The Insurance Institute of Southampton was founded in 1913 and today is one of the largest Local Institutes, supporting more than 2,500 members, including PFS members, with a dedicated Council of 20 volunteers.

On 4 April 1913, a meeting held at Ocean Chambers, Above Bar—chaired by Mr. E. W. Blew of Ocean Accident—first considered forming an Insurance Institute for the city. Mr. Blew was proposed as the Institute’s first President.

The first general meeting took place shortly after, on 18 April 1913, at Lowman’s Café, Above Bar, and was attended by 50 members.

Since then, the Institute has continued to evolve:

• 1963: The Institute celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a banquet at the Guildhall.
• 1985: Pat Farley became the Institute’s first female President.
• 2013: The Institute marked its 100th anniversary, led by Centenary President Mike Hillier, with celebrations including a lunch aboard a cruise ship in Southampton.
• 2023: Claire Collings became the Institute’s 10th female President.

A comprehensive history of the Institute was compiled by Mike Hillier and Ian Ritchie for the Centenary celebrations.

How You Can Take Part

There are many ways to get involved with the Insurance Institute of Southampton. Whether you want to:

• represent your office and promote our events,
• support a specialist committee, or
• contribute to the main Council shaping the Institute’s strategic direction,

your involvement is welcome. People join for a variety of reasons: to give back to the profession, build new skills, broaden their networks, or simply support the local insurance community.

We welcome members from all areas of insurance and financial services—and you do not need to be a CII member or work in a technical role. Our volunteers include insurers, brokers, loss adjusters, marketing professionals, solicitors and more, representing companies of all sizes.

Next Generation Group

Our Next Generation group encourages young professionals—typically early in their careers or new to the industry—to get involved. This group offers:

• an invaluable social and professional network,
• links to other professional organisations across the region, and
• opportunities to organise and attend social, sporting and charitable events.

More information is available on the Next Generation pages of this site.

If you’re interested in joining the Institute or would like an informal conversation, please contact our Secretary, Claire Smith, at claire.smith@ageas.co.uk.

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How the Institute Operates

Council members take on a range of responsibilities to help the Institute meet its objectives.

• Monthly meetings lasting between one and two hours, chaired by the President or Deputy, with minutes recorded by the Secretary.
• Additional time commitments often amount to one or two hours per month, depending on the role.
• At key times—such as preparations for the Annual Dinner—some teams may be busier.

Roles, Committees and Responsibilities

There are several roles and sub-committees you can get involved with, including:

• President, Vice President, Deputy President and Past Presidents
• Development Officer
• Education Committee / Education Secretary – responsible for lunchtime lectures and seminars
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Charities Visitor – conducts visits on behalf of the Insurance Charities
• Regional Forum Officer
• Dinner Committee / Dinner Secretary – leads the Annual Dinner planning
• Sports & Social Committee / Secretary – organises recreational and networking events
• Membership Engagement Officer
• Charity Awareness & Fundraising Team – delivers local charity initiatives
• Communications Officer / Committee – manages the website, quarterly newsletter, and online booking system

Next Generation Council Roles

The Next Generation Council includes positions such as:

• Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Social Media Lead
• Education / CPD Lead

This team is responsible for many of the Institute’s social, sporting and fundraising activities.

PFS Representation

We also benefit from the involvement of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) Hants & Dorset Region, whose Regional Representative contributes to the Institute Committee.

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Annual General Meeting

Our AGM is held annually in April, after which Council roles are appointed for the year ahead. This is the perfect opportunity to apply for a Council position—either in a general capacity or in a specific role such as Treasurer, Secretary, Education Officer, Membership Officer or Annual Dinner Coordinator.

Whether your strengths lie in careers guidance, event management, communication or administration, there is a place for you.

If you are interested in joining the Council or applying for a specific position, please contact the Institute Secretary, Claire Smith, at claire.smith@ageas.co.uk.