On Thursday evening last, 9th February 2012, the III and RSA held their inaugural joint conferral ceremony at the Royal College of Physicians on Kildare Street; a sublime venue for such a noteworthy event on the III / RSA calendar. Not only was this a proud occasion for the 75 students graduating, 45 of whom were present, but it was also a chance for both the III and RSA to reflect on their joint commitment to professional and technical excellence in the insurance industry.
An impressive total of 46 award presentations were made on the night, including 1 special recognition award. Eight RSA employees were awarded the Advanced Diploma in Insurance (ACII), 20 graduated as Certified Insurance Practitioners, 15 from the Professional Diploma in Insurance, 1 from the Financial Services Diploma, with 1 final graduate in receipt of the Diploma in Loss Adjusting. Special recognition goes to Rhona Leddin who achieved on the double, by not only adding the ACII designation to her name, but also receiving the Diploma in Loss Adjusting. The final presentation of the evening was made to Evelyn Savage, who was presented with an RSA Group ‘Technical Excellence Award’.
Amongst the guest speakers in attendance were Philip Smith, CEO of RSA and President of the III, Eamon Shackleton, CEO of the III, Dr Gerard McHugh, Chair of the III Education Strategy Committee and Malcolm Hughes, Chair of the III Executive Council.
In recognition of the graduands’ achievements, each speaker gave an insightful address on varying themes relevant to the business careers of those graduating before them.
Philip Smith referenced the importance of staff with professional technical knowledge in the industry and how it provides companies with an ability to add real benefit to the consumer in terms of offerings, thus differentiating themselves in the marketplace.
III CEO, Eamon Shackleton reminded the graduands that personal responsibility lies with them in the management of their career. He outlined the importance of critically assessing oneself as a complete package in professional terms. Finally, Eamon went on to remind those present of the proven weight of qualifications and networking in positioning oneself well to respond to changing markets.
Dr Gerard McHugh spoke of the changes in regulation in the insurance industry, the achievement and importance of acquiring professional qualifications and finally the opportunities to progress in the industry that exist for those with the ambition to do so.
Malcolm Hughes concluded the speeches by detailing the importance of relationships in building a sustainable career and the opportunities open to the graduates as members of the III to build upon and solidify those relationships through networking.
All in all, the evening was a resounding success and a fitting recognition of the graduands’ achievements. Congratulations to all involved.