The PwC Industry Reference Council, of which ANZIIF is a long-standing member, is working closely with the association in the review, which aims to re-align training and qualifications within the insurance industry.
The review will look at a number of qualifications to determine whether they need to be updated to better reflect the changing needs of the insurance sphere. These include both the diploma of insurance brokering and general insurance, as well as the certificates in these streams.
Prue Willsford, ANZIIF’s CEO, explained to Insurance Business that the review will look to assess whether industry qualifications still align with the demands of the industry.
“The reality is that the needs of employers, customers and the general environment are always changing,” said Willsford. “All the packages and qualifications need to be reviewed to ensure that they’re still delivering the relevant skills required for the industry’s demands.”
Willsford explained that it is important to ensure that there is close alignment between what skills are being taught and what the industry needs, especially in an ever-changing market.
“Given the extensive changes that are taking place across industry, it is critical that these training packages reflect the skills and competencies needed for us to deliver effective and efficient services to customers,” she explained.
To understand the shifting plates within the industry, and create training to respond to this, you need look no further than roles within the brokering sphere.
“There is a huge variety of brokers out there – from specialists in a certain subject to those in claim services,” said Willsford. All of which have a vast and varied skillset. “You should sit back and think, ‘how flexible is the broker diploma and what are the requirements for a good broker?’” she said. It is then possible to determine whether current training is catering to the required skills.
Willsford explained that ANZIIF is well-placed to contribute to the review, thanks to the feedback and insights it receives from its students and members.
“We will be using our broad network to ensure the review is as effective as possible,” she said. “On top of that, we’ll draw on extensive feedback from our students and employers regarding the relevance, structure and needs of the workforce today.”
For ANZIIF, being part of the review provides an opportunity to once again aid and develop the industry.
“This is a real opportunity for us to contribute to the professional packages and qualifications within the industry,” Willsford said. “ANZIIF stands for professionalism and this review is part of the broader professionalism conversation - we’re pleased to help facilitate and contribute to that conversation.”
The review will be open for four weeks. ANZIIF strongly encourages all members, regulators and other key stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed changes through the PwC website.
