The Women in Insurance Awards is the premier awards for showcasing the achievements of women in the general insurance market.

They honour the inspiring achievements of women across all sectors of the market, all levels and all disciplines. They also offer a platform for companies shaping the discussion around how we can improve diversity within the sector as they offer a platform for applauding the most forward-thinking initiatives and businesses.

Showcasing excellence and achievement is a vital tool in the continuing battle to establish equality across all parts of the industry and in all roles. The insurance industry has made significant strides down the road toward re-focusing itself as a genuinely inclusive, equal opportunities sector but the consensus is there is still a long way to go, especially when it comes to narrowing the gender pay gap, meeting the many and varied challenges women face in the workplace, and increasing the number of women in senior and board positions. Those who make it to the top are outstanding role models but we all know there are still far too few women at the top.

We hope the Women in Insurance Awards will also help move the wider diversity agenda forward, as everyone knows there are still many issues to be addressed and challenges overcome. With Diversity, Equality and Inclusion under attack and some businesses shrinking away from their previous commitments, it is more important than ever that demonstrate the real value of genuine diversity and inclusion. These awards are an ideal platform for doing that.

We hope you will take this opportunity to either nominate yourself or a valued colleague for these awards and we look forward to revealing our finalists and winners later in the year.

The awards are open to those working for firms operating in the UK's general industry, those who derive a significant proportion of their income as suppliers to the sector or women who work in an insurance capacity outside the industry, for instance in a risk management team.

Nominees can be involved in roles including but not limited to broking, risk management, underwriting, claims, customer service, marketing, investment, technology, sales, human resources, compliance, middle, front or back office. The nominees must work in the UK, although they can service international clients or work with multi-national insurers or brokers.

There are three corporate categories – Contribution to Gender Inclusion, Contribution to Inclusion and Gender Inclusion Network. If you think your firm, another firm or network in the general insurance space has stand-out achievements, make sure you nominate them.