Amy Fallows, claims team leader at Gallagher Bassett, details her career journey to date in the insurance sector and what tools have supported her to flourish
The insurance industry has a pathway for everyone, no matter what you find interesting or would like to specialise in. Since I first joined Gallagher Bassett (GB) 15 years ago, I’ve been able to build a fulfilling career in an industry that most graduates would not consider.
While a career in insurance may not be at the top of the job list for many graduates, I am so glad I took the opportunity to join GB because I quickly realised what an exciting and diverse industry claims can be.
After joining GB in 2009, I quickly progressed from an administration role into claims, where I developed my skills and expertise as a claims assistant, claims handler, senior claims handler and – most recently – claims team leader, a position I assumed from December 2023.
During my 15 years with GB, the company has supported me to obtain several qualifications, including a diploma and advanced diploma with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
Every exam has been funded by GB. The company also provided me with dedicated study time to make sure I could balance both my work and career development. GB acknowledges the hard work it takes to balance these priorities and rewards key achievements throughout the journey.
Following the completion of my studies, I will be commencing my new role as a client consultant specialising in the public sector and higher education on 1 March 2025. In this position, I will be offering advice to teams that look after unique claims not often seen elsewhere in the industry.
Supporting development
When considering how we can encourage the next generation into the insurance industry, two key tools came to my mind – mentorship and a flexible working environment.
I’ve had over 15 years of study and experience to get to where I am and this has been possible because of the mentors and flexibility GB has provided me with.
I’ve been fortunate to work for a company that invests in its people through study support, mentorship, flexibility and being open to new ways of working.
This sense of duty to invest in employees’ development is core to GB’s talent development process.
My colleague, Ian Ross-Bain, client services director of public sector and higher education at GB, reinforced the importance of offering these kinds of opportunities in attracting the next generation of insurance professionals.
He said: “Young professionals might not necessarily consider a career in insurance. We want them to know that there’s opportunity to grow within this industry – nowhere more so than in a global business like GB.
“If you want to join an organisation that supports your development, GB is the place to be.”
