Entry Criteria

The award categories are open to everyone involved in claims management, whether that be as a lawyer, insurer, broker, underwriter or other service provider. Our aim is to celebrate the successes of those organisations who have shown outstanding commitment to the client.

The following criteria should be treated as a guide by entrants, but are not intended to be exhaustive, and entrants are invited to mention any other points they feel strengthen their entry.

Innovative use of TechnologyClient Care Initiative AwardAssociated Industries AwardTraining AwardRising Star AwardBarristers' Chambers of the YearClaimant Law Firm of the YearDefendant Law Firm of the YearClaims Management Company Team of the YearBroker of the YearInsurer of the YearLife Insurer of the YearGeneral Insurer of the YearMGA of the YearUnderwriter of the YearCommercial Lines Broker of the YearPersonal Lines Broker of the YearCounter Fraud AwardLoss Adjuster/ Assessor of the YearClaims Director of the YearOutstanding Achievement of the YearLifetime Achievement Award

Innovative use of Technology

• The nominee will have adopted a particular technology-based tool, technique, or system which has created a significant competitive advantage for the nominee or its clients in the previous 12 months
• Demonstrable results are essential
• Evidence of strong teamwork and cooperation in the introduction and use of the initiative will gain credit
• Credit will be given for originality and innovation in the conception and delivery of the initiative

 

Client Care Initiative Award

• The nominee will have exceeded the basic expectations in order to demonstrate their commitment and professionalism. i.e. They have ‘gone that extra mile’
• Demonstrating an innovative approach to improve and maintain aspects of client care from initial contact to resolving any issues
• Showing an ability to maintain high levels of client care even at a time of crisis
• Demonstrates an ethical approach in dealing with clients and others

 

Associated Industries Award

• • The team will show an innovative approach to fulfilling its role, achieving demonstrable success and integrating effectively with other departments
  • Credit will be given for demonstrating an ethical and innovative approach to dealing with particular issues and regulatory challenges
  • Examples should be given of how the team functions cohesively, making it stronger than the sum of its parts
  • Examples should be given of how the team thinks creatively and shares ideas
  • Credit will be given for demonstrating how its innovative work has helped improve the claims sector
  • Training, mentoring etc within the team should be detailed if relevant

 

Training Award

• • Demonstrate a successful training programme
  • Evidence that the training has delivered its objectives, for example, reduced claims life cycle or fraud detection
  • Examples of how the training programme has increased staff understanding
  • Examples of how the training programme has contributed to business success

 

Rising Star Award

• • Swift progress of nominee from original role and remit
  • Has been an innovator who has produced positive results for the nominee and its clients
  • A ‘shining light’ within the industry who exemplifies best practice and encourages the same from others
  • Has demonstrated commitment to promoting the work of the industry and the company
  • Overcoming difficult or exceptional circumstances
  • Has made a demonstrable difference in their sector
  • A clear path to further progress in the industry
  • Maximum age at ceremony 35 years

 

Barristers’ Chambers of the Year

• • A strong track record of success
  • Involvement in prominent cases
  • A reputation for technical excellence and practical solutions
  • Strong relationships with clients across the industry
  • Contribution to the wider legal community
  • Anything else noteworthy that is not covered above

 

Claimant Law Firm of the Year

• • Open to law firms and Alternative Business Structures
  • The winning firm will show an innovative approach to its claimant work
  • Credit will be given for creative use of technology or other resources to improve the claimant experience
  • Credit will be given for demonstrating an ethical approach to dealing with claims and helping the claimant sector to improve its image, particularly in personal injury work
  • Examples should be given (where possible) of claimants who have been impressed with their treatment and the handling of their cases
  • Credit will be given for a positive firm ethos that is embraced by staff at every level
  • Firms that invest in their staff and can show good staff retention rates will be given extra credit
  • Demonstrating business flexibility and a willingness to push beyond a firm’s comfort zone will be given extra credit
  • Credit will be given for contributions to the wider legal community

 

 

Defendant Law Firm of the Year

• • Open to law firms and Alternative Business Structures
  • The winning firm will show an innovative approach to its defendant work
  • Credit will be given for creative use of technology or other resources to improve the defendant experience, particularly in fighting fraud and avoiding unnecessary legal costs
  • Credit will be given for demonstrating an ethical approach to dealing with claims, particularly in personal injury work
  • Examples should be given (where possible) of defendants who have been impressed with their treatment and the handling of their cases
  • Credit will be given for a positive firm ethos that is embraced by staff at every level
  • Firms that invest in their staff and can show good staff retention rates will be given extra credit
  • Demonstrating business flexibility and a willingness to push beyond a firm’s comfort zone will be given extra credit
  • Credit will be given for contributions to the wider legal community

 

Claims Management Company Team of the Year

• • The team will show an innovative approach to fulfilling its role, achieving demonstrable success and integrating effectively with other organisations/departments
  • The team will make widespread and effective use of technology to maximise efficiency in its operations
  • Credit will be given for demonstrating an ethical approach and for innovative ways to combat fraud and improve the image of the sector
  • Examples should be given of how the team functions cohesively, making it stronger than the sum of its parts
  • Training, mentoring etc within the team should be detailed if relevant

 

Broker of the Year

• • Open to all insurance brokers in all lines of claims
  • Credit will be given to brokers who have strived to simplify the claims process for clients
  • Credit will be given for demonstrable efforts to fight fraud
  • The winning broker will have made widespread and effective use of technology and resources in an innovative way to improve the client experience
  • The winning broker will have made efforts to improve the industry by raising its own standards and striving to achieve those expected by clients and regulatory bodies in areas such as late payment of claims
  • Demonstrating a consistent effort to improve claims settlement services will be given extra credit
  • Brokers who invest in their staff and can show good staff retention rates will be given extra credit
  • Entries with client testimonies will be given extra credit

 

Insurer of the Year

• • The insurance company will demonstrate how it has achieved success in improving the claims experience for its policyholders as well as those from competitors where applicable
  • Credit will be given for insurers who consistently work to improve their claims departments and the interaction between them and others such as underwriters
  • The winning entry will be able to demonstrate creative thinking, strategic planning and an innovative approach to dealing with particular issues
  • Clear commitment to staff development such as training and mentoring will be given extra credit
  • Innovative plans to tackle fraudulent claims will be given extra credit
  • A willingness to work more openly with third parties such as claimant lawyers for the benefit of all will be given extra credit
  • A wider commitment to helping drive up standards within the insurance industry – by example or shared practice – will be given extra credit

 

Life Insurer of the Year

• • Entrants should be able to demonstrate how they have achieved improved the claims experience for policyholders, as well as those from competitors where applicable
  • Entrants should be able to show a consistent attempt to improve their claims departments and the interaction between them and others such as underwriters
  • Clear commitment to staff development such as training and mentoring will be given extra credit
  • Innovative plans to tackle fraudulent claims will be given extra credit
  • Entrants who demonstrate creative thinking, strategic planning and an innovative approach to dealing with particular issues will be given extra credit
  • A willingness to work more openly with third parties such as claimant lawyers for the benefit of all will be given extra credit
  • A wider commitment to helping drive up standards within the insurance industry – by example or shared practice – will be given extra credit

 

General Insurer of the Year

• • Entrants should be able to demonstrate how they have achieved improved the claims experience for policyholders, as well as those from competitors where applicable
  • Entrants should be able to show a consistent attempt to improve their claims departments and the interaction between them and others such as underwriters
  • Clear commitment to staff development such as training and mentoring will be given extra credit
  • Innovative plans to tackle fraudulent claims will be given extra credit
  • Entrants who demonstrate creative thinking, strategic planning and an innovative approach to dealing with particular issues will be given extra credit
  • A willingness to work more openly with third parties such as claimant lawyers for the benefit of all will be given extra credit
  • A wider commitment to helping drive up standards within the insurance industry – by example or shared practice – will be given extra credit

 

MGA of the Year

• • Entrants should be able to demonstrate a strong track record of settling claims
  • Entrants should be able to show how they have improved claims handling in their particular line of work and how this has enhanced customer experience
  • Extra credit will be given for MGAs who have made a clear difference in the claims sector whether that be through their work in-house or in striving to help the sector improve itself by sharing best practice
  • Extra credit will be given for MGAs who can show how they have gone the extra mile for clients whether that be through new products, services or communications

 

Underwriter of the Year

• • Open to underwriting teams/underwriters in all insurance fields
  • The winning entrant will understand the importance for working closely with claims departments and will be able to show how their work has helped improve the client experience
  • The winning entry will be able to demonstrate innovative work practices that have had a positive effect for their business
  • Credit will be given for innovative work with claims history data to improve policies for clients
  • Teams that strive to improve staff through training and mentoring will be given extra credit
  • Entries that show a commitment to consistent improvement to try and stay ahead of the competition and meet the expectations of policyholders and other stakeholders will be given extra credit
  • Demonstrable creative thinking, strategic planning and an innovative approach to dealing with particular issues will be given extra credit

 

Commercial Lines Broker of the Year

• • • Open to all insurance brokers in all lines of claims
    • Credit will be given to brokers who have strived to simplify the claims process for clients
    • Credit will be given for demonstrable efforts to fight fraud
    • Entrants should be able to demonstrate widespread and effective use of technology and resources in an innovative way to improve the client experience
    • Entrants should be able to demonstrate that they have made efforts to improve the industry by raising their own standards and striving to achieve those expected by clients and regulatory bodies in areas such as late payment of claims
    • Demonstrating a consistent effort to improve claims settlement services will be given extra credit
    • Entrants who invest in their staff and can show good staff retention rates will be given extra credit

   

Personal Lines Broker of the Year

• • • Open to all insurance brokers in all lines of claims
    • Credit will be given to brokers who have strived to simplify the claims process for clients
    • Credit will be given for demonstrable efforts to fight fraud
    • Entrants should be able to demonstrate widespread and effective use of technology and resources in an innovative way to improve the client experience
    • Entrants should be able to demonstrate that they have made efforts to improve the industry by raising their own standards and striving to achieve those expected by clients and regulatory bodies in areas such as late payment of claims
    • Demonstrating a consistent effort to improve claims settlement services will be given extra credit
    • Entrants who invest in their staff and can show good staff retention rates will be given extra credit

   

Counter Fraud Award

• • The entrant will be able to demonstrate how they have prevented fraud through their work
  • This may be done by identifying new patterns of fraud or campaigning to deal with it or preventing its continuation
  • They will show how their work has improved and added value to all parties due to creativity and fresh thinking
  • The entry will be given extra marks if it can demonstrate how the entrant has changed counter fraud for the better

 

Loss Adjuster of the Year

• • This is open to all Loss Adjusters & Assessors, from commercial claims handlers to household claims specialists
  • The Loss Adjuster/ Assessor will show an innovative approach to their work, which has significantly improved the handling of (a) claim (or claims) in a demonstrable way
  • They will be able to show how they work with policyholders and insurers to come up with the best repair and replacement techniques for claims
  • They will show how their work has improved and added value to all parties due to creativity and fresh thinking
  • Teams that strive to improve staff through training and mentoring will be given extra credit
  • The entry will be given extra marks if it can demonstrate how the entrant has changed the wider loss adjustment sector for the better

 

Claims Director of the Year

• • • Open to all  claims directors/ Head of Claims based in the UK
    • Entrants should be able to demonstrate how they have contributed to improving claims handling within their businesses (this could be through costs savings, faster settlements, for example)
    • Entrants should be able to demonstrate strong leadership and staff care
    • Entrants will be given extra credit for showing innovative working practices and business strategies
    • Extra credit will be given for working with others within the sector to help improve best practice (this could be through collaboration, speaking at events, advising Government and industry bodies, etc)

   

 

Outstanding Achievement of the Year

• • Open to individuals, teams, and companies
  • The entrant must have made a major positive contribution to the Claims Management sector in the last 12 months (April 2017 – April 2018)
  • The contribution can be anything that impacts the Claims Management sector. From setting a precedent with a legal case, to establishing a new insurance product and handling of the claim
  • Entrants into other categories are encouraged to put themselves forward if they feel they have a strong case

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award will be presented at the judges’ discretion, however, if you would like to make a recommendation please email paul.bunce@barkerbrooks.co.uk. We will accept recommendations for individuals, teams and firms.