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 | Paul Washbourne – Chair I am a Senior Claims Consultant at Munich Re in London having spent my formative claims years (over 10 years) at Zurich Assurance (later Capita). I have had a varied and colourful employment history and fell into health claims by fortunate coincidence and haven’t looked back. Outside of work, my boys are growing up, quite literally, and are both bigger than me. I’ve hung up my playing boots and now coach rugby and am a Vice President at Royal Wootton Bassett RFC. |
 | Blair Dinwoodie– Vice Chair I’m a Technical Claims Manager Legal & General. My journey here started when I left school and took a phone job in Scottish Provident, where I quickly realised the value of protection insurance. To turn that from a job to a career I had a decision to make – underwriting or claims. I chose claims, and that’s what I’ve spent the majority of my working life doing since. As I was told by the Secretary to make this a ‘wee bio’ I can’t list all the insurers I’ve assessed for, but my wide industry experience set me up perfectly for my current role. When a customer has to make a claim, it’s our moment of truth – being in a role where I can develop our philosophy and influence how we do the best for customers when they need us most is hugely rewarding. Away from work I live with my wife Fiona and Lewis the Cat. I watch lots of football (Heart of Midlothian), some golf and a little ice hockey. I tried to learn to play golf, but it turns out I’m useless. I run to stay fit and participate in the occasional running event for diabetes and epilepsy charities. I also do some voluntary work for Diabetes UK. Fi and I enjoy trips away, going to the cinema and gigs. |
 | Tom Green – Treasurer I work as a development underwriter in the Claims and Underwriting Strategy team at Scottish Widows. I have worked in insurance for 23 years. I started out in New Business at Scottish Provident before quickly moving to Underwriting. I then spent two years at Standard Life before joining Legal & General in 2006. I thoroughly enjoyed my stint as FOCUS chairperson and my current role as Treasurer. I spend my free-time working on my tinnitus by going to loud and heavy concerts. |
| Fiona Greenwood A privilege to have worked in Protection Claims for twenty plenty years. Technical Claims Consultant at Aviva York.An honour to be a part of the FOCUS committee and invited north of the border. I have always felt FOCUS provides a warm welcoming environment for networking, sharing knowledge and industry topics, welcoming new underwriters and claims assessors and keeping in touch with friends and colleagues. |
 | Jane Lyle – Secretary I currently work as a Development Underwriter, within the Underwriting and Claims Strategy team of Royal London. Prior to this I have spent several years as a Development Underwriter with Scottish Widows and as a senior underwriter with Legal and General in Edinburgh. My past also includes time in Glasgow working for Abbey National and Scottish Provident within the new business area, as well as training to be an underwriter. Outside of work, I have a love for travel, food and drink so try to combine them all as often as possible! |
 | Paul Hunt I have past direct office experience but most of my time has been spent in Reinsurance. I work at SCOR Global Life, as a Senior Underwriter. Previously held FOCUS roles of Secretary and Chair, I also represent FOCUS on the LUCID committee and had the honour of Chairing LUCID in Glasgow 2019. I’m a qualified PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and have a love of sharks ! Football’s a big passion of mine and am a qualified FA Licensed coach. I’m also a committee member for our towns Youth Football Club and Manager and coach one of the youth teams. Always the optimist, I support West Ham United (since 1975) and still dream of Champions League football for the Hammers! |
 | Lynn Timmons I have worked in the Life and Health industry for almost 20 years starting at Scottish Widows in Edinburgh. I joined Gen Re in 2000 and am now the Underwriting Manager. My current role spans a wide range of responsibilities including product development, account management, training and auditing.Outside work I keep myself busy by teaching yoga and I have a keen interest in complimentary health and well being |
 | James Blaney I’m married to Karen and have 4 children Megan aged 26, Rhys aged 24, Matthew aged 16 and Jacob aged 13. I work for Royal London and have been there for almost 16 years. I started my career in Insurance 33 years ago with Abbey National Life as a new business administrator, then progressed into the underwriting world. Abbey National acquired Pegasus & Scottish Provident so I have experienced the Bancassurance & Intermediary Protection markets. My current role is Underwriting & Claims Quality Assurance Manager. Claim to fame is I played Dennis Taylor (Ex world snooker champion) at snooker, obviously I lost ! |
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Richard McKenna Outside of work I live with my wife Mel and three, almost grown up children – Ben 21, Ellie 18 and Kalli 14. |
 | Nicola Steele – Claims Education Officer In my free time, you’ll find me at the pub or up a wall bouldering. I can confirm that the two do not mix well together. |
 | Simone Millar When I am outside of work I wear many hats – wife, mum, below average golfer and lover of travel/ food and wine |
 | Hayley Bloomfield Outside of work I am a mum, partner and friend who enjoys golf when there is time and a nice meal out. |
| Elaine Blackwood After starting my career with Abbey National Life in the Direct Debits team, I began my underwriting journey for the Scottish Provident brand over 20 years ago, with occasional work for Abbey National Life, including underwriting and retro claims. Moving with the business through its transition to the Royal London brand, where I built broad experience within a large mutual insurer. After leaving Royal London, I worked for British Friendly Society before joining Vitality Life, where I am currently underwriting as part of the High Net Worth team. |
