In this episode of The Journal Podcast, as part of Awareness Week 2026, we’re joined by Helen Sanson, Chief Executive of The Insurance Charity, to explore how the organisation supports current and former insurance professionals facing financial hardship, health challenges, and other life-changing circumstances.

We discuss the charity’s new strategy, growing support services, Awareness Week initiatives, and why raising awareness is more important than ever.

You can find further support and more information from The Insurance Charity here: https://theinsurancecharity.org.uk/

In this episode of The Journal Podcast, following on from the Network Conference 2026, we speak to Laura Scott, President of the Insurance Institute of Sheffield, Andy Brown, President of the Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk & North Essex, and Kayleigh Penwill, former president of the Insurance Institute of Bolton, about their experiences at this year's conference, the great networking opportunities it provided and the work the Local Institutes provide for their members.

From game show jackpots to high‑profile promotional giveaways, Prize Indemnity Insurance is the cover that makes big prizes possible — without organisations taking on big risk.

In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we're joined by Tom Stagg from WorldWide Special Risks, a leading provider of specialty insurance in this sector.

We’ll be unpacking what Prize Indemnity Insurance actually is, who uses it, how it’s underwritten, and what really happens when someone does win.

And of course, we’ll bring it to life with real-world examples — from TV game shows to modern digital competitions — to understand how it works in practice.

📈 With 37% of couples who got married in 2024 taking out insurance - and the cost of weddings now exceeding £20,000 on average, more and more people are looking to protect their special day.

In this episode of the Journal Podcast, we explore the world of Event Insurance, focusing on:

- What is covered by event insurance - and what isn't.

- The specific types of events covered - from small gatherings to the largest concerts

- Common misconceptions about this specialty line

- What it's like to work in this sector of insurance

Joining the podcast this week is Chris Westwood, Underwriter at WorldWide Special Risks.

From fine art and jewellery, to collections and museums - specie insurance has you covered.

In this episode of the Journal Podcast, we explore the specialty line of specie insurance.

We find out:

➡️ How it differs from traditional property or cargo cover

➡️ The fascinating range of high‑value assets it protects

➡️ The individuals and companies that would utilise this type of cover

➡️ Some of the biggest misconceptions about the sector

We're joined by Akash Singh, Senior Exposure Analyst and James Glynn, Head of Marine and Class Specie Underwriter, from Antares.

In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we’ll be exploring where insurance really comes from — and why its history matters more than ever. From the earliest risks faced by society, to the changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution, we’ll trace how insurance evolved into the profession we know today.

We’ll also look at the role of the Insurance Museum in bringing this story to life — connecting past, present and future, supporting learning, CPD and professional standards, and helping us understand why regulation and professionalism sit at the heart of trust in insurance.

Joining us on the podcast is Howard Benge, Director of the Insurance Museum.

To find out more about the Insurance Museum, please click here: https://insurance.museum/

🚀 What is space insurance — and how do you insure deep‑space missions?

In this episode of The Journal Podcast, we go beyond the atmosphere to explore the fast‑evolving world of space insurance.

We're joined by Nick Oswald, Space Client Advocate at Elseco, to unpack:

- What space insurance actually covers

- Why underwriting space missions is uniquely complex

- How insurers think about launch vs in‑orbit risk

- What missions like NASA’s Artemis II would mean from an insurance perspective

- Emerging risks shaping the next decade of the space sector

From satellites and space debris to crewed deep‑space exploration, this episode explores one of the most technical — and exciting — frontiers in insurance today.

For information on our M91 Aviation and Space Insurance unit, please click here: https://www.cii.co.uk/learning/qualifications/unit-aviation-and-space-insurance-m91/?srsltid=AfmBOopljGMqLqjKJwJrn8SZHm5AXtR4Uhjl7Kmpsx-9KL008YzXrjKk

In this episode, CII Group Chief Executive Matthew Hill joins us to give an update on the CII Group's Strategic Plan, including the focus for 2026, and what we have achieved so far.

Have you ever wondered where it all started?

In this episode of the Journal Podcast, Chris Shadforth, Communications Director at the CII Group, looks back on the history of the CII, alongside our Brand Manager, Harry Elliott.

We'll be exploring the origins and evolutions of the CII, how it began, why it formed and how our physical presence and identity has changed over time.

What are the most challenging risks insurers face today?

In this episode of The Journal Podcast, co-founders of the Commonwealth Insurance Forum, Robbie Lyle and Francis De Zulueta, debate some of the most pressing global risks facing the insurance profession.

We'll be discussing the interconnectivity of these risks ranging from Nuclear and Space, to Cyber, AI and Ransomware, as well as those stemming from geopolitical developments.

We also speak about the importance of capital markets and the role insurers and governments take in mitigating those risks.

To find out more about our upcoming Introduction to Cyber Insurance Training Workshop this April, Intermediate Cyber Risks Insurance Training Workshop & Spotlight: Cyber Risk and Insurance, please see below:

Introduction to Cyber Insurance Training Workshop (21 & 22 April 2026): https://www.cii.co.uk/learning/training/technical-training-workshops/introduction-to-cyber-insurance-workshop/?srsltid=AfmBOorRUt3N_RSTgcGYCY-qjXFxXOd4zRGDFv3kD1rQRU5m6dlaygLA

Intermediate Cyber Risks Insurance Training Workshop (30 June 2026): https://www.cii.co.uk/learning/training/technical-training-workshops/intermediate-cyber-risks-insurance-training-workshop/?srsltid=AfmBOorG3HzxoEzw0E1U6xHgXeBbo_1xiDfKBCAPQhVbwJha8TfV0rqt

Spotlight: Cyber Risk and Insurance: https://www.cii.co.uk/learning/spotlight-course-cyber-risk-and-insurance/?srsltid=AfmBOoqwzLksaURP7lhm8yeMYCFQABLz-JM_9v5tiu4yszOExCaUyG0L