‘Discipline’ is a forbidding term for a process that actually supports members, both individually and collectively.
To serve the public interest, the profession must investigate complaints or concerns referred to it in a full and impartial manner. It must not prioritise the interests of its members – it operates quite independently of the IFoA Council – but anyone investigated is entitled to proper standards of fairness. Cases cover a wide range of topics, and where a finding is made against a member, the outcomes are often helpful rather than career-threatening. Identifying a failing will help a member to offer better services in future, and publicising the case helps other members of the profession to avoid the same problem. Feedback of emerging issues to the Regulatory Board is an integral part of the process.
Volunteers are required for each stage. The work covers investigation, initial assessment/adjudication, tribunals and appeals. The management of the process and the appointment of actuaries to each case is also important. We need a steady flow of volunteers as each role is for a fixed term, meaning vacancies are continuously created.
Training is provided on the specific features of the disciplinary system, and legal support, in particular, is provided. If you are a problem-solver (and what actuary isn’t?) you will find the work fascinating, whatever role you play. You will also enjoy working with other actuaries and with lay professionals – decisions are shared – and care is taken to make sure your day job does not suffer. There are CPD opportunities, the work will develop your technical skills, and collaborative decision-making will become a strength.
Your help is needed at all levels of experience, for all practice areas and wherever you work. Visit the IFoA website’s volunteer vacancies page (bit.ly/2LlxMhn) regularly and say you are interested – you will not regret it.
Brian Duffin, FFA and IFoA volunteer Brian is a member of the Disciplinary Appointments Committee and was previously appointed to the Disciplinary Board. He has also served as chair of the Joint Public Relations Committee.
