Developing the next generation of insurance professionals
Lloyd’s Community Programme supports the market with a pipeline of new talent.
Established in 1989, Lloyd’s Community Programme (LCP) is one of the longest running business volunteering initiatives in the City. The programme acts as a catalyst for the Lloyd’s market to empower people in London to achieve their potential.
In 2017, more than 2300 volunteers from 66 companies in the Lloyd’s market volunteered their time to support young people and communities on the City’s doorstep.
Panel session at the IntoWork Conference
LCP started working with The Brokerage in 2009, a social mobility charity that aims to help young people to achieve their career potential. The various initiatives provide insurance masterclasses, employability workshops, mentoring, workplace visits and paid internships to young people from across London.
The main aim of the programme is to feed into the market’s talent priority, helping to attract and retain a diverse workforce that brings innovation and fresh ideas to the sector. We want to introduce a diverse talent pool of keen, bright, young Londoners to the insurance sector and connect them with employment and development opportunities. It also gives the market a new avenue to promote their entry level career opportunities.
Lloyd’s Chief Executive, Inga Beale, said:
We have a social purpose that goes way beyond what people might think of insurance. By our community programme, we can really connect those dots with our local community and show them that they can actually come and join insurance and have a fulfilling career.Lloyd’s Chief Executive, Inga Beale
Since 2014, 137 young people have undertaken paid placements (internships, apprenticeships and graduate roles) across the market. Over 500 young people have benefited from the IntoWork Conference, an annual event that aims to give participants an insight into recruitment processes, develop employability skills and learn about the Lloyd’s market.
In July, 90 young people aged between 18-22 and over 50 volunteers took part in the fifth conference. First up was psychometric testing, designed to measure candidate’s suitability for a role, giving young people valuable practice for applying for jobs. Delegates then took part in mock interviews with volunteers, who provided them with constructive feedback. This was followed by a mock group assessment, where participants’ behaviour and performance were assessed by our volunteers and delegates developed vital presentation skills through the task.
Careers fair at the IntoWork Conference
The highlight of the afternoon was a panel discussion which included Dominic Kirby (ArgoGlobal), Femi Williams (AIG Trade Credit), John Spencer (Markel), Ola Jacob Raji (Arthur J Gallagher), Sara Shipley (Hiscox Group) and Lloyd’s Chief Information Officer, Jennifer Rigby. The discussion really helped young people gain an insight into the panel’s journey into work and the insurance sector as well as some tips about how to succeed in the world of work.
The day finished with a careers fair where companies promotes their internships, apprenticeships and graduate opportunities to a network of inspired individuals. Bridget Gardiner, Executive Director at The Brokerage said:
Events like the IntoWork Conference are vital for young people who lack networks to introduce them to professional services and engage with people in the sector.Bridget Gardiner, Executive Director at The Brokerage