CII teams up to tackle data skills gap

The CII introductory-level course will develop insurance professionals’ understanding of data analysis, data visualisation techniques, an ethical approach to AI and data science techniques for insurance.

The development of the course and comes after a McKinsey report in 2020 concluded digital and analytics tools, and artificial intelligence’s expansion, have implications for all core functions in insurance.

The management consulting company concluded to manage these risks and trends and optimise the value of new technologies, the profession needs an infusion of technical skills and to gain value from cultivating new capabilities.

Sian Fisher, CEO of the CII, said: “Data Science and AI are helping insurance companies improve customer service and products; provide more detailed and insightful analysis; make better decisions and predictions and improve efficiency via automation, algorithms, better pricing and modelling.

“People are increasingly being asked to work with data in their roles. Those who understand its potential are well-placed to drive innovation. Data resides across various silos and teams within most businesses. Increased data literacy drives teamwork and innovation.

“The course is ideal for anyone in the insurance profession seeking to develop an understanding of data science and AI capabilities – from broking, underwriting and claims professionals, to business analysts, product development, management and marketing roles.”

Dame Wendy Hall, UK AI Skills Champion who led the development of the course, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Chartered Insurance Institute in the piloting of this new course, and confident that the cutting-edge expertise we bring in Data Science and AI will enable more insurance professionals to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”

The course is delivered over six weeks, with one module a week delivered by a mixture of online teaching, weekly group tutorials and 1:1 sessions totalling 4 to 6 hours per week.

Assessment is via a single 1,500-word assignment equalling 80% of the total mark and a set of discussion forum contributions generating up to 20% of the final mark.

A digital certificate, co-branded CII & SDSA, will be issued approximately three to four weeks after the end of the course, which normally costs £1,500 but those who sign-up to study in July 2021 will receive a £250 discount.