ClosePress release 7 February 2018.
Group Risk Development (GRiD), the trade body representing the group risk industry, has appointed Steve Bridger, managing director of group protection for Aviva UK Life, as their new chair. Lee Lovett, CEO of Ellipse, has been chair for three years and stepped down at the end of December.
GRiD provides its members with access to pan-industry claims data, employer research, market experts, networking opportunities, plus up-to-the minute views on government papers and legislative change. GRiD also responds to government consultations that are relevant to the industry.
Steve Bridger wants to capitalise on this to help drive the agenda to give more people access to workplace protection for when they’re at their most vulnerable. He said: ‘GRiD is in great shape following Lee’s chairmanship and he has secured some great wins. We have a healthy increase in membership, have submitted responses to all relevant government consultations - securing derogations for group risk where needed, harmonised how the ABI and GRiD report their claims statistics, launched a new website, and have had nearly 3,000 passes of the group risk qualification GR1. I’m looking to build on all of this.
‘Having worked in protection for 28 years, I’ve seen first-hand the difference group risk protection can make to employees, their dependants and their employers. I want to continue to champion the value that such benefits add to society, benefits which have never been more needed.
‘I’ll also be looking specifically for collaboration opportunities that strengthen our voice and our cause. And while we have great representation, there’s strength in numbers, so I’ll be looking to increase our membership. Our current members get great value from our work and we need to be less modest about that.’
Outgoing chair, Lee Lovett said: ‘It’s been a privilege being GRiD’s chair for the last three years, representing reinsurers, providers and advisers active in the group risk space. We have achieved a lot in this time but there is always more to do and I think Steve will do a great job in taking us to the next level.’
- Ends -
For further information please contact:
Sharon Mason
SMUK Marketing and PR
smason@smuk.org.uk
Mob: 07747 611773
Land: 01252 843350
Katharine Moxham
Spokesperson for GRiD
Katharine.moxham@grouprisk.org.uk
Mob: 07887 512508
About GRiD
Group Risk Development (GRiD) is the industry body for the group risk protection sector, promoting the value to UK businesses of providing financial protection for their staff, enhancing their wellbeing and improving employee engagement. Our membership includes insurers, reinsurers and intermediaries who have a collective wealth of experience built over years of operating in the group risk protection market. Under the chairmanship of Steve Bridger (MD Group Protection, Aviva UK Insurance) GRiD aims to promote group risk through a collective voice to Government, policymakers, stakeholders and employers.
GRiD works with government departments and regulators involved in legislation and regulation affecting group risk benefits, and with other organisations involved in the benefits and financial protection arenas. GRiD also seeks to enhance the industry's standing by encouraging best practice and by participating in industry-wide initiatives such as the professional qualification in group risk managed jointly with the Chartered Insurance Institute.
GRiD’s media activity aims to generate a wider awareness and understanding of group risk products and their benefits for employers and employees.
GRiD's dedicated spokesperson, Katharine Moxham, provides expert media comment on a full range of group risk issues.
Follow Katharine Moxham on Twitter @KMoxham
