MASTERS IN RISK MANAGEMENT
Glasgow Caledonian University is promoting the distance learning Masters in Risk Management on its exhibition stand. Since 1982, the university has been the largest provider of dedicated risk management degree programmes in the UK. The postgraduate MSc in Risk Management is delivered on campus in Glasgow, and by distance learning around the world.
This fully flexible programme is designed for professional risk managers, and individuals for whom the management of risk forms a significant part of their remit. As the focus of the content is on strategic, organisational risk management, it appeals equally to participants from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. The distance learning programme currently has around 50 students, most of whom are sponsored by their companies. Tutorial support is provided on-line by experienced academic staff, who are actively engaged in research and publication in their fields.
Students normally take between two and three years to complete the programme, and the Masters' dissertation can be tailored to suit their working experience and career aspirations.
RISK MITIGATION
ABS Consulting, a leading independent global provider of risk management services, says that it combines industry experts, practical engineering, risk modelling, and technology based solutions. It is committed to assist its clients in managing their operational, security, and catastrophic risks to minimise business interruption of their operations.
Visitors to stand 21A can learn more about a service that has been particularly successful over the last few years - ABS Consulting's integrated approach to corporate risk mitigation based on cost benefit principles using a team of skilled and experienced engineers and risk consultants. The approach has been used across all the major natural and man made hazards including, seismic, flood, fire, extreme wind, explosion and security. The process centres around performing facility assessments to produce estimates of both property damage and facility downtime and their sensitivity to mitigation options.
Analyses can be performed at both portfolio and single site levels. Portfolio studies using ABS Consulting's sister company EQECAT's propriety software packages are used to estimate potential losses and then rank facilities based on property damage and business interruption. Detailed site specific surveys can then be made to identify principal vulnerabilities and estimate potential business impacts. Mitigation options are developed and costed, and detailed cost-benefit analyses performed.
PROFESSIONALS OF CHOICE
The team at the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters' stand have good reason to celebrate with last week's news of the launch of the ABI/CILA joint claims protocol. CILA president, Andy King, said that the driver for the discussions with the ABI was the large number of differing requests CILA members were receiving from insurers for information or for additions to services due to FSA regulation. CILA approached the ABI and a joint committee was established to develop a common protocol of interpretation and behaviour under the ICOB rules. "That committee has done a fantastic job," enthused King.
"At the same time, the CILA has reviewed and streamlined its disciplinary processes and is looking to change the basis of membership to ensure standards are maintained. Through these measures clients can be confident that CILA members are the professionals of choice to instruct on claims handling within the new regulated environment."
Publication of the protocol was dependent upon the FSA finalising the rules regarding regulation of the insurance supply chain, which it did earlier this year. The broad content has been discussed with the FSA, which encourages the development of protocols of this nature although it will not endorse the specifics of any particular agreement such as this.
This protocol does not replace existing codes such as the ABI claims code but is intended to support and compliment them. And it may provide a good template for other supply services that insurers engage.
PROMOTING HIGHER STANDARDS
Visit the Chartered Insurance Institute at stand 5 to hear how this the premier professional and educational body for those working in the insurance and financial services industry is dedicated to promoting higher standards of competence and integrity by providing relevant qualifications for employees at all levels and across all sectors of the industry.
With over 68 000 members, the CII has been at the forefront in setting professional standards for the insurance industry for over a century. Its broad portfolio of education and qualifications services is continually expanding to meet the changing requirements of companies and individuals across the financial services community.
The CII plays a crucial role in raising standards in an increasingly complex and competitive market - work that is of huge benefit to financial services staff, their employers, and consumers. Success in CII qualifications is universally recognised as a sign of commitment and professionalism.
WINNING PRODUCTS FROM IRM
As well as promoting its September Risk Forum, the Institute of Risk Management's stand provides information on the new IRM associate diploma. Launched in September 2003, based around the risk management standard and with partnership links to other educational organisations, the diploma was a prize winner in StrategicRISK's 2004 European Risk Management Awards and has been shortlisted for the forthcoming British Insurance Awards.
Visit the IRM stand too to learn about the IRM foundation certificate - a new pre associateship qualification to be launched later this year - and IRM short courses in risk management, the first of which will run on 14-15 September.
FOOTBALL CHALLENGE
Alexander Forbes, a leading provider of financial and risk services internationally and the UK partner of EOS RISQ, is inviting delegates to visit stand 51. Here you can take part in the Alexander Forbes table football challenge with the chance of winning a pair of tickets to a premiership football match of your choice.
RISK SERVICES
"Our skill sets help to fill or supplement gaps in an organisation's resources," says independent consultancy Thomas Miller Risk Management (UK) Ltd. At stand 12, the company is providing information on its specialist corporate governance, risk management and risk financing services for clients in industry, government and commerce. "We supply these services to support professional firms and their clients, enhancing their relationships without threatening them," the team explains.
TMRM provides wholly owned independent captive management services from Guernsey, Isle of Man, Bermuda and Singapore, and has a PCC in Guernsey, and an SAC in Bermuda.
RISK MANAGERS' ALERT
Help us to monitor the changes that have taken place in risk management in the last year. Visit StrategicRISK at stand 42 and complete our AIRMIC survey produced jointly with Beachcroft Wansbroughs and idRisk. The results will be published in the August/September issue of StrategicRISK.
