The Journal Podcast

Have you ever wondered where it all started? In this episode of the Journal Podcast, Chris Shadforth, Communications Director at the CII Group, looks back on the history of the CII, alongside our Brand Manager, Harry Elliott. We'll be exploring the origins and evolutions of the CII, how it began, why it formed and how our physical presence and identity has changed over time.

What are the most challenging risks insurers face today? In this episode of The Journal Podcast, co-founders of the Commonwealth Insurance Forum, Robbie Lyle and Francis De Zulueta, debate some of the most pressing global risks facing the insurance profession. We'll be discussing the interconnectivity of these risks ranging from Nuclear and Space, to Cyber, AI and Ransomware, as well as those stemming from geopolitical developments. We also speak about the importance of capital markets and the role insurers and governments take in mitigating those risks. To find out more about our upcoming Introduction to Cyber Insurance Training Workshop this April, Intermediate Cyber Risks Insurance Training Workshop & Spotlight: Cyber Risk and Insurance, please see below: Introduction to Cyber Insurance Training Workshop (21 & 22 April 2026): https://www.cii.co.uk/learning/training/technical-training-workshops/introduction-to-cyber-insurance-workshop/?srsltid=AfmBOorRUt3N_RSTgcGYCY-qjXFxXOd4zRGDFv3kD1rQRU5m6dlaygLA Intermediate Cyber Risks Insurance Training Workshop (30 June 2026): https://www.cii.co.uk/learning/training/technical-training-workshops/intermediate-cyber-risks-insurance-training-workshop/?srsltid=AfmBOorG3HzxoEzw0E1U6xHgXeBbo_1xiDfKBCAPQhVbwJha8TfV0rqt Spotlight: Cyber Risk and Insurance: https://www.cii.co.uk/learning/spotlight-course-cyber-risk-and-insurance/?srsltid=AfmBOoqwzLksaURP7lhm8yeMYCFQABLz-JM_9v5tiu4yszOExCaUyG0L

In this week's episode of The Journal Podcast, we explore how the CII Professional Map is being used in real workplaces to support genuine career development. Vanessa Riboloni sits down with Meg Borah and Barbora Duskova from AXA Health, to discuss how the Professional Map helped them identify strengths, build confidence, navigate career progression, and create meaningful development opportunities for themselves and their colleagues. Learn more about the Professional Map here: https://www.ciigroup.org/professional-map/

What can insurance professionals and firms do to better support flood survivors? In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we’re discussing the recent report, released by the National Emergencies Trust and Lancaster University, calling for clearer information and guidance for flood survivors in the immediate aftermath of floods. We’ll be exploring: ➡️ The outlines of the report ➡️ The implications of the finding on firms and those working within the profession ➡️ What the profession can do to improve the experience and support vulnerable customers better. Joining us on the podcast is Jonathan Clark, Board Member at the National Emergencies Trust and William Quibell, Head of Claims at Ageas and member of the CII Claims Community Board. To read the full Stories After the Storms report, please click here: https://nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk/stories-after-the-storms/

In this episode, Rebecca Aston, Head of Professional Standards, and Adam Harper, Executive Director, Strategy, Advocacy and Professional Standards at the CII Group are discussing Continuing Professional Development, or CPD. They will be talking about the FCA’s withdrawal of 15 hours under the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD), the requirement for CII and PFS Members, and the process of CPD audits.

As part of Chartered Week 2026, we’re diving into what it really means to be Chartered — beyond the letters, beyond the badge. In this episode of The Journal podcast, we unpack how Chartered status shapes culture, strengthens consumer trust, and sets a higher bar for standards across our profession. We’ll explore the difference it makes inside firms, the impact it has on customer relationships, and why it continues to be a gold standard for integrity in insurance. Joining the podcast is Tim Brangwyn, Group Managing Director and Chartered Insurance Broker at Islands Insurance, and Neil McCarthy, Managing Director and Chartered Insurance Underwriting Agent at MPR Underwriting Ltd.

What more do you think the insurance profession can do to support survivors of economic abuse? In this week's episode of The Journal Podcast, we’ll be discussing the recently released CII Economic Abuse Report, focusing on: ➡️ What economic abuse is ➡️ How insurance providers can better identify economic abuse ➡️ Ways in which providers can prevent and respond to economic abuse We’ll also speak about the impacts on individuals affected by economic abuse, how AI and digitalisation is affecting survivors of economic abuse and how the profession can adapt and evolve in future to better support those impacted by economic abuse. Joining the podcast this week is Alex Devereux, Senior Financial Services Specialist at Surviving Economic Abuse, and Carmen Powell, CEO of ISC Group. Click here to read the full report: https://media.umbraco.io/ciigroup-dxp/cgmjoonx/economic-abuse-guidance-for-general-insurance-providers.pdf

Welcome to our National Apprenticeship Week episode of the Journal Podcast. We take a look at insurance apprenticeships, early‑career pathways, and how real apprentices are building their futures in the profession. In this episode, we’ll explore what an insurance apprenticeship actually involves, how apprentices balance work and study, the skills they develop, and how quickly they make an impact. You’ll also hear why employers invest in apprentices, what makes a great apprenticeship experience, and honest advice for anyone considering this route. For more information about the CII Aspire Apprenticeship scheme, please click here: https://www.cii.co.uk/careers-in-insurance/aspire-apprenticeships/?srsltid=AfmBOooC5YD-6eyAuk8wg8y_YcgfYZVwLUUh16coqx5fgN4-MIxBTvAa

In this episode of the podcast, recorded just before he took office, we speak with the 2026 CII President Callum Beaton FCII. We discuss his theme for his presidential year, his experience and hopes for the future of the profession.

Struggling with motivation, mood, or energy during winter? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we speak to Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. We are talking about practical tips to support your mental and emotional wellbeing through the winter months, inspired by psychological insight and real-life experience.

In this episode of the podcast we look at debunking some myths around vulnerability and how firms can better serve vulnerable customers. Head of Research and Insight for the CII Group and lead author of 'Managing customer vulnerability in insurance and personal finance' Vanessa Riboloni, is joined in conversation by co-author Martin Grimwood, Director of FWD Consulting and Mandy Hunt, Managing Director Shape Underwriting. Read the guide here: https://media.umbraco.io/ciigroup-dxp/eaedofqi/managing-customer-vulnerability-in-insurance-and-personal-finance-a-practical-implementation-guide.pdf

On this podcast we focus on Bridging the Protection Gap in Commonwealth Countries, with Francis de Zulueta & Robbie Lyle from the Commonwealth Insurance Forum.

In this episode, we explore what “vulnerability” really means in the claims journey and why it matters more than ever.   Our guests' share their insights on identifying vulnerable customers, designing inclusive claims processes, and embedding vulnerability management into firm culture. Drawing on the Chartered Insurance Institute’s latest report on Managing Vulnerability in the Insurance and Personal Finance profession, we discuss practical steps for insurers to go beyond the comfortable minimum and deliver genuine, lasting change for customer outcomes. Joining the podcast this week is Claire Lashbrook, Director of Supply Chain at Claims Consortium Group, and Sarah Durkin, Head of Counter Fraud at Woodgate and Clark. You can find a link to the CII's vulnerability report here: https://media.umbraco.io/ciigroup-dxp/eaedofqi/managing-customer-vulnerability-in-insurance-and-personal-finance-a-practical-implementation-guide.pdf

In this special episode of the Journal Podcast we provide some immediate reaction to the Budget 2025 in relation the insurance and financial planning professions. The episode was recorded on Wednesday 26 November.

Are you aware of one of the insurance profession’s fastest-growing challenges? In this week's episode of the Journal podcast, we’re diving into subsidence. We'll be looking at: ➡️ What subsidence is ➡️ Why it’s becoming a bigger concern ➡️ How environmental changes like drought and extreme weather are shaping the risk. We’ll explore the impact of climate change on claims and premiums, practical steps homeowners can take to protect themselves, and how the profession is evolving to meet these challenges over the next decade. Joining us on the podcast are William Quibell, Head of Claims for Ageas UK, and Caroline Elliott-Grey, Senior Product Manager at Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions.

In this episode of the podcast we will be discussing the CII’s international work, looking back at some of this year’s achievements and ahead to 2026 with CII Group colleagues Holly Porter, Executive Director Market and Opportunities, Gaenor Jones, Regional Director for Middle East, and Central & South Asia, Kenny Sui, Regional Director Asia Pacific, and Isaac Olubitan, Regional Director - International, Americas, Africa, Caribbean and Europe.

In this episode of the podcast we speak with Daniella Peers and Fintan O'Connor, members of the CII's New Generation Programme London Market Group for 2024-25, after their successful 'Crypto Confidence: How can the London Market demystify digital asset insurance?' event held at the Old Library in Lloyds. We discuss their project and time on the programme. Find out more here: https://www.cii.co.uk/learning/insurance-institute-of-london/articles/crypto-confidence-how-can-the-london-market-demystify-digital-asset-insurance/6dcf2487-9516-4312-8757-f75aefe6bbeb

Are you making the most of the professional development and networking opportunities that your local insurance institute offers? In this week's episode of The Journal Podcast, we're diving into the true value of your local insurance institute. Join us as we chat with Holly Copsey, Presidential Team of the Insurance Institute of Leeds, and Fiona Cambridge, President of the Insurance Institute of Northern Ireland.  They'll share their experiences as dedicated volunteers and reveal the wide range of events, crucial networking opportunities, and easy ways for you to get actively involved and maximise your membership. To find out more about Local Insurance Institutes, please click here: https://www.cii.co.uk/membership/local-institutes?srsltid=AfmBOopABxzEpNgNbWqGq7NSJCaKFq4i8fhbUqTmGoEl-XlMkoAYhzYa

Your rest is your superpower. But do you constantly feel like you're running on empty? In this episode of the Journal Podcast, we speak to Anna Reddy, Workplace Health, Wellbeing & Leadership Coach, and founder of Leap Health, about the power of sleep, top tips on how to get a good night's sleep and ideas that you can easily put in place to recharge your batteries and optimise your rest and recovery. This podcast comes off of a recent webinar, as part of the CII's Mental Health and Wellbeing Month. For more webinars and information around Mental Health and Wellbeing month, please click here: https://www.cii.co.uk/about-us/initiatives/social-impact/wellbeing-hub/wellbeing-podcasts-and-webinars/?srsltid=AfmBOorh5kv21y6ukANh_OD9NJS-iqm7rYI-w6EZz2XGDhbDF_GK_z97

What's one small, sustainable change you've made to your diet that has had a surprisingly big impact on your health? In this episode of the Journal Podcast, we speak to Anna Reddy, Workplace Health, Wellbeing & Leadership Coach, and founder of Leap Health, about the ways we respond to different foods, the best way to fuel our bodies and tips to improve our health and live a healthy lifestyle.