We are pleased to unveil an update to the valuable resource, The Domestic Abuse Toolkit for Employers. Launched this week exclusively to the insurance industry, the Toolkit can be adopted by any organisation including charities and public sector bodies irrespective of their size. The Charity is proud to have funded the update, driven by a recognition that the world of work, and awareness of domestic abuse, have changed in the three years since its original publication. Covid-19 has accelerated these changes, and so along with Business in the Community, Public Health England, and the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse, the Insurance Charities took action. The Toolkit provides business leaders, senior managers, HR, occupational health, and anyone involved with the health and wellbeing of staff with the information, resource, examples, and confidence to play their part in tackling abuse, raising awareness, and supporting their staff. With one in four women and one in six men experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetime, employers have an important role to play in society’s response to this crime. Never more so than now in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic which has seen an exponential shift to working from home. For those experiencing abuse, the workplace often offers a safe space and a respite away from their abuser. According to Refuge calls to helplines have increased by 61% since lockdown began. Please share with colleagues and those in your professional networks. https://www.bitc.org.uk/toolkit/domestic-abuse-toolkit/

'Awards Presentation' At the end of my presidential year, my final task is to announce the High Achiever Award, congratulate our exam qualifiers and, ultimately, publicise the Best Performances in the Financial Services and General Insurance Exams. Well done to everyone who has sat exams this past year. If you click on the link https://cms.localinstitutes.cii.co.uk/media/19370/zoom_0.mp4 you will be able to see the exam successes and the awards nominations. There may be a lockdown, however, your local institute council still acknowledges the hard work and commitment of everyone who has studied and sat exams. Well done to you all. and congratulations on your success" Helen Wilcox 2020 - 2021 President"

Insurance Charities Awareness Week will take place between 21-25 June. Please put this in your diary, and look out for further updates on our social media channels, website and special ebulletins as more details become available. During the week we'll be calling on you and your colleagues to: • Retweet and share our social media posts throughout the week. • Send your own posts from your personal accounts and company accounts (where possible) • Circulate the resources we'll be sharing with you in advance. Perhaps consider team meetings, intranets, and 'lunch and learn' sessions for example. • Watch our webinar we'll be launching at the start of the week. • Think about those in your professional networks who may be struggling, and signpost them to the Charity. We hope that you and your employer will get involved, and help us raise awareness throughout the industry. If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please get in touch.