What is a Local Institute

As the premier professional body for the Insurance and Financial Planning professions, the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) promotes higher standards of integrity, technical competence and business capability.

As one of the largest examination awarding bodies in the UK, they have delivered education to over one million students in 150 countries over the last 10 years. Success in CII qualifications is universally recognised as a global standard. Membership of the CII signals a commitment to developing a broad professional capability and a willingness to adhere to the standards associated with professional status.

The CII’s Royal Charter requires they "secure and justify the confidence of the public" in all members and in the insurance and financial services sector. The CII works hard to maintain public confidence and trust in the financial services market.

Through the support and advocacy of all members, specifically those within the various faculties, societies, boards and committees we can ensure that our activities remain relevant and reflect the needs of our members whilst at the same time serving the demands of the public.

To further this on a local level the CII supports local groups, committees and institutes, including The Insurance Institute of Southampton. Local Institutes are the regional face of the national CII and are run by volunteers who form the Council.

Key Facts about Local Institutes

• The Council allocates responsibilities amongst its members
• Every CII member in the UK is also a member of a local institute of their choice
• There are currently 52 local institutes across the UK, plus associated institutes in the Republic of Ireland

Typical Programme activities

An extensive range of CPD seminars and workshops covering technical and industry related topics, typically free of charge (where a fee is payable these are significantly below standard market rates). 

• Access to 'soft' and business skills sessions to provide essential non-technical support in your career, the majority of which are free of charge. Recent courses have included How to communicate in a changed landscape and self-motivation
• Social and business networking events
• Guidance on exam techniques and revision courses for members studying towards CII qualifications
• Specialist interest groups for young professionals
• Regular member updates

As a Chartered body of more than a century's standing the CII grants Chartered titles to individuals and organisations which meet strict qualifying criteria.

The concept of Chartered Professionalism traces its roots back many centuries to the years following the Norman invasion in 1066. In the 21st century, the Chartered title is more relevant than ever in terms of winning and securing public trust.

Across the professional landscape, from accountants to civil engineers, and of course through to insurance brokers, insurers, insurance practitioners and financial planners, Chartered status stands proud as an indicator of the highest standards of learning and ethical behaviour.

Increasingly, consumers who have grown weary and sceptical following years of financial scandal and falling standards in commercial and retail life are actively seeking out Chartered practitioners.

The value of these is evident as ever greater numbers of insurance and financial services professionals strive to reach what is regarded as the pinnacle of our profession. 

Upon completion of CII qualifications, members are entitled to use internationally recognised designations on personal communication materials,

To date designations awarded by the CII can be used by more than 55,000 insurance practitioners in more than 150 different countries, of these, almost 18,000 hold the premier individual title, Chartered status.

The designations cover the full spectrum of qualifications, in many instances with sector or discipline-specific options to enable members to demonstrate areas of specialism.

People complete CII qualifications for many reasons. For some, it is a basic job requirement, or indeed a regulatory requirement. Others want to expand their knowledge and improve their career prospects. For many, it is simply the desire to achieve professional status in their chosen field.

The Insurance Institute of Southampton supports Education and completion of these chartered qualifications by providing CPD’s events linked to Insurance topics, Exam help and study days and also by running the Exam Centres when required. Our Next Generation group can also provide support as lots of our young professionals are currently studying for their qualifications or have completed them recently.