on developing and sharing best practice for members on local and national projects.
TALENT AND DIVERSITY
After lunch, Tali Shlomo, people engagement CII Service Award Winners with Branko Bjelobaba, chair of the Awards Committee and Sian Fisher, CEO, CII Sian Fisher explains current developments with the director, gave a presentation on talent, diversity and inclusion and the day's proceedings concluded with a lively, interactive soft skills session on how to ignite local member engagement from internationally renowned speaker Lee Warren. A cocktail reception took place in the evening, which included the specially chosen CII Service Awards presentation, followed by A Great Big World-themed hot buffet, featuring dishes from around the world, including Hong Kong, India, Africa and the US.
The feedback from those attending on the day was extremely positive, with delegates remarking:
"Really enjoyed my first conference. Felt all content was very relevant!"
"[In future] certainly follow along the lines of this one, which was for
me was the best Network Conference I have attended -- thank you."
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Malcolm Biddulph -- Lincoln
Chris Hall -- Birmingham
George Maxwell -- Glasgow
Marie McAnaulty -- Liverpool
Christopher Paine -- London
David Ross -- Leeds
Paul Sturges -- Ipswich, Suffolk & North Essex
Rachel Sudlow -- Birmingham
Julie Watson -- Bolton
Fiona Whiting -- Nottingham
Len Wilkins -- London
Stuart Hulbert -- Chelmsford & South Essex
Kevin Thomas -- Bournemouth
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD
Keith Torrance -- Leicester
Andrew Parkhurst -- Liverpool