The Underwriting Cycle
May 1, 2023
Member Matters Issue #2, May 2023
May 5, 2023
As a discretionary mutual providing protection to Members in the Australian higher education and research sector, we will continue to enhance our existing activities, practices and commitments from an ESG perspective, as well as monitor relevant global industry specific guidance for ESG.
OUR ESG FRAMEWORK
We have developed a five-pillar framework to embed ESG into our core business and activities.
Pillar 1
Equitable access and affordability
We provide our Members with relevant and cost-effective risk protection using Member data to catastrophe model and engage with reinsurers.
‘Fit for purpose’ product and sustainable pricing
With natural disasters increasing in severity and frequency, we provide cover that recognises better risk management by undertaking site visits and risk surveys, while offering a risk- based pricing model.
Flexibility to address protection for emerging risks
We assist Members with protection for managing risks associated with renewable energy technologies and research.
Pillar 2
Optimise outcomes
We seek to pay claims early to support Members’ continued operation and service to their customers and community, including through the engagement of loss adjustors and by providing advice for ‘build back’.
Mutual support
We aim to ensure our Members feel supported and respected in their time of need.
Pillar 3
Risk management advice and strategies
We provide risk prevention advice to Members to reduce the impact and likelihood of loss events through site visits, risk engineering surveys, webinars, and resilience resources.
Sustainable designs
We provide risk advice on new building constructions and major refurbishments, ensuring Members deliver assets of the highest possible risk quality.
Pillar 4
Members needs and outcomes
We use engagement platforms and forums to understand our Members’ needs and ESG ambitions to better serve them and the broader communities they support.
Broader stakeholder collaboration and impact
We offer opportunities for our Members and broader stakeholder groups to learn and share information on ESG strategies, including through our Annual Conference and Technical Committees.
Pillar 5
People effectiveness
We support work-life balance to ensure employees can bring their best selves to work each day and provide quality service to Members.
Operational excellence
We operate from a small team with a small carbon footprint, and workflows are largely digitised.
Governance
We are governed by a Board of Directors and other formal committees covering audit, risk, claims and technical.
Responsible investment
Our investments are externally managed and monitored, with an investment policy in place.
Unimutual is here to help
We welcome your feedback. For any comments or questions please contact the team at: Service@unimutual.com.au
As we approach everything at Unimutual, we want our ESG framework to be a consultative process with our Members, and encourage you to review the draft plan and provide feedback by the end of May. All feedback will be considered prior to the plan being finalised.
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