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.

How can the rich history of insurance help shape and elevate the future of the profession? In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we speak to Sarah Fardon, Senior Warden and incoming Master of the Worshipful Company of Insurers, to discuss the role of the organisation and how it supports its members and the wider insurance profession. We also talk about Sarah's role within the WCI, what's on the horizon for 2025 and how you can get involved. To find out more about the WCI, click the link here: https://www.wci.org.uk/

In this episode, we speak to Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, international keynote speaker and award-winning author, focusing on stress, resilience and well-being. You'll learn about the signs of stress in ourselves and others, the effects stress have on us mentally and physically and practical everyday ways we can look after and manage your mental health.

Do you want to be part of the New Generation Programme? In this week's episode of The Journal podcast, we're discussing what the CII New Generation Programme is, who it's for and how it can benefit your career. In addition, we speak about the introduction of the PFS New Generation Programme for 2025 and the impact this will have on individuals within the financial planning profession. Joining Dr Matt Connell, Policy and Public Affairs Director at the CII, in the conversation this week is PFS President, Carla Brown, and a current member of the New Generation Programme, Sam Taylor. To find more information and apply for the 2025/26 New Generation Programme, click here: https://www.cii.co.uk/about-us/initiatives/engagement/new-generation-programme/?srsltid=AfmBOorB33bgKHqkOVKNlP3IioUrB1PAVcKTPEMDeqbXqreTi9GpADIn

In our latest episode, Christopher Digby, Executive Director at Howden Specialty, speaks with three of the newest members of the CII’s Professional Standards Committee: Chris Cowton, a leading academic in financial ethics and Emeritus Professor at the University of Huddersfield, where he served as Dean of the Business School and Professor of Accounting. Chris continues to publish and advise businesses, professional bodies, and regulators on embedding ethical practice in professional life. Diane Maxwell, an Independent Consumer Representative, brings a global perspective and a strong focus on ethical leadership, behavioural insight, and public interest - gained from a diverse background spanning pensions, financial services and public policy. Neil Freshwater, Group Integration Director at Aviva, with over 30 years of international insurance experience. Neil has held senior roles across actuarial, finance, and operational leadership in Lloyd’s, General Insurance, Life Insurance, and Reinsurance. His governance and regulatory expertise spans the UK, Europe, America, and Asia. 🎧 In this episode they explore the role of the Committee, their motivations for joining, challenges to upholding standards and the value they bring to the profession.

In this episode of the Journal Podcast, we're discussing the crucial steps you can take to win professional awards, both individually and as a firm, and the common mistakes people make when submitting a nomination. We speak to members of our Claims Community Board and two judges at this year's British Claims Awards: Richard Napoli, Claims Director at Markel, Chris Hall, CEO at Questgates, and Ashton West, Director at Fidu Consultancy.

In this episode, we speak to Robbie Lyle, Director at Lyle and Partners and Founder of the Commonwealth Insurance Forum (CIF) and Francis de Zulueta, Managing Partner at Alpine Development Partners Ltd and Founder of the Commonwealth Insurance Forum, about the role and purpose of the forum, their work to support people and professionals, and the foundations of work of the organisation. If you'd like to know more about the CIF or you'd like to get in touch with Robbie and Francis, you can contact them at cif@alpineriskservices.com for more information.

In this episode of the Journal Podcast, we speak to our two new executive directors, Adam Harper, Executive Director, Strategy, Advocacy & Professional Standards; and Holly Porter, Executive Director, Market and Opportunities. This conversation was recorded live at the Network conference 2025.

In this week's episode of The Journal Podcast, we speak to Ian Simons, Content & Capabilities Director at the Chartered Insurance Institute, to discuss the review of Corporate Chartered status. Don't miss your opportunity to influence the future direction of our Corporate Chartered rules. Check out our website for more information and how to get involved: https://www.cii.co.uk/membership/join-us/chartered/corporate-chartered/corporate-chartered-consultation/?srsltid=AfmBOootcC1kEAYsguphZObOduM8YuX3Dul57XYEvWBznlD-8Ua7_MG6

Episode 187 - Reflections on the BIBA Conference 2025 by Chartered Insurance Institute