The Insurance Charities appoints new Chairperson and committee members
The Insurance Charities appoints new Chairperson, Committee Chairs, and reinforced commitment to supporting insurance employees through the cost-of-living crisis, building on £612k awarded in 2021
The Insurance Charities is delighted to announce that current Trustee Josh Brekenfeld will be taking on the role of Board Chairman following John Greenway’s retirement after his dedicated service to the role for six years.
The Charity is also pleased to announce several new appointments to its Board and Committees this month.
- Lisa Bartlett* - President, UK & Ireland – Crawford & Company (Trustee and Grants Committee Member)
- Mary Bowie - Senior Legal Counsel – Miller Insurance Services (Trustee and Grants Committee Member)
- Paul Buckle* – Director - Morning Data (Trustee and Marketing Committee Member)
- Debbie Bullock – UK Wellbeing Lead – Aviva (Trustee and Grants Committee Member)
- Caroline Dungar - Director of Colleague Experience – Yorkshire Building Society (Trustee and Grants Committee Member)
- Michael Gaughan* – Non-Executive Director – Insurecore Ltd (Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee)
- Paul Howard - Head of Coverholder & Alternative Distribution - AXA XL (Trustee and Grants Committee Member)
*Previously appointed mid-term
Speaking about his new role Josh Brekenfeld said: “With the challenges presented by the rising cost-of-living showing no sign of improving, I believe our Charity is more relevant than ever. I’m looking forward to working with the staff team, Trustees, and committee members to continue providing vital support where it’s needed throughout the UK and Ireland.”
Chief Executive of The Insurance Charities Joy Thornicroft said: “I am so pleased to welcome our new appointees who have committed their time and expertise to our dedicated industry charity. This latest recruitment demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our Board and Committees reflect the diversity and breadth of the industry. We also have direct access to a wealth of skills and knowledge to help us deliver support to our beneficiaries and reach those in the industry who really need us.”
About Charity
The Insurance Charities is the only charity supporting current and former insurance employees and their families across the UK and Ireland.
How do we help?
The charity transforms insurance people’s lives for the better by providing a lifeline to support them with whatever difficulties they may be facing such as redundancy, poor health, domestic abuse, and tragedy.
We can help people throughout their career and beyond with one off and ongoing financial and/or practical support for as long as it’s needed. In 2022/2023 we gave out over £1.3 million to those experiencing financial hardship to help pay for things such as household appliances, school uniform, funeral costs, rehabilitation, and property adaptations. We also work with other organisations such as Aware in Ireland, Shelter UK, and Alzheimer’s Society to provide practical support where needed. Through these fantastic charities we can help those experiencing mild depression and anxiety, assist those with housing concerns, and those affected by dementia.
Did you know?
• It doesn’t matter what role you’ve had working in the sector
• Your application will be treated in the strictest of confidence
• You don’t need to be a member of a professional body or association to access support
• Both working and non-working people can apply
• The charity also supports dependants of insurance employees (past and present) such as children and partners.
We are keen to talk to employers across the industry about how we could support their colleagues so encourage people to get in touch to find out more.