Interview with Jill Skromanis

Broker consolidation, changes in FSA regulation, impacts of climate change. These are just a few of the major challenges in our underwriting business. To take on larger roles to meet these new demands, it is crucial to help our underwriting talent develop their technical and leadership skills.

This is why we place high importance in our corporate relationship with the CII. Professional qualifications from Certificate to ACII are an integral part of Zurich’s commitment to learning. The CII offering, including courses, e-learning and the Faculty of Underwriting complements our internal training and development programmes. CII qualified staff become role models in developing and promoting qualifications to other staff below. Coaching and mentoring alongside this is a powerful aid to retention.

Supporting graduates and staff who have committed themselves to take on professional qualifications is also a key part of our development policy. For example, Zurich’s Chief Claims Officer Bill Paton and Chief Underwriting Officer Tim Holliday addressed graduates and staff last year at the inaugural Awards Day held in the Great Hall at the CII, publicly acknowledging and celebrating their achievement.

Developing our partnership with the CII allows us to continually stretch the knowledge and understanding of our staff so they are ready to anticipate future issues and develop new and innovative opportunities.