The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) has called on insurance professionals to focus on upskilling as they enter 2025, emphasising the importance of continuous learning in an evolving industry.
The organisation has rolled out a range of professional development initiatives to help members navigate industry challenges and enhance their career prospects.
ANZIIF said its professional development offerings this year include resources tailored to improving customer service, managing costs for clients, and fostering effective workplace relationships. Members can access articles, activities, and webinars designed to support both technical expertise and soft skills development.
Key topics include:
ANZIIF said these resources aim to equip professionals with practical tools to address issues such as customer complaints and public perception challenges.
“With an ANZIIF membership, you can access our PD articles, activities, and on-demand webinars to keep your technical and career skills ahead of the curve. If you’re not familiar with ANZIIF’s professional development, take a look at all the resources designed to help you stay connected, informed, and ahead in your career,” it said.
The calls for upskilling follow the announcement of the Australian launch of ANZIIF’s “Insurance Risk Management Study Course,” set to take place in Melbourne from March 5 to 6.
The two-day program, designed for mid-to-senior-level professionals, focuses on enhancing participants’ risk management capabilities in complex scenarios.
The curriculum covers risk identification, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication, alongside ethical considerations such as confidentiality and cultural awareness.
ANZIIF CEO Katrina Shanks said the initiative demonstrates the institute’s commitment to providing targeted education for senior industry roles.
The course, which has previously been held in Vietnam, Auckland, and Christchurch, is known for its practical approach to risk management.
In a separate initiative, ANZIIF recently launched a short course aimed at improving how expert reports are used in claims.
Titled “Getting it Right: Right Expert, Right Job, Right Time,” the program was introduced in December in response to issues highlighted during the Parliamentary Flood Inquiry. The inquiry revealed that misinterpreted or misapplied expert evidence had contributed to claim disputes.
The course provides training for claims managers and brokers, particularly in the residential property sector, on determining when expert input is necessary, selecting the appropriate experts, and effectively briefing them.
