The Journal Podcast

Kidnap and ransom insurance is often seen as a niche product for high-profile individuals, but is that really the case? In this episode, we're joined by Alexander Beaton, Practice Leader of Kidnap, War and Piracy at CFC, to explore what K&R insurance covers, who needs it, how claims are managed in real-world crisis situations, and the emerging risks shaping the future of this specialist market — f...

In the latest Journal Podcast episode, we explore the CII consultation on the role insurers can play in improving road safety for young drivers, following a report from the Coroner's office of Coventry and Warwickshire into the tragic deaths of Harry Purcell and Matilda (Tilly) Seccombe. We discuss: ✅ What the consultation is, it's purpose and impact on the insurance profession ✅ How telematics...

In this episode of The Journal Podcast, as part of Awareness Week 2026, we’re joined by Helen Sanson, Chief Executive of The Insurance Charity, to explore how the organisation supports current and former insurance professionals facing financial hardship, health challenges, and other life-changing circumstances. We discuss the charity’s new strategy, growing support services, Awareness Week initiat...

In this episode of The Journal Podcast, following on from the Network Conference 2026, we speak to Laura Scott, President of the Insurance Institute of Sheffield, Andy Brown, President of the Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk & North Essex, and Kayleigh Penwill, former president of the Insurance Institute of Bolton, about their experiences at this year's conference, the great networking oppo...

From game show jackpots to high‑profile promotional giveaways, Prize Indemnity Insurance is the cover that makes big prizes possible — without organisations taking on big risk. In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we're joined by Tom Stagg from WorldWide Special Risks, a leading provider of specialty insurance in this sector. We’ll be unpacking what Prize Indemnity Insurance actually is, who us...

📈 With 37% of couples who got married in 2024 taking out insurance - and the cost of weddings now exceeding £20,000 on average, more and more people are looking to protect their special day. In this episode of the Journal Podcast, we explore the world of Event Insurance, focusing on: - What is covered by event insurance - and what isn't. - The specific types of events covered - from small gatheri...

From fine art and jewellery, to collections and museums - specie insurance has you covered. In this episode of the Journal Podcast, we explore the specialty line of specie insurance. We find out: ➡️ How it differs from traditional property or cargo cover ➡️ The fascinating range of high‑value assets it protects ➡️ The individuals and companies that would utilise this type of cover ➡️ Some of the b...

In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we’ll be exploring where insurance really comes from — and why its history matters more than ever. From the earliest risks faced by society, to the changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution, we’ll trace how insurance evolved into the profession we know today. We’ll also look at the role of the Insurance Museum in bringing this story to life — connectin...

🚀 What is space insurance — and how do you insure deep‑space missions? In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we go beyond the atmosphere to explore the fast‑evolving world of space insurance. We're joined by Nick Oswald, Space Client Advocate at Elseco, to unpack: - What space insurance actually covers - Why underwriting space missions is uniquely complex - How insurers think about launch vs in...

In this episode, CII Group Chief Executive Matthew Hill joins us to give an update on the CII Group's Strategic Plan, including the focus for 2026, and what we have achieved so far.

Have you ever wondered where it all started? In this episode of the Journal Podcast, Chris Shadforth, Communications Director at the CII Group, looks back on the history of the CII, alongside our Brand Manager, Harry Elliott. We'll be exploring the origins and evolutions of the CII, how it began, why it formed and how our physical presence and identity has changed over time.

What are the most challenging risks insurers face today? In this episode of The Journal Podcast, co-founders of the Commonwealth Insurance Forum, Robbie Lyle and Francis De Zulueta, debate some of the most pressing global risks facing the insurance profession. We'll be discussing the interconnectivity of these risks ranging from Nuclear and Space, to Cyber, AI and Ransomware, as well as those stem...

In this week's episode of The Journal Podcast, we explore how the CII Professional Map is being used in real workplaces to support genuine career development. Vanessa Riboloni sits down with Meg Borah and Barbora Duskova from AXA Health, to discuss how the Professional Map helped them identify strengths, build confidence, navigate career progression, and create meaningful development opportunities...

What can insurance professionals and firms do to better support flood survivors? In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we’re discussing the recent report, released by the National Emergencies Trust and Lancaster University, calling for clearer information and guidance for flood survivors in the immediate aftermath of floods. We’ll be exploring: ➡️ The outlines of the report ➡️ The implications o...

In this episode, Rebecca Aston, Head of Professional Standards, and Adam Harper, Executive Director, Strategy, Advocacy and Professional Standards at the CII Group are discussing Continuing Professional Development, or CPD. They will be talking about the FCA’s withdrawal of 15 hours under the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD), the requirement for CII and PFS Members, and the process of CPD au...

As part of Chartered Week 2026, we’re diving into what it really means to be Chartered — beyond the letters, beyond the badge. In this episode of The Journal podcast, we unpack how Chartered status shapes culture, strengthens consumer trust, and sets a higher bar for standards across our profession. We’ll explore the difference it makes inside firms, the impact it has on customer relationships, an...

What more do you think the insurance profession can do to support survivors of economic abuse? In this week's episode of The Journal Podcast, we’ll be discussing the recently released CII Economic Abuse Report, focusing on: ➡️ What economic abuse is ➡️ How insurance providers can better identify economic abuse ➡️ Ways in which providers can prevent and respond to economic abuse We’ll also speak ab...

Welcome to our National Apprenticeship Week episode of the Journal Podcast. We take a look at insurance apprenticeships, early‑career pathways, and how real apprentices are building their futures in the profession. In this episode, we’ll explore what an insurance apprenticeship actually involves, how apprentices balance work and study, the skills they develop, and how quickly they make an impact....

In this episode of the podcast, recorded just before he took office, we speak with the 2026 CII President Callum Beaton FCII. We discuss his theme for his presidential year, his experience and hopes for the future of the profession.

Struggling with motivation, mood, or energy during winter? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we speak to Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. We are talking about practical tips to support your mental and emotional wellbeing through the winter months, inspired by psychological insight and real-...

In this episode of the podcast we look at debunking some myths around vulnerability and how firms can better serve vulnerable customers. Head of Research and Insight for the CII Group and lead author of 'Managing customer vulnerability in insurance and personal finance' Vanessa Riboloni, is joined in conversation by co-author Martin Grimwood, Director of FWD Consulting and Mandy Hunt, Managing Dir...

On this podcast we focus on Bridging the Protection Gap in Commonwealth Countries, with Francis de Zulueta & Robbie Lyle from the Commonwealth Insurance Forum.

In this episode, we explore what “vulnerability” really means in the claims journey and why it matters more than ever.   Our guests' share their insights on identifying vulnerable customers, designing inclusive claims processes, and embedding vulnerability management into firm culture. Drawing on the Chartered Insurance Institute’s latest report on Managing Vulnerability in the Insurance and Perso...

In this special episode of the Journal Podcast we provide some immediate reaction to the Budget 2025 in relation the insurance and financial planning professions. The episode was recorded on Wednesday 26 November.

Are you aware of one of the insurance profession’s fastest-growing challenges? In this week's episode of the Journal podcast, we’re diving into subsidence. We'll be looking at: ➡️ What subsidence is ➡️ Why it’s becoming a bigger concern ➡️ How environmental changes like drought and extreme weather are shaping the risk. We’ll explore the impact of climate change on claims and premiums, practical st...