Presidents Message
I am delighted to be continuing into my second year as President of the Halifax & Bradford CII. It has been a privilege to serve over the past year, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together as a Council and wider professional community.
Over the past 12 months, we have seen strong engagement across our membership, delivered a varied programme of CPD, and hosted well-supported social and fundraising events. Most importantly, we have continued to strengthen the sense of community that sits at the heart of our Institute — something that remains essential as our profession continues to evolve.
Building on this momentum, I am pleased to confirm that Cash for Kids will remain my chosen charity for a second year.
Cash for Kids is an incredible organisation dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK, supporting those affected by poverty, illness, neglect, or additional needs.
What makes their work particularly impactful is their local approach — funds raised in our area stay within our communities, directly supporting children and families who need it most. This ensures that the support we provide as an Institute has a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of people around us.
Through their grant programmes, Cash for Kids provides essential support such as:
- Basic needs including food, clothing and heating
- Specialist equipment for children with additional needs
- Funding for local charities, schools and community groups
- Opportunities and experiences that help young people thrive
Their work supports children and young people from birth up to the age of 18, providing vital help at critical points in their lives and helping to create brighter futures.
The generosity shown by our members over the past year has been fantastic, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have been able to contribute together. I am committed to building on this support over the coming year so that we can make an even greater difference.
This year, we are also excited to be developing our collaboration with PwC Bradford. This partnership represents a valuable opportunity to broaden our reach and engage with a wider cross-section of professionals, including those working in claims and financial services. By bringing more people into the conversation, we can create greater opportunities for shared learning, networking, and professional development, while also strengthening the future of our local Institute.
A key focus for the coming year will be to continue growing engagement across our membership. We are particularly keen to ensure we are supporting those at earlier stages in their careers, while also continuing to provide relevant and valuable opportunities for all members. This will include expanding our CPD offering, with a balanced programme covering both technical and soft skills, as well as reintroducing more face-to-face events alongside our established virtual sessions.
We also recognise the importance of creating opportunities for members to connect in a more informal setting. Our social and networking events play a vital role in building relationships across the local market, and we will continue to develop these as part of our overall programme.
Ultimately, our aim is to ensure that the Halifax & Bradford CII remains a vibrant, inclusive and supportive professional network — one that adds real value to its members and reflects the diversity and strength of our local insurance community.
I look forward to working with Council, our members, and our partners over the coming year as we build on our successes and continue to make meaningful progress together.
Amanda Shaw
President