The London and International Brokers’ Association (LIIBA) and Lloyd’s, the world’s leading marketplace for insurance and reinsurance, have partnered with social mobility charity Future First to offer state school and college students the support, advice and encouragement they need to consider a career in insurance.
For too many young people, their start in life is limiting their future. They do not have access to relatable role models to help them understand what they can achieve, nor the networks, knowledge and tools to help them get there.
Individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds are often under-represented in professional occupations, not through a lack of hard work or talent but rather a lack of opportunity.
It can be difficult for young people to imagine life after school or college, especially if they don’t know anyone in the types of careers that might interest them. Future First is a UK charity helping young people in state schools and colleges broaden their horizons by connecting them with relatable role models.
Using the Future First Hub, a social media style platform which enables volunteers to safely communicate with schools and students, members of LIIBA and employees from across both the Lloyd’s and broader insurance marketplace will use their skills, knowledge and experiences to guide young people across London and other locations within the UK that support the London insurance market, through both in-person and virtual workshops, mentoring and much more.
Lloyd’s and LIIBA will also host a number of insight days in the City of London, at which young people will learn more about what working in the insurance industry is like on a daily basis.
Speaking about the partnership, Christopher Croft, Chief Executive of LIIBA, said: “LIIBA and its member companies are proud to be part of this exciting initiative. The London insurance market has traditionally been something of a closed shop to many disadvantaged young people and we’re keen to change that. Working with Future First is a positive way of redressing the balance and opening up the City of London to a more diverse workforce.”
Sara Gomez, Lloyd’s Chief People Officer, said: “Lloyd’s is delighted to partner with LIIBA and Future First to connect industry-leading insight and specialisms with the next generation of talent. The insurance industry offers a plethora of career opportunities that we believe should be accessible to everyone, and this partnership aims to inspire young people to consider a career in our sector.”
Sue Riley, Future First CEO, added: “It is so important that students from all backgrounds are supported and inspired to consider as many options as possible for the future.
“You can’t be what you can’t see. Relatable role models can show young people first-hand what they can become, and what ‘someone like me’ can achieve. Being connected to companies such as Lloyd’s and LIIBA and their employees often opens up a whole new world of opportunity for them.
“Many young people – particularly those from less privileged backgrounds – may never have considered a career in the insurance sector. The chance to meet and learn from someone that they can relate to, who has gone on to succeed in the sector, could inspire them to follow a similar path and make them feel that if someone just like them has done it, they can too.”
For press enquiries, please contact Sarah-Jane Freni at sarahjane.freni@futurefirst.org.uk
If you would like to find out more about becoming an employer partner and volunteering opportunities for your staff, please go to www.futurefirst.org.uk/become-a-partner/
