CII New Generation Programme

The CII “New Generation” programme for people working in claims, underwriting, broking and London market runs each year, taking applications through the summer.

Designed to complement existing company talent programmes, the year-long programme will provide group members with a range of learning opportunities, including:

• An interactive session with key personnel from regulatory bodies
• Talks from Members of Parliament and lobbying organisations in the insurance sector
• Training on subjects such as leadership and handling the media

It’s free to take part – if you are selected – and is a great opportunity to broaden your network, learn knew skills, acquire new knowledge, and boost your CV and profile!

Nicola Holmes, Regional Manager at Hiscox (and now Council member), was one of the first to take part in 2013/14, and has shared the following regarding her experience:

"I was in the early stages of my career back then - it was a great opportunity for me to gain more confidence, meet more people in the industry and put myself out of my comfort zone.

I was attracted by the opportunity to develop professional relationships and friendships with other members of the programme, across underwriting, broking and claims groups. I am still in contact with a few members of my group now and we regularly keep in touch and meet up and discuss the market and career development.

Industry learning and exposure was also very appealing to me. The training we had provided us with unique opportunities that would not be on offer to me outside of this programme. We got to meet the regulators in person, we were invited to the Houses of Parliament (learnt all about lobbying), and we even had media training. The media training took our sales skills to another level - with great hints and tips, and training on how to respond to the media. We were even videoed to take away personal development areas….. very interesting!

There was also a project we engaged in at the end of the year. This tested us as a group of otherwise unconnected individuals to work as a team, research the issues the industry faces, and write a paper on what the industry could do to improve. Our project was on stress in the work place - how topical that has turned out to be.

Overall, the New Generation programme was very valuable for me personally and set me up to further my career. I am already ACII, and decided I wanted to go to the next level and become FCII – an extra bonus for me is that our project has been accepted as the major piece of work required for FCII, and I am now very near completion.

To anyone considering it, I would say “go for it!” You have nothing to lose."