Flood Re has launched a dedicated, online, e-learning platform providing free training on the Flood Re Scheme and the Build Back Better initiative. The move is part of Flood Re’s strategic focus on spreading awareness and understanding of the Scheme and how it has evolved throughout the insurance eco-system, from underwriters and claims handlers to loss adjusters, surveyors, the supply chain and the broking community.
The Academy, which was launched at the Association of British Insurers’ headquarters, consists of five new, specially created modules, which are presently being assessed by the Chartered Insurance Institute under its accreditation programme. The modules cover what Flood Re is, how/why it was set up, the eligibility criteria, the Build Back Better initiative, the use of outside spaces to reduce flood risk as well as how the Flood Re Scheme has, and is, evolving.
The establishment of the Flood Re Academy builds on and supports Flood Re’s existing outreach programme, including its popular series of face to face and online Lunch & Learn sessions which are focused on the Build Back Better initiative and property-level flood resilience (PFR) only. These sessions have helped educate over 1100 insurance market personnel, but there is clearly much more work to be done to reach the wider market.
Kelly Ostler-Coyle, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Relations at Flood Re commented:
“The launch of the Flood Re Academy is an important addition to our educational offering and underlines the need to empower those working within and around the insurance market to talk confidently to householders about the benefits of BBB. Driving forward industry understanding will translate into improved consumer insight and the wider take up of PFR measures to the benefit of both householders and the insurance market.
“The reality is that the insurance market will return to risk-based pricing when Flood Re exits the market in 2039 and the widespread take up of PFR measures has an important role in improving the resilience of UK housing stock to flood – and reducing the cost, inconvenience and trauma associated with flooding. Education sits at the heart of change, and that is why Flood Re has prioritised it as part of its wide-ranging transition plans.”
Louise Clark, Manager for General Insurance Policy at the ABI, added:
“Insurers continue to play a crucial role in supporting customers to recover when the worst happens, paying out a record £585 million for weather-related damages to homes and possessions in 2024. But with extreme weather events becoming more common across the UK, it’s never been more important to raise awareness of prevention and resilience measures, such as Flood Re’s Build Back Better initiative.
“We’re delighted to support the launch of the Academy. Equipping insurers with this vital knowledge will ultimately help to support more flood-affected homeowners to embrace the Build Back Better scheme, and boost awareness of how Flood Re can help eligible households access affordable insurance.”
Contact Comms@floodre.co.uk if you’d like to sign up to the Flood Re Academy.