Ryan FowlerThe Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has opened applications for its 2025 New Generation Programme, offering 50 professionals across the UK a place on its flagship talent development initiative. For the first time, the scheme is open to members of the financial services profession as well as those in insurance.
The move to include financial services professionals follows support from the CII’s immediate past president Ian Callaghan, who championed the programme’s expansion as part of his commitment to developing new talent. Now in its 16th year, the programme will once again support participants to lead sector-focused projects designed to drive innovation and improvement in their respective fields.
Each year’s intake is divided into groups of 10, with each group developing a project or initiative over a 12-month period. Past initiatives have included the Traumatic and Distressing Claims report and the Insurance Influencer campaign, both of which have had a lasting impact on the profession.
The New Generation Programme includes interactive sessions with senior Financial Conduct Authority staff, parliamentary visits featuring talks from MPs and industry leaders, and specialist training in leadership and media engagement.
Nicola Stacey, president of the CII, said: “The CII New Generation Programme is a unique and hugely beneficial opportunity for emerging talent in insurance and financial services. With mentorship and collaborative opportunity at its core, the programme is designed to empower individuals with bold ideas to develop their leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to the future of the sector. We look forward to supporting and learning from the projects produced by this year’s cohort.”
Carla Brown, president of the PFS, added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome members of the financial services profession to participate in the New Generation Programme for the first time. The PFS is committed to finding and nurturing new talent, and those who form our 2025 cohort can expect an exceptional opportunity to innovate and make a real difference for their peers and the wider profession, as well as benefit from new experiences and building networks.”
Applicants must demonstrate clear professional development, typically hold a minimum of five years’ experience and a Dip CII or Cert PFS qualification, and show meaningful contributions within their teams. Applications from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.
