AFM Connect and AGM
13 October 2020 10am – 4.30pm
A virtual alternative to our two-day annual conference and AGM, AFM Connect offered a series of sessions exploring a range of topical issues under the theme ‘Working together for a stronger society’, including what we can do as a sector to grow our businesses and our place in the wider society.
We had over 220 sign up for the event, with nearly 180 in attendance at that same time, at one point in the day. To view the delegate, click on the link: Delegate list, by company
For a recap of the day’s agenda, including slides from some of sessions, please see below.
Event Programme
1000: Welcome address, Jane Nelson, AFM Chair
1010 – 1100: Working Together for a Stronger Society – the future of the Mutual sector
Martin Shaw, AFM – Matt Brewer, Pinsent Masons – Dan Diggins, Hymans Robertson
We consider the challenges facing the mutual sector in today’s competitive environment from a financial, operational and strategic perspective. We outline some potential future strategies and provide an overview of the legal processes underlying these. In particular, we consider the question ‘what does being a member of a mutual mean in practice?’ and discuss the opportunities open to the Mutual Sector, illustrating these with some example case studies. We will reflect on whether a return to mutual values is becoming both a competitive and regulatory imperative, and conclude with ‘Creating the new’ – how the sector can work together for a stronger Society.
1120 – 1200: Mutuals in a post-Covid world
Samuel Njoroge, Cirencester Friendly – Teddy Nyahasha, OneFamily – Joanne Hindle, Shepherds Friendly
Following on from the previous presentation, we take a look at the specific ways AFM member organisations have supported their members during the lockdown, and explore potential changes to the way we work in the future, to better meet the changing needs of our customers and of society at large.
1400 – 1440: A Mutual Message for the Masses
Ben Grainger, MetFriendly – Dawn Gregory, Sheffield Mutual – Rick Guttridge & Sarah Twyman, Smoking Gun PR
As part of our AFM@10 project, launched during last year’s conference, we present and discuss work to date and future plans, and how we can assess how the value of the mutual sector is having a positive impact on consumer sentiment. We also consider how new ways of working, and consumer perceptions, are changing the way we explain the appeal of mutuals.
1500 – 1540: Guest Speaker, Mandy Hickson
followed by a panel discussion on
The Benefits of a Career in Mutuality
Mairead Conway, IPB Insurance – Paul Koronka, Regis Mutual Management
Our guest speaker will explore elements of outstanding leadership, teamwork and goal setting, and is followed by a panel discussion exploring what attracts, excites and sustains people in forging a career in the mutual sector, including how employment in the sector may change as a result of coronavirus.
1600 – 1630: The 11th Annual General Meeting of Association of Financial Mutuals
The AGM is open to all this year, and will provide an update on AFM activity over the past year and a preview of our plans for the future. The resolutions will seek approval of the AFM accounts for 2019/20, as well as for the incoming AFM Board.
Sincere thanks to our sponsors:
Schroders for the production of the AFM Connect programme brochure
London & Capital for all registration prizes