We want our members to have rewarding and fulfilling careers. There is no set ‘landing zone’ for this, but underpinning our approach is the belief that the best thing we can do is ensure actuaries have a vision for the future, a growth mindset, and the knowledge that we will help them develop the skillsets and learning they need.
We have a wider perspective, too: we think actuaries should have a voice and help solve society’s problems. We know the value that the profession brings to business. During the past year we have been progressing our thought leadership programme – developing policy positions in areas that impact consumers who might need more protection, and helping to support groups of members who have insights on macro and systems issues.
We have not been shy in taking these insights to governments, regulators and policymakers; in return, we are seeing a greater understanding of actuarial expertise and experience, and of the value you bring when it comes to the issues of our time. The past year could not have been a more powerful example: the pandemic changed the world almost overnight, upending business models and societies and transforming the way we live, work and interact.
In September we published the first IFoA impact report, which showed the positive impact that actuaries have had in our shared global community (bit.ly/3uJ0yhI). From leading the COVID-19 fightback and influencing social policy on the issues that matter, to displaying thought leadership and helping others via the IFoA Foundation, the report shows the impact our members are making.
The IFoA is rethinking, resetting and refocusing so we can help the profession maximise its impact, ensuring actuaries’ skills are understood, appreciated and used in the public interest. The report is one step in our journey to support, develop and be the voice of you, our members. There’s much more to come, and we look forward to sharing our transformation with you over the coming months.
Stephen Mann is the chief executive of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
