ICMIF member Cornish Mutual (UK) has been named a Chartered Insurer for the seventh consecutive year. The general insurer is the UK’s only mutual insurance company to hold the accolade, which is awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) to represent the highest standards in the insurance sector.

There are more than 900 general insurance companies in the UK, but only 34 have been awarded chartered status from the CII.

In 2012, Cornish Mutual became the first mutual insurance company in the UK and the first insurer in the South West of the UK to achieve Chartered status. The company also has two Fellows of the CII and over 70 CII qualified employees among its teams.

Chartered status is only awarded to firms that meet the CII’s rigorous criteria relating to professionalism and capability. All Chartered Insurance firms commit to the CII’s Code of Ethics, reinforcing the highest standards of professional practice in their business dealings.

To retain its chartered status, Cornish Mutual had to evidence a high level of professional development and training. Cornish Mutual has teams based across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, with each individual supported by a personal development plan, including a comprehensive programme of training and development. This begins with a rigorous four-week induction covering all aspects of the company and a thorough grounding in insurance.

In January 2016, the company launched the Cornish Mutual Academy. This gives everyone across the business access to training and development opportunities, with particular support given to those studying for professional qualifications. As a rural insurer, the company is also committed to furthering its employees’ farming knowledge at a number of agricultural shows across the region.

Insurance Director Paul Mahon said: “We are extremely proud to have retained our Chartered Insurer status for seven consecutive years. This stamp of quality is only awarded to a select number of insurance companies and represents us meeting the very highest standards.

“As a mutual organisation, which is owned by and run on behalf of our Members, our values are closely aligned to the CII’s ethos of putting the customer first. Our chartered status gives our Members that reassurance that we will provide the very best service, with their needs at the heart of everything we do.”

Melissa Collett, Director of Professional Standards at the CII, said: “It is pleasing to see Cornish Mutual’s commitment to ongoing professionalism as shown by their continuing achievement of Corporate Chartered Status, which is a clear indicator of their declared intent to further build public trust.”