With the turn of the IFoA’s sessional year – and a new president and Council installed – comes the opportunity to take a fresh look at our future. Much has changed since the onset of COVID-19, but one thing is certain: we won’t see the pre-2019 world again, and the only way is forward.
This issue of The Actuary explores some of those forward-looking topics – including sustainability, which is very near to our hearts (and the future of the profession), and one that you will continue to hear much more about in the months ahead. Here, though, we wanted to focus our message to you on a different topic: our membership.
You, our members, are at the centre of everything the IFoA plans, offers and achieves.
We hope you’ve had an opportunity to see the ‘New world, new thinking’ campaign that launched at the end of July. We know the world has changed, and the single most important aim of the IFoA is to support you with the challenges you face today and in the future.
There has been early evidence of this: moving examinations online so those of you studying with us could keep your qualifications on track amid the pandemic; more than doubling the number of events and webinars to keep you up to speed with the latest thinking; and rethinking the continuing professional development scheme to ensure it’s squarely focused on your learning needs. And, from 1 September 2021, as continued evidence of this commitment, all IFoA online events will be free to access for all our members. We hope you enjoy them.
We aren’t stopping here. There is much more on our journey to rethink, reset and ensure that member needs are our priority as the IFoA moves ahead. Over the coming year, you’ll hear – and feel – much more about the key elements of our promise to members: career benefits, a vibrant community, a premium qualification, good value, a shared investment in the public interest, and being easy to do business with. We always welcome your views on what you have found – or would find – valuable in your IFoA membership; you can tell us more at [email protected]
We are listening. Your needs are driving our evolution. And the improvements we are making to your overall membership experience demonstrate our commitment to helping us all rise to the challenges of this new world.
Louise Pryor is the president of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
Stephen Mann is the chief executive of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
