Zurich has become the first insurance company in the UK to partner with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) to create a professional qualifications training programme that aims to put 100% of claims, risk management, sales and underwriting employees through CII training. The training programme will enable employees to become members of the CII and achieve fully chartered status within a 5-year period.
The new programme is called the Zurich Membership Proposition (ZMP), and it's the first time a UK insurer has partnered with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) to launch such a progressive training programme for employees. Previous Zurich training initiatives have seen the number of individuals passing these qualifications increase dramatically over the last two years from 62% at the end of 2004 to just over 80% in 2006. This new programme has been launched with the aim of increasing these figures to 100%.
In excess of 500 claims and underwriting professionals have attained their professional qualifications through the Chartered Insurance Institute to date (including Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma). Another 600 people have now embarked on their CII qualifications.
The aim of ZMP is to create a culture that supports further education amongst employees. It's completely funded by the company and is structured in a way that fits with the individual's work schedule. The programme is split into three distinct tiers - Level 1 is for those who aren't currently studying; Level 2 is for those who are currently studying for qualifications; Level 3 for those that have already qualified.
Level 1 is consists of an annual programme of 11 roadshows that are designed to encourage studying for a professional qualification. Individuals are given a copy of a market 'Knowledge pack', which is followed by a series of introductory-level training courses aimed at encouraging their buy-in to the concept of professional training, take-up and completion of learning. The training is a big commitment in addition to the day job so it's important to work with those individuals concerned to ensure they are completely aware of the benefits before they commit their time and hard effort to undertaking professional training.
Level 2 involves a programme of exam revision courses, a system of mentoring, ongoing Zurich smart-pack support, and finally they will gain access to the CII's Continuous Professional Development scheme, which is normally reserved for qualified members only.
Level 3 offers Continuous Professional Development (CPD) with regional training events providing updates on things like the latest legislatory changes. It also offers discounted technical training courses for those wanting to expand their knowledge beyond their existing skill set.
Tim Holliday, UK GI Chief Underwriting Officer at Zurich commented "We designed this programme to encourage individuals to aspire to professional qualifications, and the increased pass rate from 62-80% demonstrates that we're already moving in the right direction."
Bill Paton, Chief Claims Officer at Zurich said "The Zurich Membership Proposition benefits everyone involved - our people will get the opportunity to have a professional qualification, our customers will benefit from further enhanced service delivered by these teams and Zurich will have the competitive advantage of professionally qualified teams.
"We believe that the training provided by these membership services from Zurich and the CII will also create a work culture that encourages and supports effective learning and development for our people, for the duration of their working lives. The perception of a career in an insurance claims or underwriting departments has been that of a service based role offering mainly 'on-the-job' training - but this is perception is changing. The Zurich Membership Proposition encourages and enables everyone to work towards a professional qualification and chartered status.
"Lee Gladwell, CII Group Sales and Marketing Director, CII said "This is a landmark scheme for the CII as well as Zurich. The commitment by Zurich to provide every employee within its Claims, Underwriting and London Market teams with CII membership is extremely encouraging and demonstrates Zurich's commitment to the highest standards of professional practice. Not only will this be good for their business efficiency it will also help improve the industry's reputation with the consumer and, by demonstrating clear career paths, will motivate talented people to come and work in our industry."
For further information contact:
Maria Wyatt, Zurich on t: 01489 864817
m: 07764 282074
e: maria.wyatt@uk.zurich.com
Zurich is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network that focuses its activities on its key markets in North America and Europe. Founded in 1872, Zurich is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich has offices in more than 50 countries and employs about 57,000 people.
Further information:
Notes to Editors
Face to face training
o Free exam revision courses delivered at Zurich UK premises
o Discount on technical and introductory courses e.g.
- Intro to Personal Insurance
- Intro to Commercial Insurance
- Claims Management
- Liability Insurance - Advanced
o Tailor made programmes
o Free CII mentoring course for Zurich identified mentors
Knowledge Pack
o Industry related information tailored to enhance knowledge of inexperienced staff
CPD
o Free Faculty related CPD events at Zurich UK premises per annum
o Free access to CII Regional CPD events
o Free Access to CII knowledge services
CII Champions
The CII hosts an annual event at Aldermanbury which includes a workshop on market and CII updates
