Year: 2019

Categories
Community Education Program

Grant applications deadline fast approaching

Hero Community Education Program image to represent the Australian youth participating in the grants program

Every year Ansvar grants up to $250,000 to worthy not-for-profit organisations and the application deadline for our new round is fast approaching on Monday 14th October.

Many Australian not-for-profit organisations, big and small, have received grants over the years to help fund or fully fund their projects.

Sammy D General Manager Brigid Koenig, one of our recent Community Education Program grant recipients, said the primary target of the “Don’t Let It Be Game Over” project is young people, male and female, between 10 and 16 who are engaged in sport, and their parents.

“It is every child’s right to play safely, but unfortunately unrealistic expectations of players, coaches and parents can lead to violent outburst both on and off the field.”

“The Ansvar grant this year will help us reach an estimated 1,500 young people, club officials and parents.”

Applications can be made by going to https://ansvar565.e.wpstage.net/community-education-program/

Our 2018/ 2019 grant recipients are nationwide and focus on education, empowerment and outreach support for Australian youth:

– Cerebral Palsy Alliance:Building Futures for Young People with a Disability
– Earbus Foundation of Western Australia:Healthy Ears for Life (HELP)
– Sammy D Foundation:Don’t Let It Be Game Over – Junior Sports Violence Prevention
– The Pyjama Foundation:The Love of Learning
– Doncare:iMatter
– Enough is Enough Anti Violence Movement Inc.:LOL Therapy
– Nulsen Disability Services:Nulsen Youth Patron
– Red Frogs Australia: High Schools “Party Safe” Education
– Melbourne Anglican Benevolent Society Inc.: Brimbank Anglican Church New Migrant and Refugee Outreach
– Sunshine Butterflies:Our Backyard Jam Social Enterprise

Pictured are participants in the Anglicare Waves of Wellness program that was based in NSW.

Categories
Risk Solutions

Perth, Hobart and Adelaide Building Resilience Forums

Close-up Of Wooden Blocks With Risk Word In Front Of Businessperson's Hand Holding Magnifying Glass
Close-up Of Wooden Blocks With Risk Word In Front Of Businessperson's Hand Holding Magnifying Glass

We live in a complex world with: weather events resulting in abnormal rainfall, flooding, temperature fluctuations, bush fires and melting of polar ice-caps; a rise in the extreme expressions of political will and civil disobedience (whether through acts of terrorism, the Gilets Jaunes demonstrations in Paris, militant Vegans disrupting traffic in Melbourne, or increased religious intolerance); and ongoing financial pressure on organisations and individuals since the GFC.

Resilience, which is generally described as the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change, and keep going in the face of adversity is the surest way by which communities, organisations and people can cope with such complexity and uncertainty.

This year, Ansvar’s educational forum will focus on Building Resilience in Times of Change and Governing for Vulnerable People and we encourage brokers to attend with their clients to listen to Ansvar’s risk experts Diana Borgmeyer and Adriaan den Dulk discuss the challenges we face and identify what communities, organisations and individuals can do to be resilient.

Diana Borgmeyer, Ansvar Risk’s CEO, will discuss Governing for Vulnerable People, preparing for the Royal Commission and learnings from the Royal Commission Aged Care and the importance of improving our approach to governance. When we talk about governance in the care sectors, the first issue that we need to address is governance is very challenging – managing complexity and ambiguity and the effectiveness of risk frameworks.

Diana will also delve into Royal Commission considerations for organisations;
– Process: ‘Understand the purpose, work and terms of reference – Governing Body Plan’, ‘Communication to staff & clients’ and ‘Organisation/ sector implications’
– Preparation: ‘Legal & insurance preparedness’ and ‘Risk management framework’
– Participation: ‘Participation must be enabled’ and ‘Receiving a summons’

This forum will equip attendees with:

– Updated knowledge of risks and disrupters confronting our specialist sectors
– Key considerations regarding governance in our specialist sectors
– Royal Commission considerations for your organisation
– An insight into Ansvar’s risk management and insurance solutions and how we can provide you with ongoing support and solutions to meet your needs.

The launch of our Building Resilience Forum took place in regional Victoria, Ballarat in August and our next locations are Perth, Hobart and Adelaide. Feedback was very positive on our Ballarat forum:
– It was relevant to me having a number of clients in Aged Care to get info on the changes the industry will face due to the royal commission.
– I really enjoyed the global overview and the takeaways for risk management.

Overview

– Topic: Building Resilience in Times of Change and Governing for Vulnerable People
– Speakers: Diana Borgmeyer, Ansvar Risk’s CEO and Adriaan den Dulk, Ansvar’s Senior Risk Consultant
– Food: Light food, morning tea and lunch will be provided
– CIP Points: Attendees will earn 4 CIP points

A Q&A session will be conducted at the end which always creates an energetic spark amongst the audience, followed by a networking lunch. For brokers, as part of your professional development, each attendee will earn 4 CIP points. Details on the roll-out of this forum across Australia in other locations will soon follow.

Location Date Time Venue Register
Perth Tuesday 10 September 8:30am-12:30pm Four Points by Sheraton Perth Registrations closed – event has taken place
Hobart Tuesday 24 September 1:30pm-5:30pm Salamanca Inn, Hobart Registrations closed – event has taken place
Adelaide Wednesday 2 October 8:30am-12:30pm Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide Registrations closed – event has taken place
Categories
Education

Building Resilience in Times of Change: Ansvar’s Educational Forums announced

Happy businessman writing a business plan on whiteboard to his team on a meeting in board room.

The FREE half-day educational forum is designed to help organisations identify today’s set of risks and how to deal with them to strengthen governance. Ansvar will launch the roll-out of their thought-provoking educational forums, Building Resilience in Times of Change, in regional Victoria, Ballarat on Friday 2nd August. We encourage organisations and brokers to attend and hear from Ansvar’s risk solutions experts on the challenges we face and identify what communities, organisations and individuals can do to be resilient.

We live in a complex world with: weather events resulting in abnormal rainfall, flooding, temperature fluctuations, bush fires and melting of polar ice-caps; a rise in the extreme expressions of political will and civil disobedience (whether through acts of terrorism, the Gilets Jaunes demonstrations in Paris, militant Vegans disrupting traffic in Melbourne, or increased religious intolerance); and ongoing financial pressure on organisations and individuals since the GFC.

Resilience, which is generally described as the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change, and keep going in the face of adversity is the surest way by which communities, organisations and people can cope with such complexity and uncertainty.

Ansvar has developed and arranged for a range of support services to assist and support our client organisations, and it is the aim of the Education Forum to discuss and encourage awareness of these services.

Diana Borgmeyer, Ansvar’s Risk Solutions General Manager will discuss Governing for Vulnerable People, which will be of particular interest to board members and executives. When we talk about governance in the care sectors, the first issue that we need to address is a good governance is very challenging – there’s complexity and ambiguity around the types of risks.

Diana will also delve into Royal Commission considerations for organisations;
– Process: ‘Understand the purpose, work and terms of reference – Governing Body Plan’, ‘Communication to staff & clients’ and ‘Organisation/ sector implications’
– Preparation: ‘Legal & insurance preparedness’ and ‘Risk management framework’
– Participation: ‘Participation must be enabled’ and ‘Receiving a summons’

This forum will equip attendees with:

– Updated knowledge of risks and disrupters confronting our specialist sectors
– Key considerations regarding governance in our specialist sectors
– Royal Commission considerations for your organisation
– An insight into Ansvar’s risk management and insurance solutions and how we can provide you with ongoing support and solutions to meet your needs.

Forum Overview

– Topic: Building Resilience in Times of Change
– Date: Friday 2nd August
– Venue: Ballarat Yacht Club, Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree
– Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm (Includes light breakfast and lunch)
– Food: Light breakfast, morning tea and lunch will be provided
– CIP Points: Attendees will earn 4 CIP points

A light breakfast will be available from 8:30am – 9am, with the forum starting promptly at 9am. A Q&A session will be conducted at the end which always creates an energetic spark amongst the audience, followed by a networking lunch. For brokers, as part of your professional development, each attendee will earn 4 CIP points. Details on the roll-out of this forum across Australia will soon follow.

If you wish to attend, please register for the thought-provoking forum using the link below.

Registrations are closed as the forum has since taken place.

Categories
Community Education Program

Ansvar grant to help put Sunshine Butterflies into jam!

sunshine butterflies logo

Specialist Insurer Ansvar has given $10,000 to help QLD’s Sunshine Butterflies Disability Support Service kick off a jam-making business involving people living with a mental and/or physical disability.

The donation is part of Ansvar’s $250,000 National Community Education Program (CEP) grants to 10 not-for-profit organisations across Australia in 2018/19.

Sunshine Butterflies Founder and CEO Leanne Walsh said the Ansvar funding “would help the three stages of production from growing the herbs and fruit, to covering the design and marketing costs, and finally the packaging and labelling costs”.

“About half of all working-age people with a disability are not in the labour force. This program will change that for our members, giving them a real sense of community involvement,” Mrs Walsh said.

A registered NDIS provider, Sunshine Butterflies provide a range of educational and recreational services including: early intervention programs, sport and recreation programs, educational and life skills programs.

Sunshine Butterflies offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ for disability support services, at their hub ‘Our Backyard’, a purpose-built, highly unique, and tranquil 5 acre oasis in the Noosa hinterland.

Ansvar CEO Warren Hutcheon said: “We are very proud of our CEP Grant Program and inspired by the phenomenal work that this year’s ten recipients do to better the lives of Australia’s young people. Funding for non-profit organisations is more of a challenge every year, and Ansvar looks forward to watching these amazing organisations make a positive impact in so many people’s lives.”

Every year Ansvar receives more than 250 applications for grants of up to $50,000. The money goes to organisations that provide education, skills training and other programs helping vulnerable youth.

A review panel assess applications in October each year.
Go to www.ansvar.com.au/community-education-program for information about CEP.

Below is a Thank You video from the team at Sunshine Butterflies.

Categories
Insurance Platform

Ansvar contracts for new Digital Core Insurance Platform

Quality Assurance and Quality Control Concept - Modern graphic interface showing certified standard process, product warranty and quality improvement technology for satisfaction of customer.

Leading specialists in risk management and insurance solutions in the Care, Community, Faith, Education and Heritage sectors, Ansvar Insurance, has contracted with SSP for an “as a service” platform to run its core business.

Ansvar is upgrading from SSP’s Insure/ 90 platform to SSP’s new cloud-based insurance platform, SSP Digital Insurance.

SSP Digital Insurance is a browser-based platform, incorporating a suite of market-leading products, for insurers to manage their clients, policies, billing and claims.

The different components within the SSP platform include product development, pricing, policy administration, claims and advanced multi-channel user experience capabilities.

With pre-integrated components, the implementation time of the digital insurance platform is significantly reduced compared with more traditional solutions. Ansvar is aiming for their initial implementation to be complete by the end of 2019.

Building on the flexibility of the platform, the ANSVAR implementation will also include integration with the popular Sunrise broker exchange.

Paul Miller, General Manager APAC at SSP said: “We are pleased Ansvar has selected SSP as its partner to modernise its insurance offerings, upgrading from SSP’s i90 platform. Ansvar is SSP’s third Australian customer to select our digital insurance platform in the past 12 months. Insurers are increasingly looking for more agility and digital capabilities in their products, so they can respond rapidly to changing market conditions. SSP’s digital platform can be easily configured, which reduces the time and effort required to release new products and pricing changes.”

Warren Hutcheon, CEO of Ansvar said: “SSP Digital Insurance is a world class offering and fits well with our business. The digital capabilities of the platform will make it easier to do business with Ansvar, especially for Brokers. Key to our selection of SSP, was the strength of their local team and the alignment and understanding of our business.”

The SSP Digital Insurance platform is implemented, hosted and managed by SSP, a model that drives a low upfront investment, along with flexible and low cost of ownership.

Categories
Community Education Program

Ansvar Grant For Sammy D Foundation Violence Prevention Program

sammy d foundation logo

Specialist Insurer Ansvar has given $30,000 to the Sammy D Foundation to help it deliver 30 Violence Prevention Programs to a range of junior sporting clubs.

The donation is part of Ansvar’s $250,000 national Community Education Program (CEP) grants to 10 not-for-profit organisations across Australia in 2018/19.

The Sammy D Foundation was established in 2008 in response to the tragic death of 17 year old Sam Davis from an unprovoked one punch assault.

Sammy D General Manager Brigid Koenig said the primary target of the “Don’t Let It Be Game Over” project is young people, male and female, between 10 and 16 who are engaged in sport, and their parents.

“It is every child’s right to play safely, but unfortunately unrealistic expectations of players, coaches and parents can lead to violent outburst both on and off the field.”

“The key objectives of the program are to educate people about the impact of violence, especially the potential deadly impact of one punch, and to support parents and playing officials to be positive role models,” Ms Koenig said.

“The Ansvar grant this year will help us reach an estimated 1,500 young people, club officials and parents.”

Ansvar CEO Warren Hutcheon said: “We are very proud of our CEP Grant Program and inspired by the phenomenal work that this year’s ten recipients do to better the lives of Australia’s young people. Funding for non-profit organisations is more of a challenge every year, and Ansvar looks forward to watching these amazing organisations make a positive impact in so many people’s lives.”

Every year Ansvar receives more than 250 applications for grants of up to $50,000. The money goes to organisations that provide education, skills training and other programs helping vulnerable youth.

A review panel assess applications in October each year.
Go to www.ansvar.com.au/community-education-program for information about CEP.

Below is a Thank You video from the team at Sammy D Foundation.

Categories
Aged Care

Aged Care Providers fronting Royal Commission – See Ansvar first!

Ansvar National Technical Claims Manager, Christian Muddle, has a simple message for Aged Care providers that are due to give evidence at the Aged Care Royal Commission:

“Clients who receive notices requiring attendance, statements or production of documents should get in touch with their broker or Ansvar straight away.”

Christian also has three easy steps for clients:

1) Check with Ansvar to see exactly what cover your policy provides;
2) Take advantage of the skills that Ansvar’s expert legal panel can provide; and
3) Allow Ansvar to assist in a debriefing of the hearing, to feed back into your enterprise risk management processes.

Christian says it is vital that clients act now to prepare properly for the Royal Commission hearings.

“We are happy to talk about what has been requested and is required in a response, and how your policy may respond, so you know exactly how you are covered.

“Our legal panel is put together from the best full-service and insurance specialist firms. These firms all have Royal Commission experience – both in advising on responding to and attending, and dealing with claims for compensation arising from matters raised during, Royal Commissions.

“Many of these firms have particular expertise in dealing with aged care from the point of view of claims, complaints to regulators, and coronial inquiries balancing both client and insurer expectations.”

Christian says now that the general responses are in, the focus of the Commission is now on providers who are being asked to produce documents related to specific complaints or individuals.

“This is more likely to trigger cover under Ansvar’s policies than the more general request for information.”

“There’s a need to be really prepared with records on individuals and the issues around them.

Christian notes that the Commission’s initial Request for Information issued to all providers was general in nature and in most cases coverage for legal costs was not available as a result. Now things, in some cases, are changing.

With that is a reminder to clients and brokers of disclosure obligations and agreements on costs.

“Clients must seek our agreement to use outside experts. That’s another reason they should come to us first.

“One thing we’ve learned from previous Royal Commissions is that preparation is paramount. And that means having a plan for the future as well. Whether in a written statement or testimony, you need to declare what you are doing going forward – not simply ask for guidance from the Commission.”

Christian says being able to demonstrate lessons learned, how the business has improved standards, particularly with the new National Quality Standards – which organisations need to comply with – will all need to be done to prevent criticism from the Commission.

 

Ansvar’s Claims Department Contact Details
1300 650 540
liabilityclaims@ansvar.com.au

Categories
Community Education Program

Ansvar Helps Red Frogs expand “Party Safe” Education Program

celebrating red frogs Australia website banner

Specialist Insurer Ansvar has given $20,000 to Red Frogs Australia so it can rapidly expand its High Schools “Party Safe” Education Program in Queensland.

The donation is part of Ansvar’s $250,000 national Community Education Program (CEP) grants to 10 not-for-profit organisations across Australia in 2018/19.

Red Frogs is a highly-respected support program for young people from the ages of 13 – 30 in universities, high schools, festivals, sports events, skate parks and during Schoolies week.”

“One key objective is to mitigate the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs at a time when students are most impressionable and vulnerable,” said Red Frogs Founder and CEO Andy Gourley.

“Currently Red Frogs Australia provides educational programs to almost 70,000 students nationally. With help from friends like Ansvar, we hope to double the coverage of the program over the next 10 years,” Mr Gourley said.

Ansvar CEO Warren Hutcheon said: “We are very proud of our CEP Grant Program and inspired by the phenomenal work that this year’s ten recipients do to better the lives of Australia’s young people. Funding for non-profit organisations is more of a challenge every year, and Ansvar looks forward to watching these amazing organisations make a positive impact in so many people’s lives.”

Every year Ansvar receives more than 250 applications for grants of up to $50,000. The money goes to organisations that provide education, skills training and other programs helping vulnerable youth.

A review panel assess applications in October each year.
Go to www.ansvar.com.au/community-education-program/2018-2019-cep-grant-recipients for information about CEP.

Below is a Thank You video from Red Frog’s Founder and CEO, Andy Gourley.

Categories
Financial Strength

AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Ansvar Insurance Limited

AM Best Credit Rating Agency logo with A- Excellent score

PRESS RELEASE FROM A.M. BEST

SINGAPORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Ansvar Insurance Limited (Ansvar) (Australia). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Ansvar’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Ansvar’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by the strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), reflecting a low level of retained underwriting risk. In addition, the company’s investment portfolio is conservative, being invested in cash and high-grade, fixed-interest securities. Offsetting factors in the balance sheet strength assessment include Ansvar’s modest capital base relative to the high gross policy limits on its property risks, as well as its high reinsurance dependence.

The company’s operating performance is adequate, demonstrated by a five-year average (2014-2018) return on equity of 5.1%. The combined ratio over the same period was 105.2%, due in part to the impact of natural catastrophes. However, results have improved following active restructuring of the underwriting portfolio, and technical profits have been reported in each of the past two years. Over the medium term, AM Best expects the combined ratio to remain below 100%, in line with 2017 and 2018, and exhibit a lower level of volatility.

Ansvar is a small niche insurer that underwrites general insurance products for its target customer groups in Australia (including faith-based, community service organizations, care, education, and property owners including heritage properties). Its core product offerings are property insurance, which is heavily reinsured, liability insurance (including financial lines insurance), and accident cover. Ansvar has a long-established presence in some niche segments. However, AM Best believes this advantage is offset somewhat by the company’s limited control over distribution, due to its reliance on the non-affiliated broker channel, as well as the strong competition for targeted business. AM Best is closely monitoring the company’s ability to translate its position in its niche markets into profitable underwriting results, and deterioration in performance could lead to negative rating actions.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media – Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com for more information.

Copyright © 2019 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Categories
Community Education Program

$20,000 Ansvar Grant for Leadership Inclusiveness Program

nulsen group logo

Specialist Insurer Ansvar has given $20,000 to Nulsen Disability Services for a unique program which encourages Year 10 and 11 students to actively improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The donation is part of Ansvar’s $250,000 national Community Education Program (CEP) grants to 10 not-for-profit organisations across Australia in 2018/19.

Nulsen Community Engagement Coordinator Emma Gardiner said the Nulsen Youth Patron Program, available in three Perth schools, aims to foster youth leadership, self-development, and service to the community.

“People with disabilities, students, and their communities all benefit from the program. It increases disability awareness, helps create a socially-accepting community, and fosters empathetic, emotionally intelligent leaders.

“Students participating in this year-long program are taught enhanced public speaking and leadership skills, which empowers them to be more effective community leaders and advocates for people with disabilities,” Ms Gardiner said.

Ansvar CEO Warren Hutcheon said: “We are very proud of our CEP Grant Program and inspired by the phenomenal work that this year’s ten recipients do to better the lives of Australia’s young people. Funding for non-profit organisations is more of a challenge every year, and Ansvar looks forward to watching these amazing organisations make a positive impact in so many people’s lives.”

Every year Ansvar receives more than 250 applications for grants of up to $50,000. The money goes to organisations that provide education, skills training and other programs helping vulnerable youth.

A review panel assess applications in October each year.
Go to www.ansvar.com.au/community-education-program/2018-2019-cep-grant-recipients for information about CEP.

Below is a Thank You video from Nulsen Disability’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Emma Gardiner