Welcome!
The Journal Podcast is the Chartered Insurance Institute’s dedicated podcasting channel, which aims to keep both members and non-members abreast with the latest topics within the sector, as well as giving you an insight into the work of the professional body.
You can also listen and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.

Episode 192 - Professional Standards Committee
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.

Episode 191 - Achieving Award Success
How you can boost your chances of award success!
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.

Episode 190 - Commonwealth Insurance Forum
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, the foundations of work of the organisation and their work to support people and professionals.
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.

Episode 189 - Network Conference Live! Introducing Adam Harper and Holly Porter
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.

Episode 188 - Corporate Chartered status review
In this week's episode of The Journal Podcast, we speak to Ian Simons, Content and Capabilities Director at the Chartered Insurance Institute, to discuss the review of Corporate Chartered status.
Don't miss your opportunity to influence the direction of our Corporate Chartered rules.
Check out our website for more information and find out how you can get involved: https://www.cii.co.uk/membership/join-us/chartered/corporate-chartered/corporate-chartered-consultation/?srsltid=AfmBOootcC1kEAYsguphZObOduM8YuX3Dul57XYEvWBznlD-8Ua7_MG6

Episode 187 - Reflecting on BIBA Conference 2025
In this episode, we speak to Mandy Hunt, Managing Director at Shape Underwriting and Chair of the CII Underwriting Community Board, and Laura Hancock, Managing Director of Yutree Underwriting and Chair of the CII Broking Community Board, to discuss their reflections and thoughts on the recent BIBA Conference 2025, including their experiences, the fringe sessions that took place, and the value on offer to those in the insurance profession.

Episode 186 - Transitioning into insurance from the armed forces
In this episode of the Journal podcast, Matthew Greig, Business Development Executive at the CII, and former armed forces veteran who had recently transitioned into the profession, is joined by industry leaders to explore how armed forces personnel can successfully transition into rewarding careers in insurance. The discussion highlights the pathways, support schemes, challenges, opportunities and personal experiences that are helping service leavers find their next mission in civilian life.
Joining Matthew is Dom Sweny, Chief Operation Officer at Lockton Global Energy and Chair, Lloyd's Military Network, Chris Digby, Executive Director at Howden Specialty and Mentor, Lloyd's Military Network; and Rory Crichton-Stuart, Broker in Lockton's North American Property team, and recent graduate of the Lloyd's Military Scheme.
To learn more about the Lloyd's Military Scheme, click the link here: https://www.lloyds.com/lloyds-military-network

Episode 185 - Health & Wellbeing
In this episode of the podcast we are joined by Anna Reddy, Founder of Leap Health, a provider of bespoke, innovative and simple corporate wellbeing & wellness solutions. We discuss the impact of health and wellbeing in the workplace and tips on how to improve your physical and mental health.
Resources:
CII Wellbeing Hub
leaphealth.co.uk/resources/
www.mind.org.uk/

Episode 184 - Career paths with Martin Smyth at JLR (Jaguar Land Rover)
In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we're joined by Martin Smyth, Head of Insurable Risk for the UK's largest luxury automotive manufacturer, JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), to discuss his professional journey through the Insurance profession.

Episode 183 - Insuring E-scooters
In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we speak to Michael McCabe, Researcher at DAC Beachcroft, to discuss the laws surrounding e-scooters in the UK and the insurance implications of riding e-scooters illegally.