A cross-market insurance returners programme, which successfully attracted professionals on a career break back to work, has announced the launch of another one.
The first returners programme, launched earlier this year in March to enable “career break” professionals to return to the insurance industry, in fact exceeded its targets. The goal was to place 10 returners into roles at the participating firms. However, they exceeded the target by 50%; and they have already successfully placed 15 women in jobs after career breaks of between two and 17 years. Participating firms included Axis Capital, AIG Life Limited & American International Group UK Ltd, Chubb, Chaucer Group, Howden Group & DUAL, Lockton, Marsh, Phoenix Group and Willis Towers Watson.
The successful returners programme was organised by diversity and inclusion experts Inclusivity; and supported by the Insurance Families Network. It provides opportunities across all disciplines, including underwriting, broking, claims, actuarial, exposure management, risk and some corporate functions. Given the success of the first initiative, Inclusivity, along with several participating firms (including AXA, Marsh, Phoenix, AON, Zurich and Lloyd’s of London) have organised another programme.
SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENTS
In the first programme, AIG and Howden Group/DUAL welcomed three career returners, while most participating firms hired at least one. Paula Juntunen, for example, had a long and varied professional career. As a qualified solicitor, she had worked in insurance in a number of roles including legal, broking and business development. After an eight-year break, during which she set up her own business and volunteered with the Samaritans, Juntunen wanted to return to the insurance sector. However, she was conscious that recruiters might question her 11-year career break. “The programme opened doors for me; and I’m confident I will have the support I need to pick up my career again,” she commented. Juntunen is joining the Complex Claims team at AIG.
“We were excited to be part of this first cross-industry opportunity to attract returners back to insurance,” stated AIG UK’s CEO Anthony Baldwin. “We have been impressed with the calibre of candidates; and look forward to welcoming both Paula and Helen to our team.”
NEW DIVERSE VOICES
Marsh, which is welcoming two returners to its UK Risk Management division, said it is keen to participate in the programme again. “In order to fully contribute to the success of our colleagues, clients and communities, we need input from a diverse range of voices across all levels of the business,” explained Ailsa King, Chief Client Officer, UK & Ireland at Marsh. “Inclusivity’s returners programme opens the door to a vast array of often overlooked talent that has left the industry; and provides these individuals with the opportunity to get their career in insurance back on track.”
The programme has also helped participating firms find talented women to fill new and emerging roles in the insurance sector. For example, more organisations now have a dedicated focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters; and need to build teams to deliver on their strategies and commitments in this area. Axis Capital joined the programme to try to find someone with the right skills and experience to join its team. They found a perfect fit with Nerina Wright.
As a qualified advocate, Wright grew up in the apartheid years in South Africa. After a successful career as a barrister, she moved to London, studied for an MBA and worked in investment banking. During her subsequent 17-year career break, Wright had volunteered for a number of NGOs and charities with social justice at their heart. She is now joining Axis Insurance International Division as their London Market ESG Lead. “In Nerina we have found someone with a background in financial services; and an indomitable advocate, who has the passion for this field; and who will undoubtedly be an agent for change in our organisation,” stated Axis CEO Mark Gregory.
NEW SECOND PROGRAMME
Commenting on the success of this returners programme to date, Stephanie Dillon, Founder of Inclusivity said: “Our target was to place 10 career returners. We’re on track for 15 and they cover several disciplines: broking, underwriting, client management, claims, technology, finance. It just proves how much untapped talent is out there waiting to be discovered.”
What began as an important diversity initiative is now recognised as a critical weapon in the “war for talent”; and rather than sitting back to enjoy success, the Inclusivity team are now launching a second programme. Like the first, the next cross-market insurance programme is open to women and men returning from a career break. The organisers use a tailored assessment process, which looks for potential; acknowledges the full breadth of a candidate’s experience; and understands that breaks should not be career limiting. Successful candidates will benefit from:
- A six month paid placement in one of the participating organisations.
- A thorough training, onboarding and induction process.
- One-to-one specialist coaching.
The next returners programme is now open for applications. The closing date is 14 October 2021. Successful candidates will start work in January 2022 on six-month contracts; with the aim of transitioning to a permanent role at the end of that period. Lloyd’s of London, AXA Partners UK, AXA XL, AON and Zurich, who will join Phoenix and Marsh (participants in the first programme), are keen to replicate the success of the first returners programme. Click here for more information, or to apply.
Check out this year’s HERoe leaders who are championing women in business and gender diversity, by clicking here.
Sign up for our newsletter
