Modern Insurance Magazine Issue 61

ASSOCIATIONS ASSEMBLE
Mike Benner
Title: Chief Executive
Association: Association of Personal Injury
Lawyers (APIL)
Championing
Diversity at APIL
Anyone can be a victim of negligence.
At APIL, we frequently hear stories of
people who are going about their lives
on any normal day, before being injured
as a result of someone else’s negligence.
Injured people are a diverse, cross-section
of society.
APIL’s membership is also diverse, but more visibility is
needed. APIL has taken an urgent moral imperative to
properly reflect the diversity of the injured people we
serve, taking the lead in promoting diversity within its
membership and workforce.
APIL members from under-represented groups have
shared their success stories, warts and all, for the
association’s ‘Harness Voices’ initiative. The project is
part of APIL’s drive to ensure that equality, diversity,
and inclusion remains at the heart of its activities.
It is spearheaded by Trevor Sterling, who became
the first black Senior Partner at a top 100 law firm. This
happened only two years ago in 2021, demonstrating
the historic lack of diversity within the legal profession.
The desire to be authentic is a theme running through
all of the stories told as part of the ‘Harness Voices’
project. Embracing our authentic selves is how we do
our best work for clients, and there is a heartening
sense of pushback against the repetition of previous
negative experiences, creating space for everyone to
thrive.
“We can pave the way for the next generation, and help
usher in an even more inclusive profession than the
one we joined,” said Jonathan Wheeler, former APIL
President, who contributed to the ‘Harness Voices’
project for Pride Month.
APIL will champion the next generation of PI lawyers
and strive to create a culture of inclusion, fair
treatment, access and opportunity for all, regardless
of background, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual
orientation or physical ability. APIL’s membership
is also diverse, but more
visibility is needed. APIL has
taken a moral imperative and
urgency to properly reflect the
diversity of the injured people
we serve, taking the lead in
promoting diversity within its
membership and workforce.
Thomas Hudd
Title: National Technical Manager
Association: National Body Repair Association
(NBRA)
Unlocking
Opportunities
in the Accident
Repair Sector
The accident repair sector can offer
opportunities for Social Mobility for people
from all backgrounds. With the right skills
and training, individuals can advance from
entry-level positions to highly skilled roles
that offer substantial compensation.
There are several reasons why the accident repair
sector can be a good way to achieve Social Mobility.
It’s a growing industry with a skills gap. The dynamic
nature of the accident repair sector ensures continuous
growth and evolution. Currently, the industry faces a
significant skills gap, creating a demand for fresh talent
and new expertise. This scenario presents an opportune
moment for individuals to acquire relevant skills, and
secure promising careers in this expanding sector.
Open to all backgrounds. Unlike many industries,
the accident repair sector does not impose strict
educational requirements for entry-level positions.
This inclusivity allows individuals from diverse and
disadvantaged backgrounds to embark on a rewarding
professional career.
Lucrative compensation. The accident repair sector
offers competitive wages for skilled workers, often
surpassing average earnings. This financial advantage
allows individuals to improve their financial situation
and climb the social ladder. The sector’s potential for
high earnings contributes significantly to enhancing
Social Mobility for its workforce.
While the accident repair sector provides many
opportunities for Social Mobility, there are also
challenges that require attention. Firstly, the
physically demanding nature of the sector may pose
difficulties for individuals with disabilities, limiting their
participation. Secondly, the sector’s historical male
dominance has made it difficult for women to progress
in their careers. However, it is encouraging to note the
increasing uptake of females entering apprenticeships,
and there are a growing number of success stories of
women owning businesses
and becoming senior leaders
in the sector.
Despite this, the accident
repair sector represents hope,
demonstrating that Social
Mobility is attainable with the
right skills, determination, and
support.
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