Join us for our first event of 2027 where we will be joined by Mike Wilson, and Ian Rowe, from Pacific Life Re.    Thursday 28 January 2027 The Heights, Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS   Presentations Mental Health Claims: What Can Australia’s Experience Tell Us About the Future of UK Protection?   This session will look beyond the headline figures to explore population trends, evolving diagnostic practices and wider societal factors influencing both the incidence and duration of IP and TPD claims. We will consider the lessons the UK market can learn from Australia’s experience and what these developments could mean for the future of protection underwriting and claims management.  When It Matters Most: Consumer Perceptions, Expectations and the Claims Experience   The claims process is the moment when the promise of insurance becomes reality. But how do consumers experience this journey, what do they expect from insurers, and how does the experience influence their trust in protection insurance? Drawing on new consumer research, this session will explore perceptions of the claims process, including insights from individuals who have personally experienced making a claim. We will also examine the current and emerging challenges facing the protection claims environment and consider what these mean for insurers, underwriters and claims assessors.    Two important discussions exploring the future of protection, the changing claims landscape and the importance of delivering the right outcomes for customers when it matters most.   A full invitation with further details will follow. However, if you want to book your hotel now, APEX are giving a discount using code FOCUS10.   We hope to see as many of you as possible.   FOCUS Committee   LUCID Sponsorship FOCUS supporters are aware of our commitment to support opportunities to underwriters and claims assessors, from sponsoring CII exam fees to educational event tickets. The Committee would like to offer a place for the 2027 LUCID conference in Liverpool https://lucidconference.org/ LUCID will take place at the Rum Warehouse at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool, on Monday 17 – Tuesday 18 May 2027. FOCUS will fund the cost of the 2 day conference registration. Transport and accommodation costs are not included and are the responsibility of the individual to manage (perhaps in conjunction with their employer). Requirements to apply for Sponsorship: This opportunity is aimed at claims assessors and underwriters who would not usually get the chance to attend the conference. The individual seeking sponsorship will be committed to attending both days of the conference. In the event the individual does not attend or fails to attend for both days, the FOCUS Committee reserves the right to request repayment of the sponsorship outlays from the individual. The individual agrees to allow the FOCUS Committee to share their name as the sponsored individual online. The FOCUS Committee members and previous sponsorship winners will not apply for sponsorship. The decision of the FOCUS Committee is final regarding sponsorship allocation. To be considered for sponsorship please email the Education Officer below to register your interest. The closing date for applications is Friday 12th February 2027. Good luck!   Nicola.Steele@rgare.com FOCUS Educations Officer