The Underwriting Agencies Council’s new Leadership Academy has been well received by industry figures as applications start to flow in.

The ground-breaking program, tailored to mid-career professionals in the agency sector, is sponsored by HDI Global and will be delivered with support from the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance.

“We have had a lot of interest from members and their staff,” UAC CEO Jenny Bax said. “The response has been very positive about the need for the Leadership Academy and the interest in the course. The conversations on the content to be delivered have been very strong also.”

UAC says the program combines real-world learning, mentorship and ANZIIF’s flexible training modules. Participants will graduate with a Certificate in Organisational Leadership and “the skills to lead with confidence”.  

Across six modules between March and September next year, the program delivers workshops, case studies, roundtable discussions and tech demos – all led by experts in insurance and leadership development. 

“As complexity grows, so too does the need for agile, industry-focused leadership development,” ANZIIF CEO Katrina Shanks said.

“The UAC Leadership Academy meets that moment. We’re thrilled to partner in this exceptional initiative.”

HDI Global head of delegated authority Peter Gezimati says that “as a relationship insurer”, HDI is deeply embedded in the businesses it serves.

“Sponsoring the UAC Leadership Academy allows us to give back to the sector by empowering mid-career professionals to step confidently into leadership roles, strengthening the entire insurance ecosystem in the process,” he said.

The academy is limited to 25 candidates. Applications, to be judged by a panel, close on October 16.

Find more information here.