Nicola Mellor (pictured right), qualifications and assessment director of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Group, has been appointed to the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) board. 
Mellor joins a group of new board members, including Alison Parkes of EAL Awards, Kelle McQuade of Training Qualifications UK, Steve Smith of SIAS UK, and Terry Fennell of FDQ.
FAB represents the UK’s qualifications and assessments industry, with its members providing qualifications that recognise achievement, improve productivity and support social mobility.
On her appointment, Mellor noted the importance of skills policy at both national and international levels and highlighted the opportunity to evolve how FAB supports its members and practitioners across various sectors.
As for recent developments within the CII, the institute also announced the appointment of two new executive directors: Adam Harper, who will assume the role of executive director of strategy, advocacy and professional standards, and Holly Porter, who will take on the role of executive director of markets and opportunities.
Both Harper and Porter will assume their duties in early March.
Separately, the CII and the Personal Finance Society (PFS) have announced that entries are now open for the 2025 Apprenticeship Awards, which recognise apprentices across the insurance and financial services sectors.
The ceremony aims to showcase the progress and achievements of apprentices, as well as innovation and commitment within the profession. Winners will receive a cash prize sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Insurers Charitable Trust to support their continued professional development.
Categories for the 2025 awards include Insurance Practitioner Apprentice of the Year, Insurance Professional Apprentice of the Year, Senior Insurance Professional Apprentice of the Year, Financial Adviser Apprentice of the Year, Paraplanner Apprentice of the Year, Financial Services Administrator Apprentice of the Year, Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, and Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year.
A panel of industry professionals will assess the applications, with entries open to apprentices and employers across the UK until May 31, 2025.
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