What is a Local Institute?

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) is the leading professional body for those working in Insurance and Financial Planning. Its purpose is to promote the highest standards of integrity, technical expertise and business capability across the profession.

As one of the UK’s largest professional examination bodies, the CII has supported more than one million students in over 150 countries during the past decade. CII qualifications are recognised globally, and membership demonstrates a commitment to professional development and adherence to rigorous ethical standards.

The CII’s Royal Charter requires the organisation to “secure and justify the confidence of the public” in both its members and the wider insurance and financial services sectors. Maintaining public trust remains one of the CII’s core aims.

Through the contributions of its members—particularly those involved in faculties, societies, boards and committees—the CII ensures its activities remain relevant, valuable, and aligned to the needs of both practitioners and the public.

To support this mission at a local level, the CII works with regional groups, committees and institutes, including The Insurance Institute of Southampton. Local Institutes represent the CII within their communities and are run by volunteer Councils.

Key Facts About Local Institutes

• Each Local Institute is run by a volunteer Council who share and allocate responsibilities.
• Every UK-based CII member is automatically a member of a Local Institute of their choice.
• There are currently 52 Local Institutes across the UK, along with associated institutes in the Republic of Ireland.

Typical Local Institute Activities

Local Institutes provide a wide range of professional development, networking and support services for members, including:

• CPD seminars and workshops covering technical and industry topics—typically free or at a heavily discounted rate.
• Business and soft skills training, often free of charge. Recent sessions include Communicating in a Changed Landscape and Self-Motivation.
• Social and networking events to help members connect and build professional relationships.
• Exam support, including revision sessions and guidance on study and exam techniques.
• Next Generation / Young Professionals groups offering networking and career development for newer entrants to the industry.
• Regular updates on local activities, events and opportunities.

As a Chartered body with more than 100 years of history, the CII awards Chartered titles to individuals and organisations that meet strict professional criteria.

Chartered professionalism has deep historical roots, but today remains a crucial marker of trust. For professionals across disciplines—accountants, engineers, brokers, insurers, financial advisers—Chartered status signifies exceptional expertise and ethical conduct.

In an environment where consumer trust has been tested by financial scandals and declining commercial standards, demand for Chartered practitioners continues to grow. Many professionals aspire to Chartered status as it represents the pinnacle of achievement within the insurance and financial services sectors.

Upon completing CII qualifications, members may use their recognised designations on professional communications. More than 55,000 practitioners in over 150 countries currently use CII designations, with nearly 18,000 achieving Chartered status.

People pursue CII qualifications for various reasons:

• Regulatory or job requirements
• Career progression
• Deepening technical knowledge
• Achieving formal professional recognition

The Insurance Institute of Southampton supports members throughout their learning journey by offering CPD events, exam support, study days, and by running exam centres when required. Our Next Generation group also provides peer support from young professionals currently studying or recently qualified.