Members only
What is your role and where do you work?
I joined Maven Public Sector as an Underwriter in August 2023 and am grateful to work with an incredibly talented team. There’s a vast wealth of experience and knowledge within Maven Public Sector which drew me to this role. In addition to my general day-to-day underwriting, I am also involved in a document refresh and a project to update added value Maven Public Sector can provide.
What is your expertise, specialism or main area of interest?
My life in insurance started 14 years ago in an admin role. It’s the normal story where insurance found me rather than me seeking it out, but since starting in the industry, I haven’t looked back. After just over a year in insurance I became an assistant underwriter, then with CII studies and passing the required exams, became an underwriter.
I have been an underwriter on various lines of business including computers, contractors' plant, legal expenses, event cancellation, and my longest stint has been with cyber insurance. Of these cyber is the most interesting.
I worked underwriting cyber insurance for five years. When I first started there was limited interest, and during my time the demand for cover and size of limits has increased. We have seen how state sponsored attacks are becoming an increasingly new normal. With this and the increase in AI and deepfakes, it is still an area of concern and a personal fascination.
As I worked on several lines throughout my career I had prior exposure to public sector tenders. Moving to public sector insurance, the intricacies of procurement and the tender process full time seemed a natural progression. It’s been a steep learning curve, but I am enjoying the climb.
Is there a particular aspect of your work you are interested in or passionate about?
I am interested in the technical side of insurance, incorporating our clients’ needs to ensure both parties have the best insurance policy possible. I am keen to listen and understand what risk areas insureds are concerned about and help determine what solutions can be provided. It is important to keep a strong dialogue and remain flexible so we all deliver effective products to drive our collective success.
What are you working on currently?
The first half of this year has flown past. We still have a lot of renewal work and new tenders ahead of us and at Maven Public Sector we will be working collaboratively to continue providing our usual great service.
In August I will have been with the Maven team for a year, so I am sure it will be time for reflection too. The team has made transitioning into public sector insurance extremely easy. I have learnt an awful lot in a short period, which I am sure will continue.
I have been privileged enough to meet brokers and clients, either virtually or in person. I was lucky enough to attend the ALARM South Conference and I do mean lucky. For those in attendance if you heard the story of a breakdown on the M25 on the way to the event, that was me and a couple of unlucky colleagues. A rather hefty repair bill and an additional night in the hotel were required before I could leave Slough! The breakdown aside I had a fantastic time in the sessions, as well as connected with wonderful people at the event. The National Conference in Manchester was really enjoyable too.
What topics and trends are emerging?
Cyber attack and data breach won’t be going away. There is great potential in AI but there is also potential for an evolution in the types of attack. However, the main cause of breaches tend to be human error. These breaches can prove costly, so it is still an important consideration for everyone.
Climate change and natural disasters are more frequent risks, with more catastrophic outcomes. Modelling has always been important in risk calculation, and it’s even more important now, with new and emerging risks being assessed, reassessed and reviewed.
