Graham Berville, Chief Executive, Police Mutual Assurance Society, has been appointed the new Chairman of the Industry Standards Group (ISG) – the body responsible for setting the standards that underpin the savings industry’s Raising Standards Quality Mark Scheme.

Graham has been Deputy Chairman of the ISG for the past two years and takes over from Phil Hodkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Insurance & Investment Division of HBOS plc, who stands down as Chairman after two-years.  Mike Fairbairn, Risk & Compliance Director, Co-operative Insurance Society, becomes Deputy Chairman.

Graham Berville, Chairman of the Industry Standards Group (ISG), said: ” I am delighted to be taking on the chairmanship of the ISG.  I am looking forward to building on the good work achieved under the chairmanship of Phil Hodkinson.  The scheme has made significant progress over the last two years with over 55% of the industry now accredited.  During 2005 our focus will be to widen further the appeal and reach of the scheme and to continue to work with the FSA to build the regulatory dividend for brands that are accredited.“

Phil Hodkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Insurance & Investment Division of HBOS plc said: "The relevance of the Raising Standards Scheme to the whole industry is as great today as it was when it was launched in October 2001.  Accredited companies are committed to meeting the needs of customers and I'm confident that the Scheme will continue to go from strength to strength under Graham's and Mike's leadership."

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Notes

Notes for Editors

1. Enquiries to: 
 Leonie Edwards 020 7216 7394 (Mobile: 07736 664 343)
 Malcolm Tarling  020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147667)

2. The Raising Standards Quality Mark Scheme was set up in 2001 to increase confidence in the long-term savings industry.  There are nine standards that companies must comply with in order to gain accreditation.  The Raising Standards-accredited brands are: Co-operative Insurance Society, Eagle Star Life, Friends Provident, Halifax, Norwich Union, Police Mutual, Prudential, Scottish Equitable, Scottish Widows, Unum Provident, Standard Life, Stirling and Zurich Life.

3. For more information on the Raising Standards Quality Mark Scheme, or to view the Quality Mark logo visit: www.raisingstandards.net

4. The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its nearly 400 member companies provide over 94% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold more than a fifth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.

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Copies of all ABI news releases, together with other information from the Association, can be seen on our website http://www.abi.org.uk