Insights

Market update

There are plenty of signs of improvement across the market but, with underwriters demanding more and more data, Alison Goodwin, public sector practice leader at Aon, recommends starting early.

Getting tender ready

More capacity is returning to the insurance market but, as Helen Povah, Public Sector Client Management Director at Aon explains, preparation is key to achieving the best results from a tender.

Prepare for procurement change

New procurement regulations will be introduced February 2025, cutting red tape, improving transparency and opening up competition. Richard Scott, client manager – public sector at Aon, outlines the key changes and how authorities can ensure they’re prepared.

Building workforce resilience

High vacancy and sickness absence rates are common across the public sector but, as Kirsteen Kett, client director and public sector practice leader (South) at Aon, explains, building workforce resilience can help to change this.

Top tips on Insurance Captives

Captives offer an opportunity for a more formalised means of self-insurance. Potential changes to the UK regulatory regime would allow for a specific captive licence class, so public sector organisations can now consider these risk financing vehicles.

Market update

Further signs of stability are evident across the public sector insurance market but there are still some trouble spots. Alison Goodwin, public sector practice leader at Aon, says an early start and attention to detail are key to securing the best possible terms.

Modern methods of construction

Modern methods of construction offer multiple benefits but they can also bring challenges. Matt James, client director – head of education at Aon, and Alison Goodwin, public sector practice leader at Aon, explore how organisations can overcome these challenges.

Combatting sick leave

With thousands of employees on long-term sick, the public sector is suffering a long-term sickness epidemic. Ik Onyiah, associate partner at Aon Human Capital Solutions, Helen Payne, UK director human sustainability at Aon, and Andrew Millard, public sector practice leader – north at Aon, explore ways to address this.

Withdrawal of BT Redcare

BT Redcare announced earlier this year, that from the end of February 2024 they will stop selling any new alarm signalling products, and all product services will terminate on the 1 August 2025 if not before when any existing contracts expire.

Scan your risk radar

An organisation’s exposure to risk is constantly shifting and evolving as their operations change and new threats emerge. To build a robust risk mitigation strategy, it’s important to understand how this risk landscape is changing.

Time to rethink your talent strategy

Public sector organisations are struggling to attract and retain key talent. Aon’s John Cass, strategic relationship manager and Nick Cosh, strategic advisory consultant, explore ways to improve recruitment and retention strategies.

Take control of your construction cover

Major construction projects are planned across the higher education sector but, as Matt James, client director – head of education at Aon, explains, the insurance arrangements must be a primary consideration.

Under attack

Cyberattacks are common in the public sector, accounting for around 40% of all UK incidents. Aon’s Andy Catley, director of cybersecurity (investigations & response) and Ruth Murray, client director, public sector Scotland, explain what happens following an attack or data breach and why a cyber response service is a must.

Intelligent Teaching

Universities urgently need to understand and manage the risks and opportunities AI brings to higher education. Read our latest article published by ALARM.

Market update

After a few tough years, there are some small signs of improvement across the insurance market. But, as Alison Goodwin, public sector practice leader at Aon, explains, data and time are key to securing the best terms.

Future of motor fleet – electric and hydrogen vehicles

Zero emission vehicles are an important part of public sector organisations’ strategies to achieve net zero. But, while these vehicles have many benefits, Jeremy Hubbard, senior motor risk consultant at Aon Global Risk Consulting, says it’s important to understand and manage the risks.

Surety bonds

Performance bonds are a common part of many infrastructure projects. As local authorities are increasingly finding themselves having to arrange these bonds, Tom Holmes, Public Sector Client Management Director at Aon, explains the options.

Get set for procurement reform

Reforms to public procurement will improve the way supplies, services and works are procured for the public sector. Helen Povah, public sector client management director at Aon, explains the changes and how organisations can prepare for the new rules.

Protecting your property risk in a hard market

With capacity under pressure in the property market, it may be necessary to consider an alternative structure to cover risk. Matt James, client director and head of education at Aon, explains how they work and the potential procurement issues.

Managing risk in connected places and spaces

Technology is making our buildings smarter and more connected, but it also introduces new risks. Read our latest article published by ALARM.

Tree story

Trees deliver significant benefits to individuals, environments and the planet. It’s essential both the opportunities and risks associated with them are well managed. Read our latest article published by ALARM.

Residential leasehold challenge

Rising claims costs, lack of detailed risk information, the difficulties managing leased blocks of flats, and tenant behaviour has made the insurance market for residential leasehold property incredibly challenging. Read our latest article published by ALARM.

Food for thought

As food prices rise at the fastest rate for more than 45 years, public service organisations are exploring ways to manage food related risks. Read Alison Goodwin’s latest article published by ALARM.

Insurance implications of the Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act gained Royal Assent in April 2022 and will be fully enforced by October 2023. Janet Penny, Client Manager for Aon Commercial Risk Solutions, considers the insurance implications for building owners, developers, and contractors.

Under the microscope: Considerations for RPA in 2023

Following a government consultation, the Department for Education extended the academies’ risk protection arrangement (RPA) to local authority maintained schools (LAMS) effective 1 April 2020. As existing insurance arrangements came to their end, some schools have made the switch over the past 3 years, however a great number remained insured via their Local Authority. Matt James, Head of Education at Aon, explores the current landscape and potential differences in offerings that should be considered when selecting suitable risk transfer for your school.

Market update

With the dust settling after the 1 April renewals, we are beginning to see signs of improvement across the public sector. But, as Alison Goodwin, public sector practice leader at Aon, explains, there are still some areas of concern.

Education: Getting smart with artificial intelligence

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and Google Bard have the potential to transform higher education. But, as this technology also brings risks, Matt James, client director – head of education at Aon, says that universities and colleges must be prepared.

Manage psychosocial risk in your organisation

Managing psychosocial risk in the workplace can reduce absence and create a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce. Read Aon expert Letitia Rowlin’s latest article published by ALARM.

Managing risk through culture

The response to risk and incidents can help create a safe and positive working environment that supports staff retention – and attraction.

This article was originally published in the April 2023 edition of stronger, the ALARM journal. ALARM is a not-for-profit professional membership association that has supported risk and insurance professionals for over 30 years. They provide members with outstanding support to achieve professional excellence, including education, training, guidance, networking, engagement, and industry recognition for best practice across risk management and related services. For more information, visit alarmrisk.com and follow @ALARMrisk on Twitter and LinkedIn. Read more »

Online Safety Bill

The Online Safety Bill is designed to protect children and adults online by making social media companies responsible for their users’ safety. Helen Povah, public sector client management director at Aon, explains what it covers and the implications for public sector organisations. Read more »

Switching to green energy

Green energy is an essential part of the government’s plans to achieve net zero and long-term energy security. Peter Grocock, public sector practice leader, South West, Wales & Central at Aon, looks at some of the initiatives in the public sector and examines the operational risk management and insurance considerations. Read more »

Building organisational resilience

“Expect the unexpected”. Never has this been more relevant than in 2023 where the world continues its pandemic recovery, yet new challenges present themselves as we see conflict in Eastern Europe and, post Brexit, the UK faces a shortage of labour putting incredible pressure on certain sectors where staff are already nearing breaking point. Read more »

Setting the excess

Local government finance has come under extreme pressure this year, with organisations seeing their operating expenses increase significantly, and unexpectedly, as a result of inflation. Peter Grocock, public sector practice leader, South West, Wales & Central at Aon, explains how to ensure insurance excesses are set at the optimum level. Read more »

Ten steps to get tender ready

Whether you’re considering a full OJEU tender or you’re looking for a new insurer for just one element of your cover, your approach can influence the outcome. Heidi Dennis, director – public sector at Aon Risk Solutions, outlines how to get the best results from your tender. Read more »

Under the microscope: Education professional indemnity cover and claims notification

Complaints from students continue to rise in the higher education sector. Matt James, client director – head of education at Aon, explains when, and why, you should notify your professional indemnity insurer of potential claims under your policy. Read more »

Broker selection

An insurance broker can save you and your organisation time and money. But, as Andrew Millard, public sector practice leader – North at Aon, explains, it’s worth considering what you need before making your selection. Read more »

Market update

Like many other markets, the public sector insurance market remains unpredictable and volatile and, as Alison Goodwin, public sector practice leader at Aon, explains, the impacts of inflation, supply chain pressures and the cost of living are starting to bite. Read more »

Managing the impact of rising fuel prices

Rising fuel costs are affecting many public sector organisations, putting additional pressure on already stretched budgets. Read more »

Time to prepare for Protect Duty

With the majority of respondents to the consultation supportive of tougher security measures, Protect Duty legislation is expected by 2023. Read more »

Under the microscope: Travel considerations for 2022 and beyond

Travel is back on the agenda with the number of overseas trips made by university and college staff, and in some circumstances students, expected to return close to pre-pandemic levels this October. Read more »

The real value of a valuation

Public sector organisations own art collections of huge national and international importance. James McDowell, head of fine art at Aon, explains why an accurate valuation is key to protecting these collections. Read more »

A valuable safety net

Helen Povah, client director, managed programmes at Aon, explains how tenants home contents insurance can protect them from financial shocks. Read more »

Market Update

Alison Goodwin, public sector practice leader at Aon, looks at the state of the market and what the next 12 months hold. Read more »

Under the microscope: Clinical trials

Matt James, client director – head of education at Aon, explains what’s required, from setting up a trial to getting the right insurance cover. Read more »

What’s on your risk agenda?

Ruth Murray, client director, public sector Scotland at Aon, assesses the findings of Aon’s latest survey and the steps organisations can take to manage the risks. Read more »

Communicable diseases

Heidi Dennis explains why disease exclusions are now standard on property and business interruption policies and how this affects organisations. Read more »

Adios Ocaso

The withdrawal of Spanish insurer Ocaso from the UK residential property market brings additional pressure to an already difficult market. Find out how organisations can react. Read more »

Building collaboration

The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 has established four Corporate Joint Committees in Wales. Peter Grocock explains how this will benefit collaboration in the region. Read more »

Market update November 2021

Alison Goodwin, Public Sector Practice Leader at Aon, provides an overview of the market. Read more »

Professional indemnity pressures

Mike Pearson and Alison Goodwin explore the challenges facing the market and the implications for public sector organisations. Read more »

Market update

Alison Goodwin, Public Sector Practice Leader at Aon, provides an overview of the market. Read more »

Managing your cyber risk

Increased risks have made it more difficult to arrange affordable cyber insurance. Nevertheless, it’s time to have a more informed discussion about cyber risk. Read more »

Equity for all

Heidi Dennis, Public Sector Practice Leader for the South at Aon, explains why the time is right to focus on equity rather than equality. Read more »

Meeting your health and wellbeing responsibilities overseas

Janet Penny, Client Manager at Aon, explains how universities and other organisations can protect the wellbeing of staff and students, wherever they’re based. Read more »

Supercharge your insurance programme

Ruth Murray, Client Director at Aon, explains how the Claims Retention Insight Platform can support public sector organisations. Read more »

Public services face up to budget volatility

Public services have been doubly hit by the pandemic, as an increase in demand for services has been combined with a loss of income. What’s next in 2021? Read more »

Tackling climate change

In this article, we examine the public sector’s role in tackling climate change. Read more »

Market update February 2021

In this article, we explore some of the key issues facing the public sector market. Read more »

Taking the risk register

Schools are facing many challenges as they adapt to the new rules around delivering education during a global pandemic. Against this backdrop, a holistic approach to risk management is invaluable. Read more »

Take control of your cyber risks

COVID-19 has dominated risk discussions over the last 12 months but cyber remains a very real and potentially costly threat to public sector organisations. Read more »

Switching on new e-mobility options

E-bikes and e-scooters are set to transform mobility in the UK, giving users a greener way to get around. Alison Goodwin, National Public Sector Practice Leader at Aon, says it’s important to understand the risks. Read more »

Higher Education Cyber Webinar

On 30 September Aon hosted the Higher Education Cyber Webinar. During this session, Mark Brannigan, UK Head of Cyber Solutions, and Alison Goodwin, Public Sector Practice Leader, discussed how these key risks affect higher education, and how you can build a cyber resilient organisation. Read more »

COVID-19 – Understanding public sector risk in the pandemic

Whether an NHS trust, a police force or a local authority, public sector organisations and their staff are on the frontline in the battle against COVID-19. As activities and services shift in response to the challenges of this pandemic, it’s important to be aware of the insurance implications. Read more »

Building resilience to natural disasters

As climate change continues to influence the frequency and intensity of weather events, it will become increasingly important to build resilience. Read more »

Do your RPA homework

Following a government consultation, the Department for Education is extending the academies’ risk protection arrangement to local authority maintained schools. Read more »

Managing your cyber risk

Digital transformation coupled with changes to the security threat and regulatory landscape require local authorities to have a proactive strategy for managing cyber risk. Read more »

Market Review March 2020

This will be my last market review, as I am due to retire at the end of March 2020, so it’s likely that by the time you read this I will be in a remote part of Wales, learning how to live the slow life. Read more »

Financial compensation scheme for Scotland’s abuse survivors

The Scottish government is setting up a compensation scheme for survivors of childhood abuse in care. Read more »

MMI update

Municipal Mutual Insurance’s (MMI) latest annual report and accounts make for reassuring reading, with a relatively stable landscape leaving the levy unchanged. Read more »

Public Sector Market Update

Times are still tough for the public sector insurance market, with some insurers reviewing their strategies for 2019 and beyond. Read more »

Right to Light

Building a development that infringes someone’s right to light could result in significant damages and even demolition. Read more »

Feel the heat

How thermographic testing can help manage fire risk. Read more »

Public Sector - Getting the maximum benefit from your trading companies

Setting up a local authority trading company offers a number of benefits to local authorities, but the insurance requires careful attention. Read more »

Flying high – the opportunities and implications of drones

Deborah Ball, Public Sector Practice Leader at Aon, looks at the opportunities, and insurance implications, Drones present to the public sector. Read more »

Local authorities - Is your event covered

From Spring fairs to Christmas markets, local authorities arrange thousands of events every year. Ruth Murray, Client Director at Aon, explains how event insurance can save the day if the unexpected happens. Read more »

Public Sector Market Update September 2018

Bill Sulman, Public Sector Chairman at Aon, explains, a combination of information, robust risk management and time can help an organisation secure competitive cover. Read more »

Public Sector - preparing for blockchain

Blockchain is often associated with the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, but this technology has the potential to transform a wide range of operations. Aon’s public sector expert Bill Sulman, examines the benefits it could bring to the public sector. Read more »

What public sector organisations need to know about Terror attacks today

Terror attacks are changing, with today’s terrorists more likely to focus on mass casualties than generating property damage. Scott Bolton, Director at Aon explains how public sector organisations can respond to this change. Read more »

Dealing with a merger in Public Services

Aon’s Public Sector expert, Bill Sulman, assesses the and looks at the risks and opportunities that can result when a local authority merger takes place. Read more »