Outgoing disability and access ambassador Johnny Timpson has emphasised some of the key changes the insurance industry has embraced since he took up the role three years ago.
Timpson (pictured) highlighted that prior to the position being created the sector was greatly influenced by “a regulatory and compliance focus on ‘customer vulnerability’.”
As a result, awareness of non-visible or hidden disability was low.
However, Timpson believes his work and support from key players across the industry, including through the Access to Insurance Working Group, has made a noticeable change to the sector.
Writing in a concluding blog for the Department of Work and pensions, which has co-ordinated the ambassador scheme, Timpson said he welcomed the opportunity and platform to raise awareness, engage, inform and educate within my industry.
“Particularly in being able to advance the social model of disability in financial sectors that have tended to view disability through a medical model lens,” he said.
“My most significant work in the role has been to build and lead a highly collaborative cross insurance sector coalition, the Access to Insurance Working Group.
“This is supported by a lived experience reference group that has developed and delivered an ‘inclusive by design’ change programme.
“This has resulted in improved consumer and colleague awareness, inclusion, access, opportunity and outcomes for disabled consumers and employees,” he added.
Support mental health and HIV customers
Timpson also noted that among many contributions, by working with disability and medical charities progress had been made on other key issues.
This included improving the consumer experience of applying for insurance, particularly focusing on those with mental health concerns and HIV.
And he said he was proud to have delivered insurance industry underwriting and signposting agreements.
“These will significantly improve consumer transparency and give disabled customers the ability to access the insurance guidance, advice products and services that they require,” he said.
Timpson concluded that he was even more committed to changing and removing barriers, improving inclusion, intersectionality, access and outcomes for consumers and colleagues with disabilities and health conditions, both visible and nonvisible.
“In doing this, we improve inclusion, access, opportunity and outcomes for all. I am confident my successors will further develop the roles and, importantly, make them their own,” he added.
‘Long way to go’
Zurich head of market engagement Peter Hamilton was appointed Timpson’s successor for the next three-year term yesterday.
He praised Timpson’s worked, adding: “As an industry, we have to be ready to listen, to continue to challenge outdated perceptions, acknowledge progress made in some areas but recognise there is still a long way to go.
“We need to be seen as transparent, fair and trusted, where our focus is on doing everything we can to best support our customers and employees with disabilities.”
