Are you making the most of your local institute membership?
All CII members are affiliated to a local institute. There are 56 spanning the four corners of the British Isles: from Aberdeen to Jersey, from Swansea to Norwich. How often do you make use of the support, advice and guidance available?
The modern local institute is evolving, as the last two years has dictated, and members can access a range of support activities, from the more traditional bitesize CPD seminars through to more in-depth workshops; dedicated bespoke revision and study support programmes; and full-day conferences featuring keynote speakers from across the profession. With an ever-growing mix of networking, health and wellbeing focused events and established programmes of charitable support, the current local institute network takes shape as a one-stop shop for local support which is more diverse than ever, and both relevant and essential for members at all stages of their career.
Staying connected
2021 saw a continuation of predominantly digital-led CPD and support programmes across the local institute network, building on the increased choice and wider accessibility seen in 2020.
Almost 2,000 virtual and face-to-face events were held by the 56 local institutes during 2021, providing members with guidance and insight on all the key issues for the insurance profession. This consisted of a swathe of essential CPD sessions, both technical and professional skills focused, vital in helping members to acquire their required CPD hours; an increasing number of dedicated revision support programmes designed to help members pass exams and advance their careers; and a return to some networking and social activities where circumstances allowed. It was also pleasing to see several local institutes return to hosting awards ceremonies to recognise and reward the hard work and achievements of their members.
Local institute activity in 2021 saw an incredible 75,000 engagement touch points achieved by local institutes for the benefit of local members. None of this would be possible without the many hundreds of volunteers who give their time, enthusiasm, and expertise each year. The CII thanks them for their dedication and commitment.
2022 has been handed the baton to continue the drive towards even greater achievement, with relevant and topical CPD webinars proving as popular as always, and many local institutes seeking to adopt a flexible hybrid support programme as the year progresses, encompassing both digital activity, which has proved very successful across the network, and a return to more face-to-face events as restrictions ease.
GET INVOLVED
Local institutes are run by volunteers from the profession, with support from the CII. If the idea of helping to shape the support – as well as benefiting from it – interests you, then you could get involved. Local institute AGMs take place between March and May and are a great way to discover what your institute offers and hear first-hand from council members about your institute’s activities.
If you feel you could make a positive contribution, it is an ideal first step to becoming involved. To find out more, including contacts at your local institute and the date of your institute’s AGM, visit: www.cii.co.uk/local. For the latest list of webinars hosted by the local institute network, visit: www.cii.co.uk/events
Matt Ward is regional membership manager of the CII
