The value of membership and the power of engaging with your local institute
The CII’s annual Network Conference 2021 went digital for the first time this year, exploring the value of membership and the power of engaging with your local institute.
More than 100 volunteers attended the two-day event in July, which featured sessions from a host of
CII speakers. So, what did we learn?
1 Opportunities to engage
The network has adapted throughout the pandemic to transform what was once a traditionally face-to-face proposition into an extensive online offering that members can access at the click of a button, said David Ross, vice-president of the Local Institute Network.
More than 500 virtual continuing professional development (CPD) events were held by the 56 institutes in Q1 and Q2 of 2021 alone, with 48% of members saying they have engaged with their local institute during the last 12 months.
As well as social networking events, members can access a range of support activities, from CPD seminars to revision and study support programmes, as well as full-day conferences featuring keynote speakers from across the profession.
Mr Ross also noted a particular theme for 2021 is mental health and wellbeing, with the Insurance Institute of Manchester having recently launched a mindful wellbeing support network for members.
He said: “The local institutes are run by volunteers from the profession, therefore they represent and understand the voice of each member.
“In terms of alignment, we are part of the much wider CII membership proposition and we are clearly an invaluable part of that in helping to ensure consistency for members, wherever and whoever they are.”
2 Staying connected
As part of the CII’s transformation programme to become a modern, relevant and diverse professional body, John Bissell, chief operating officer at the CII, called on volunteers to engage in the conversation at a local level.
“We would like to start a conversation with local institutes and our stakeholders about initiatives that will underpin the delivery of a more engaged membership, insightful leadership and relevant learning,” he said.
“We want to build on the great work that has been done to engage our members both locally and centrally,” he concluded.
Mr Bissell encouraged members to stay connected with their local institutes and to get involved where possible if they feel a positive contribution can be made.
3 Looking ahead
As we cast an eye to the rest of 2021 and beyond, Mr Ross said a key focus for the network is on what the future will look like in a post-pandemic world.
The CII annual member survey in May 2021 revealed members would value a return to face-to-face events and networking, combined with the digital offering already offered by the local institutes.
Mr Ross said: “As the world slowly returns to normal, there are lots of emerging opportunities for the network. Although we have delivered an excellent online proposition, it does raise the question: what do we now want to do in terms of face-to-face events?
“Exciting opportunities have emerged for greater regional collaboration, which we have started to see a lot more of recently through regions working together on the delivery of CPD,” he concluded.
To find out more or to get involved, visit www.cii.co.uk/membership/local-institutes to access your local institute website.
For the latest list of webinars hosted by the local institute network, visit: www.cii.co.uk.events
Bobbi Sills is communications executive at the CII
