Our Directorate Support team work across the whole of the ABI providing business administration support. The team is absolutely integral to the smooth running of ABI operations. You could say, we couldn’t do our jobs without them! We caught up with Nicola, our Directorate Support Adviser to get her thoughts on working here.
Tell us about your role at the ABI – what do you do and why?
I’m a Directorate Support Adviser - my role is to monitor and advise the Directorate Support (DS) team in their roles and responsibilities.
My role means that I help to oversee the rest of the DS team and support them with training, offer guidance and supervise their workload. Alongside this, I support the long-term savings team with the logistics of their events and committees, as well as carrying out administration support.
The other part of my job is to liaise with the Head of Business & IT Services on the team’s progress and how they can develop and continue to add value to the ABI.
What’s been your highlight and what’s been your most challenging moment?
My highlight was being promoted to an Adviser, achieved by working hard to ensure the team are supported and delivering to the high expectations from the ABI.
The main challenge is making sure the team are able to provide a high standard of service to the ABI – we are a small team and incredibly busy! We all pull together and support one another during the busiest periods.
Where did you work before, how and why did you come to join the ABI?
I previously worked in publishing, as I’d always had an interest in media, design and print. My role was to put together artwork for adverts published in the local newspaper and source new leads for the sales team. My role had tight turnarounds, was fast-paced and had high expectations, and this experience has helped me manage the pace of my role at the ABI. The reason for the change in industry is that I wanted to experience something different. I was working locally at the time and I wanted to go back to the City.
What’s the best thing about working here?
Without sounding too cliché, the best thing about the ABI is the people I work with. It’s very important, no matter what industry you work in, to surround yourself with positive, humble and friendly people. At the end of the day, these are the people you spend most of your time with!
What surprised you most about working here?
When I started at the ABI, I found that a lot of people have a true passion for insurance and work extremely hard to influence and guide the industry. Insurance wasn’t something I thought I was interested in, but working here has shown me how important it is in our daily lives and how the ABI has a huge impact on the industry as a whole.
Describe your team in three words.
Approachable, dedicated, proactive.
What does #OneABI mean to you?
Using all our talents to get a great result for our members. We work hard, but balance this with having fun together.
If you weren’t working at the ABI, what would be your second career?
As I mentioned, I do have an interest in media so I might have pursued a career in that. My dream is to run my own business in hospitality!
If you’re interested in joining the ABI, take a look at our jobs page to apply or contact [email protected].