Are you getting the most from your relationship with your local institute?
It was only a few short years ago that engaging with your local insurance institute constituted an occasional continuing professional development (CPD) lecture in a hotel, or a meeting room of a local insurance office and perhaps an invitation to the annual black-tie dinner.
Today, the picture is very different. 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. Add in a vibrant mix of networking, charitable support, as well as health and wellbeing-focused events, and the current local institute network takes shape as a modern, relevant and diverse support setup for members at all stages of
their career.
Staying connected
With institutes adapting to a webinar-led offering in 2020, choice and accessibility reached even greater heights. More than 1,000 virtual events were held by the 56 local institutes from March to December 2020, providing members with guidance and insight on all the key issues for the insurance profession.
New initiatives for 2021 include a series of events hosted by CII president Julie Page, who is also CEO of AON UK. Julie has expressed a wish to engage directly with local institute and CII society member communities - more details will become available shortly for those wishing to participate. Each region of the UK will be looking to host an event, with a local institute president involved and with agendas shaped by the professional profile and needs of each local area. This promises to be a fascinating, informative and intimate opportunity for members to engage with Ms Page and a panel of key stakeholders.
More than 1,000 virtual events were held by the 56 local institutes from March to December, providing members with guidance and insight on all the key issues for the insurance profession
There will also be an opportunity for members wishing to progress their qualifications. With the support of the Worshipful Company of Insurers, the CII’s regional membership team will begin the rollout of a fast-track Certificate in Insurance training programme, and further down the line the same for Diploma in Insurance students. Courses will be run by region and places will be taken quickly so look out for more details coming soon.
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 the date of your institute’s AGM, visit: www.cii.co.uk/local to access your local institute website.
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
