ALARM National Conference 2024: Times are changing

Nick Addis

Risk Assurance & Analysis Manager, Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Nick has been a Risk Manager for over two years and has recently completed the IRM International Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management. He has been involved in a wide range of risk activities including assuring high value project risks, as well as advising Executive Committee board members on strategic risk approach. Before that he was a police officer for over 15 years, dynamically managing and controlling risks.

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Mark Almond

Senior Risk Engineer, Zurich Resilience Solutions

Mark joined Zurich Risk Engineering in January 2013. He is account coordinator for several major connections both Global Corporate and Local Authorities. He is the Risk Engineering referral point for Fire Engineering design of buildings including fixed and active fire protections. Mark’s role involves him in a diversity of work spread across the commercial sector. Mark is responsible for undertaking and providing fire and insurance related risk assessments, risk advice, relationship management and thought leadership to internal and external customers to support business objectives, also assessing the quality of risks to provide guidance to underwriters which ensures effective underwriting decisions are made.

Craig Archdeacon

Head of Cyber Assurance, Waterstons

Craig has an extensive background from a variety of sectors including automotive and transportation, education, His Majesty's Government’s Defence, and Public Sector.  He has worked on leading technical security teams and building information security management systems, and helping organisations identify and manage their cyber security vulnerabilities and data protection objectives, helping to address immediate issues and craft a strategy to future proof their business.

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Stuart Baxter

Operations Director – Commercial Surveying and Design, Sedgwick

Stuart is a MRICS chartered building surveyor with 30 years’ industry experience in property and construction. His experience covers insurance claims, contract administration and the management of reinstatement projects ranging in value from £50,000 to £5 million. He also has in-depth knowledge of the industrial sector, having acted for numerous landlords in capital expenditure, dilapidations and acquisition surveys. Before joining Sedgwick, Stuart was the managing director of a successful building consultancy and architectural practice (Kerr Baxter Associates) established in 2004.

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Louise Bedford

Partner, Kennedys

Louise is a Partner at Kennedys within the Local Authority and Abuse Team. She specialises in claims involving allegations of historic child abuse including issues around vicarious liability, duty of care and neglect. Louise’s work involves high profile and sensitive matters, advising on safeguarding issues and reputational risk.

Louise has spent a number of years working with one local authority client in the drafting and operational management of a redress scheme, a form of alternative dispute resolution which compensates survivors of historic abuse. She also has experience of dealing with claims involving allegations of stress, bulling and harassment, as well as general employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability and highways claims.

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Adrian Bloor

UK Claims Director, Risk Management Partners

Adrian has more than 30 years’ public sector insurance and risk management experience. Joining RMP in 1999, he managed a portfolio of accounts across the North of England. In 2015, Adrian became RMP’s UK Claims Director, taking on responsibility for claims and how RMP manages its relationships with panel insurers and Gallagher Bassett.

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Helen Branford

Risk Engineer, Protector Insurance

Helen has more than 25 years' insurance industry experience having worked for an insurer, broker and as a local authority insurance manager for two decades prior to joining Protector. She has practical experience of managing an insurance programme with large deductibles and implementing risk management initiatives within a large and complex organisation across multiple divisions and sites. Helen has handled property, motor, and liability claims, including extensive fire and flood losses, as well as catastrophic personal injury and historical claims. Dip CII qualified, she has worked extensively alongside health & safety managers on accident investigations and developing health & safety policy.

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Sarah Brown

Director of Risk Consulting, Crawford & Co

Sarah is a qualified risk professional with over 20 years' experience working in insurance, managing successful relationships through risk management and claims service delivery with both public sector and international commercial customers. Having recently completed a MSc in business and strategic leadership through Cranfield University, Sarah is an enthusiastic and passionate people and strategic leader. Sarah's previous roles include Casualty Risk Consultant, Claims Relationship Manager and leading a team of Property Risk Engineers. In her roles Sarah has been instrumental in building and delivering new risk and resilience services to support customers in understanding and mitigating losses within their organisations. Sarah was responsible in her previous role for developing and delivering strategy whilst overseeing the operational delivery of the region. A key strength of hers is building and maintaining strong relationships both externally and internally to exceed delivery of the proposition. Throughout her career she has worked with customers, brokers and business partners at all levels of an organisation from operational to senior management and has experience of managing and delivering on several internal projects.

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Andrew Buckels

Waterstons

Andrew has a background in social housing IT consultancy, having previously been managing director of a small consultancy before joining Waterstons as a sector lead. Ranging from delivering strategic support and advice, to more technical application and infrastructure advice, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to how organisations within the sector operate, the challenges they face as regulation becomes tighter and what good looks like.

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Scott Buckley

Public Sector Team Leader, Protector Insurance

Scott joined Protector’s Public Sector Underwriting Team in 2020, after achieving a first class Master’s degree in Mathematics. Scott possesses expertise as a cross-class property, liability and motor underwriter, having underwritten and managed a book of local authorities, property owners, housing association and blue light clients. In addition to his underwriting proficiency, Scott holds a managerial role in the Public Sector Team, working closely with underwriters to support development alongside maintaining and developing relationships with our clients and external broker partners.

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Jon Capon

SYSTRA

Jon has been working in the civils and rail industry projects for circa 25 years both in an engineering and project controls capacity. He developed a strong understanding of major projects and programmes. This has predominantly been through planning and risk management for organisations such as Network Rail, Highways England, TFL, and various government projects.

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Keith Carten

Principal Consultant - Strategic Risk Consulting, Aon

Keith has over 40 years of experience helping organisations set up alternative risk financing models, both in the UK and Australia. Keith has served as a director and officer for many (re)insurance companies and protected cell companies. He has acted as Aon’s Operational Executive for a range of (re)insurance companies (including PCCs and ICCs) whose parents operate in a diverse range of sectors including banking & finance, transport, energy, engineering, packaging, property ownership and investment, service outsourcing and healthcare. Keith holds a BSc Honours degree and is designated ACII and Chartered Insurer.

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Paula Clowes

Head of Assurance, Essex County Council

Paula is an experienced assurance, risk and resilience professional having managed and responded to a number of high profile incidents. Paula and her team were the 2023 ALARM Sustainability Award winner and have also previously won the ALARM Team of the Year Award.

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Anthony Connolly

Senior Consultant, Aon

Anthony is an experienced risk professional with over 25 years of risk management expertise gained across financial services, insurance and project management. In his role as a Principal Risk Consultant, he engages and collaborates with clients to gain a deep understanding of the current risk landscape, including the key strategic risks affecting both the client and wider sector and establishing a collaborative platform that meets the desired outcomes for all parties. 

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Jane Cooper

Risk & Business Continuity Manager, Shropshire Council

Jane is Risk & Business Continuity Team Leader at Shropshire Council where she develops and delivers all risk management training and is responsible for the opportunity risk management strategy and business continuity planning. Jane is President-Elect of ALARM.

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Ambre Cross

Associate, Clyde & Co

Ambre is an experienced Associate based in Manchester and a key member of Clyde & Co's Regional Cyber Team. Ambre has experience managing and advising a wide variety of clients in relation to both domestic and international cyber incidents. She is highly experienced in dealing with all aspects of incident response and routinely advises clients on their regulatory obligations in the UK, EU, and globally, with assistance from local counsel.

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Carol Dalton

Partner, Kennedys

Carol is a Partner in Kennedys’ Local Authority and Abuse Team. Carol specialises in high value employers’ and public liability claims for public service organisations on a national basis. Carol represents local authorities in relation to claims arising from stress at work, allegations of abuse, data protection breaches and breach of the Humans Rights Act 1998.

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Ashley Easen

Director – Risk Consulting , Risk Management Partners

Ashley has worked in the field of risk management and insurance for the last 20 years in a number of leadership roles within the public sector and is experienced in designing and embedding risk management frameworks. Prior to joining Risk Management Partners, she was responsible for all risk related services for a large county council. Ashley has a degree in risk management and regularly presents at ALARM conferences and events.

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Darren Edwards

Darren is a record-breaking British disabled adventurer, inspirational speaker and author. A soldier and avid mountaineer, Darren survived a devastating, life-changing climbing accident that very nearly claimed his life and left him permanently paralysed from the chest down. The accident and resulting spinal cord injury (SCI) could so easily have destroyed his spirit, but instead, he used it as a catalyst for growth. Darren's story is a living testament to the boundless capabilities of the human spirit to endure and overcome adversity. 

Now he is a record-breaking disabled adventurer who has redefined the limits of what is thought possible for an individual with an SCI. From becoming the first person with a disability to run seven marathons in seven days across seven continents in a wheelchair, to kayaking the length of Great Britain while leading a team of injured veterans, and then his ground-breaking expedition to sit-ski across Antarctica to the South Pole, Darren's incredible story of overcoming adversity, adapting to change, and building a robust mindset is guaranteed to motivate, encourage change and inspire. 

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Phil Farrar

National Development Director, Risk Management Partners

Phil began his career in 1986 with Municipal Mutual and worked at two of their branches where he stayed for 12 years, working as part of their National Public Sector Team. He joined RMP in 2004, where he was responsible for service delivery in the North of England and Scotland, as well as managing his own accounts.

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Rachael Fawcett

Principal Associate, Weightmans

Rachael is a Principal Associate and Team Manager within the Weightmans Casualty Department. Rachael deals with a wide array of employers' and public liability claims made against public service organisations. Rachael has a particular interest in claims against landlords and housing providers and advises on a wide variety of issues ranging from trips and slips, nuisance, defective premises, data protection and housing condition claims with a personal injury and health element. Rachael works closely with Weightmans' Property Litigation Team providing specialist input and advice in respect of personal injury elements of housing condition claims.

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Kieran Fowler

Head of Cyber Consulting, Waterstons

Ex-Met Police cyber crime detective turned cyber security expert, Kieran leverages his experience from the world of serious and organised crime to help businesses stay secure in the digital age. He offers a unique cyber risk management perspective, is a trusted advisor to clients and provides a practical approach to building cyber resilience, enabling businesses to embrace digital transformation confidently and safely, creating security-aware cultures by fostering strong relationships and safeguard digital assets.

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Perry Hill

Partner, DWF

Perry deals with a wide variety of public sector claims against local authorities, police services and educational providers. He is also ALARM's Co-opted Legal Advisor.

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Caroline Jenkins

Risk and Assurance Manager, Buckinghamshire Council

Caroline joined what was Buckinghamshire County Council in 2014 and has been involved in various assurance roles before taking on risk management for the new unitary Council in 2020. A Certified and Chartered Internal Auditor professional, Caroline has experience working in both the private and public sector.

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Stephen Johnson

Partner, DAC Beachcroft

Stephen is an experienced Partner specialising in defending complex personal injury claims for public bodies and private sector companies. He has over 21 years' experience in all aspects of defendant personal injury. His main areas of expertise are handling high value and/or complex employers', public and occupiers' liability matters.

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Jill Jones

Account Executive, Gallagher Housing, Gallagher

Jill has worked in the housing sector for over 15 years and has held a variety of roles such as Risk Practitioner, Head of Governance and Assurance and Company Secretary. Jill works with organisations on governance improvement plans, governance reviews, risk management reviews and developing assurance frameworks.  

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Leah Jones

Partner, Browne Jacobson

Leah specialises in public and commercial insurance litigation, with a focus on the higher education and social care sectors. She supports clients with their most complex and sensitive claims, providing a seamless approach from outset to conclusion.

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Matthew Lake

Principal Associate, Weightmans

Matthew is a specialist property litigator acting for local authorities and registered providers of social housing in relation to all manner of tenancy management issues. Matthew has developed a particular specialism in defending housing conditions claims and prides himself on offering as robust a defence as possible in every case. Having previously represented tenants at his former firm in all manner of disputes against landlords, and having been that firm’s Housing Legal Aid Supervisor, this provides him with a tactical advantage when defending claims as he can anticipate the arguments which will be raised by a tenant’s solicitor and the manner in which they may be susceptible to challenge, at the outset of a case. Since joining Weightmans in 2010 Matthew has acted solely for landlords.

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Karen Locke

Risk Manager, Renfrewshire Council

Karen has over 20 years’ experience working in risk management; the first five years with the NHS and thereafter in local government. She is currently Risk Manager at Renfrewshire Council. Karen enjoys building lasting relationships with other risk and insurance professionals and finds great value in learning and sharing best practice together. Karen is currently the President of ALARM and leads the Leadership & Influence portfolio.

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Matthew Lowry

Senior Associate, Clyde & Co

Matthew is a Senior Associate at Clyde & Co. Matthew is instructed by major insurers and brokers to deal with a wide range of property damage matters, including defending third-party liability claims arising from a range of perils (including fires, floods, and escapes of water), product liability claims, nuisance claims, and subrogated recoveries. Matthew also advises on policy coverage disputes and the pursuit of subrogated recoveries. Matthew has particular expertise in housing disrepair and has contributed to a number of press articles on this subject. He provides training on disrepair to registered providers of social housing, insurers, brokers, and local authorities.

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Zoe Lyons

As well as appearing on Have I Got News for You, Celebrity MasterChef and being a series regular on Mock The Week, Zoe’s extensive TV credits also include Live at the Apollo (BBC1), The Apprentice: You’re Fired (BBC2), Room 101 (BBC1), Hypothetical (Dave), Dave Gorman’s Terms and Conditions Apply (Dave), Pointless Celebrities (BBC1) and winner of Celebrity Mastermind (BBC1).

Zoe’s trademark high energy brilliantly observed routines and sharply written material has left her with an ever-growing fan base. She won both the Comedian’s Comedian Award and Chortle Award for stand up. Zoe’s debut hour at the Edinburgh Festival gained her a nomination for the Perrier Award, and she has hosted the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny Final in Edinburgh for the last five years.

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Rebecca Maby

Legal Director, Kennedys

Rebecca specialises in the defence of complex liability claims for the public sector. She has over 16 years’ experience working in this area, and advises local authorities, police forces and their insurers. Rebecca has particular expertise in social services abuse claims, cases involving complex duty of care issues and human rights claims. She leads the specialist data breach practice in London and handles a range of data and privacy claims for public sector clients.

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David Mayor

Partner, Forbes Solicitors

As a Partner in the Rutherford House Office's Large Loss Insurance Team, David deals with all types of high-value civil disputes and specialises in complex construction and sports claims. He joined Forbes’ costs department over 21 years ago, developing and expanding its in-house civil offering, and has retained a keen interest and knowledge in that field through qualification and beyond.

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Andrea McMahon

Chief Auditor, Renfrewshire Council

Andrea joined Renfrewshire Council in 2008 after many years experience in other public service organisations. She became Renfrewshire's Chief Auditor in 2010. In recent years Andrea has chaired the Scottish Local Authorities Chief Internal Auditor's Group. She currently manages Renfrewshire Council's Internal Audit Services, comprising of internal audit, risk management, insurance and the counter fraud team.

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Bernadette Middleton

Specialist Risk Engineer, Climate Resilience and Sustainability, Zurich Resilience Solutions

Bernadette is a Climate Resilience Specialist at Zurich Resilience Solutions (ZRS), supporting customers in improving their physical and organizational resilience to current natural hazards and future climate change. Her primary focus is assisting companies in understanding the climate related hazards which can impact their assets, operations and people and advising on physical and organizational resilience strategies.

Prior to joining ZRS, Bernadette has worked as a sustainability consultant in the built environment sector for over 10 years. This work has focused on developing and implementing sustainability, waste reduction and decarbonization strategies, climate risk assessments, and net-zero-carbon roadmaps for large-scale building and infrastructure projects located across the UK and North America.

Natasha Mills

Associate, Clyde & Co

Natasha is an Associate in the Employment Team at Clyde & Co, based in Manchester. Natasha has defended both public and private sector organisations in employment tribunals, in response to claims ranging from unfair and wrongful dismissal to discrimination and whistleblowing. Natasha has also defended employment related claims in the High Court. With regards to non-contentious work, Natasha advises regional and national clients in response to a variety of complex queries and supports clients in implementing disciplinary and grievance procedures. Natasha also assists clients in preparing policies and procedures, employment contracts and settlement agreements. Additionally, Natasha has experience delivering employment law training on a variety of topics and in conducting internal investigations on behalf of organisations. Outside of her work in the Employment Team, Natasha acts as a member of the Employment Lawyers Association Pastoral Committee and Clyde & Co's Charity Committee. Natasha is a champion of social mobility and engages in various initiatives to increase diversity in the legal profession.

 

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Gill Milner

Head of Risk Management Solutions – Casualty Classes, Aviva

Gill has over 20 years’ experience in fleet risk management. At Aviva, she works closely with clients to implement an integrated risk management approach, through the development of tailored solutions, utilising technology to manage driver risk, influence behaviour, enhance business risk control methodologies, with the aim of reducing clients’ total cost of risk. Before working in insurance, Gill worked in industry including a unitary local authority, specialising in health & safety, food safety and fleet.

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Figen Murray OBE

Figen Murray is the mother of Martyn Hett, who at 29 years of age was tragically killed alongside 21 others at the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017. Since the Manchester Arena attack, Figen has been working with the Government and the security industry to make the tangible changes that can help ensure no other family has to go through what hers has.

She is the force behind Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty), a legislation requiring publicly accessible locations to provide mandatory security against the threat of terrorism. Her ambitions to better understand counter terrorism saw her achieve a distinction in a counter terrorism master’s degree from the University of Central Lancashire.

Figen’s dedication and work in counter terrorism saw her awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List. She is a Visiting Fellow for the Institute of Strategic Risk Management, a member of the senior leadership team for TINYg, and an Associate Member of the Security Institute.

She gives talks on Martyn’s Law across the UK as well as internationally. Figen was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Salford in November 2022.

In addition to the work around Martyn’s Law Figen also visits secondary schools, colleges and universities and talks to young people about the dangers of online radicalisation. She has so far reached over 25,000 young people all over the UK.

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Richard Newis

INNS Project Manager, Amey Infrastructure Wales

After graduating from Nottingham University in 1997 with a degree in Civil Engineering, Richard undertook various roles as a civil engineering contractor, typically working in the marine environment in South Wales. In 2003, Richard joined WSP Environmental’s remediation contracting division, working on some of the UK’s largest brownfield schemes, including those impacted by invasive species. In 2015, Richard set up Ashfield Japanese Knotweed providing strategic advice to land owners on the management of INNS and since 2020 has worked for Transport for Wales’ asset managers, Amey Infrastructure Wales, managing INNS on the Core Valley Lines in South Wales. Due to his experience in the invasive species sector, Richard was invited to become a member of the Property Care Association’s (PCA) Invasive Species Working Group, writing technical guidance papers on their behalf and is an examiner for the PCA’s training panel. Richard was also requested to Chair the PCA’s inaugural invasive weeds conference in 2015.

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Chris Newton

Partner, Davies Group

Chris leads the Keoghs' National Crime and Regulatory Team. He has extensive experience of managing health & safety investigations from day one and dealing with the HSE/CPS/CQC/EHO. He is regularly instructed on high profile claims including gross negligence manslaughter and corporate manslaughter. Chris also represents clients at inquests and sits on the FOIL Health & Safety Group.

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Richard Nicholas

Partner, Browne Jacobson

Richard heads up the Data, Digital and Sourcing Teams in Browne Jacobson's Birmingham Office. Recognised as a leading expert in technology law by Legal 500 and in Chambers and Partners, Richard advises on an array of matters including outsourcing, e-commerce, data protection and contracts. Richard advises on the adoption of new technologies, from development through procurement and implementation, to support and resale.

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Shaun O'Neil

Partner, DAC Beachcroft

With over 30 years' experience in defending public sector claims, Shaun is a Partner in DAC Beachcroft's Public Sector Team. In addition to dealing with high value and sensitive public and employers' liability claims, Shaun's background includes dealing with complex inquests and the resulting claims, including the 2002 Barrow Legionnaires claims and the 2009 Northside Bridge collapse. Shaun lives in Cumbria and gets to enjoy the lakes when the tourists have gone home!

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Yeme Onoabhagbe

CEO, Student Minds

No bio provided

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Satveer Pnaiser

Senior Associate, Kennedys

Having originally trained as a barrister, Satveer has been in practice for over 12 years. Satveer formally defended individuals charged with routine criminal offences and conducted most of the advocacy herself in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. Satveer now represents companies and individuals facing the inquest process and criminal investigations. She is regularly instructed on behalf of care homes, road traffic parties and industrial organisations. With a deep understanding of the court and investigation process as a whole, Satveer is able to deal with cases holistically from start to finish, often conducting her own inquest advocacy.

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Sarah Prager KC

Counsel, Deka Chambers

Sarah was called to the Bar in 1997 and took silk in 2023. She specialises in personal injury work, acting for both claimants and defendants. She has appeared in a number of cases turning on the nature and extent of the duty to warn of obvious risks.

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James Preston

Technical Director, Sedgwick

No bio provided

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David Rainey

Partner, Davies Group

David represents a wide range of public body, care, corporate and individual clients in relation to complex regulatory investigations and high profile inquests following deaths and serious accidents in the workplace. He continues to be recognised as a Next Generation Partner by the Legal 500 and receives excellent feedback from his clients, including 'excellent judgment, superbly prepared and gets excellent results'.

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Thomas Riddell-Jones

Global Risk Consultant - Climate, Aon

Thomas is a Risk Consultant within Aon Global Risk Consulting. Prior to Aon, he obtained a master’s degree in Meteorology and Climate Science from the University of Leeds, focusing on mountain meteorology. Subsequently, he worked as an Observations R&D Scientist at the UK Met Office where he was responsible for researching methods of improving and maintaining meteorological measurements to support the delivery of meteorological data for weather forecasting and climate modelling, focusing on wind speed, wind direction and solar radiation.

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Sue Ruddock

Legal & Insurance Manager, Transport for Wales

Sue is a Fellow of the Legal Executives, a risk and insurance professional and was a claimant lawyer before joining Caerphilly County Borough Council as Senior Insurance & Risk Officer. She took over as Insurance & Risk Manager a couple of years after joining. After 13 years at CCBC Sue then joined Transport for Wales as their Corporate Risk & Insurance Manager and set up the Insurance Team developing the insurance and claims strategy.

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Gemma Smith

Director (Business Assurance), Progress Housing Group

Gemma started her internal audit career in local government as a trainee and spent ten years working in two local authorities before moving into the private sector. Gemma joined Progress Housing Group in 2014 as a Head of Internal Audit and is now their Director (Business Assurance), with responsibility for internal audit, fraud, insurance, risk, business continuity, data protection and data assurance.

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Andrew Spencer

Counsel, Deka Chambers

Andrew was called to the Bar in 2004 and is ranked as a leading junior in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. He specialises in personal injury claims and has a wealth of experience in these types of cases. He recently acted for the defendant in a case brought by a member of the public who fell from a seaside pier and sustained a serious head injury as a result.

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Tia Stewardson

Lead Risk Officer, Buckinghamshire Council

As Lead Risk Officer, Tia works with the wider organisation to embed risk management. She joined the Council as part of a graduate scheme, gaining valuable experience in various roles across the organisation. These experiences helped build her knowledge and interest in the public sector and risk management.

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Marta Tomlinson

Legal Director, Kennedys

Marta is a Legal Director in the Crime and Regulatory Team at Kennedys. Based out of the Sheffield office she represents individuals and organisations being investigated or prosecuted by quasi-criminal organisations including the police, HSE, Environment Agency and local authorities.

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Shermela Toulon

Risk Assurance & Analysis Manager, Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Shermela is a Risk Assurance & Analysis Manager who started her career at a radio station as a receptionist. She had no idea in years to come she would play a role in defence as a Risk Assurance & Analysis Manager looking at infrastructure risk across the estate.

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Jo Tyler

Emergency Planning and Resilience Manager, Essex County Council

Jo is an experienced resilience professional having managed and responded to a number of high profile incidents and is very active in the local resilience forum. Jo and her team were the 2023 ALARM Sustainability Award winner and have also previously won the ALARM Team of the Year Award.

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Paul Wadsworth

Senior Associate, Clyde & Co

Paul specialises in defending complex large loss and catastrophic personal injury claims. He is instructed by major insurers and corporates to deal with road traffic, employers’ and public liability claims, with a particular interest and specialism dealing with claims under the Landlord and Tenant and the Defective Premises Acts. Paul prides himself on working closely with both insurer and insured giving straightforward and pragmatic advice.

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Chris Walker

Head of Risk Management, Durham University

Chris has experience of working in housing, private sector insurance and is currently the Head of Risk Management at Durham University. With nine years under his belt as an ALARM Director, Chris currently serves as the organisation's Finance Director and has oversight of ALARM's finances. He also leads the ALARM Higher & Further Education Group and the Regions & Sectors portfolio.

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Lizzie Whittingham

Partner, Clyde & Co

Lizzie has worked in insurance law and property damage since 2001, handling a wide range of high value claims mainly for global insurers and UK transport infrastructure providers. Lizzie manages two sub-teams within Clyde & Co's Property Damage Departments in London and Liverpool, which deal with liability and recovery claims arising from perils such as fires, floods and explosions and connected with transport infrastructure assets. Lizzie has acted in a number of well known reported property damage cases including Scottish & Newcastle v GD Construction and Aldgate v Unibar Heating & Plumbing. Lizzie is also a specialist in the evolving area of law concerning Japanese Knotweed having been the supervising partner for the significant 2018 case of Williams & Waistell v Network Rail.

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Marie Williams

Independent Safeguarding Specialist, The Safeguarding Cop

Marie has been working in safeguarding for over 25 years and has an extraordinary background and experience. She is one of a few professionals to have mastered all three key statutory agencies – working within health, police and social care. Marie’s expert knowledge and skills, combined with her experience across all sectors both within the public and the corporate, private space, has provided Marie with a rare perspective and specialist understanding of safeguarding in the contemporary world.

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Gordon Wilmott

Head of Public Services, Zurich Municipal

Gordon is a Head of Market for Public Services at Zurich Municipal, where he leads the division in meeting the needs of its customers. Providing tailored risk management and insurance solutions to support clients in maximising their impact and delivering for their communities. Gordon has also lead the division supporting the third sector in his time with Zurich Municipal. Prior to his roles in Zurich Muncipal, Gordon's career was in marketing & communications where he held a number of senior roles.

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Nick Wilson

Associate Director,

Nick is a fully qualified solicitor by training and an Insurance Risk Manager. He provides bespoke contractual solutions in respect of appointment documentation and collateral warranties. Nick has experience of negotiating and drafting PFI, BSF, JTC and PPC2000 contracts. Nick has also provided a full consultancy service for the legal industry around OFR, lexcel, commercial due diligence and legal compliance.

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Richard Wood

Head of Sales, Zurich Municipal

Richard has nearly 40 years' experience from insurance broking to bank distribution, through personal lines and commercial insurance products. Joining Zurich in 2003 as Regional Development Manager, Richard has had several notable appointments within the group. After winning Region of the Year for two consecutive years, Richard was promoted to Head of Financial Services Partnerships in 2005 where he became responsible for Zurich's key Bank Distribution Partnerships. After five years in this role, Richard embraced a move to South Africa to lead the set up of a Bank Distribution Partnership with Standard Bank. In 2011, Richard returned to the UK as Head of Housing and Health. Richard's current role is Head of Sales which includes responsibilities as part of Zurich's Leadership Team.

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