A former President of the Insurance Institute of Ireland, Mr. Brian Duncan, once referred to Galway Institute as “a major player in the development of the Institute movement throughout Ireland and a membership noted for their warmth and hospitality”. I am proud to have been a member of this great Institute all my working career and now extremely honoured to serve as its President for the 2011-2012 year. I am 43rd in a long line of Presidents who have served locally with utmost distinction.
Over the years in Galway we have had 31 Presidents from Insurance Companies, 7 from Broking, 3 from Loss Adjusting, 1 from the Retired area and now a first from Loss Assessing. Our recent AGM also saw us achieve another first, in the successful election of a Council which consists of a representative from each sector of Insurance - General Insurer, Life Insurer, Broker, Loss Adjuster, Liability Adjuster, Loss Assessor and Private Medical. Whilst not holding a seat on Council, we have commitment from a sector professional to provide Council with regular reports on the more specific area of Risk Management. Now that we have a representative on council from each area of insurance, I would encourage membership to talk to those reps relevant to your field - your regular views and suggestions are imperative in helping us advance.
The pooling of knowledge and experience from this new diverse council will hopefully this year lend to setting out a 3 year local institute strategic plan. By re-organising ourselves we have taken the first steps in a plan which will be formulated on both goal-based planning and issues-based planning. Our priority will always be support and service for our 800+ local members, as we promote and encourage professionalism within our Industry.
At a time of continuing hectic development and compliance, it is important that we attract and retain the right calibre of people to work in Insurance. To this end I have chosen the theme for my year as being “Insurance, a Career”. Isn’t there a well known saying “A company is only as good as its employees” - It is so important therefore that we sell our profession just as hard as we sell our service or product. With the incoming council, and the Insurance Institute of Ireland, I hope that we can initiate steps towards educating our young future workforce of the many career avenues available within the insurance industry – and that we can make further steps to push, recognise, and highlight the educational progression of existing members.
Whilst the Institute is an educational body first and foremost, at local level networking and the social aspect is also of utmost importance. No doubt this year our vibrant Sports, Social and Golf committees will excel in their delivery! We encourage you to experience the “warmth and hospitality” we are famous for.....
I do hope in my year I will serve to a level that at its end I will be remembered for having been a President that made a positive difference.
Táim ag tnúth le bualadh leat sna míonna amach romhainn.
Sincerely,
Hazel Morrison